2012 Rick Turner Compass Rose Tenor Ukulele #297 – Cedar / Figured Sycamore – Gig Bag

2012 RICK TURNER COMPASS ROSE TENOR UKULELE #297 – CEDAR / FIGURED SYCAMORE – GIG BAG

Beautiful handcrafted Compass Rose tenor ukulele by Rick Turner / Renaissance Guitars of Santa Cruz, California.

This instrument is stamped “12” and “297” on the top edge of the headstock, identifying it as a 2012 Compass Rose, serial / build #297.

Compass Rose ukuleles are one of Rick Turner’s distinctive acoustic designs, incorporating a Howe-Orme-inspired body shape, cantilevered fingerboard, and player-facing side soundport. The cantilevered fingerboard extends over the body without resting directly on the soundboard, allowing the top greater freedom to vibrate.

Based on the appearance of the woods and comparison with documented period Compass Rose builds, we believe this example features a Western red cedar top paired with highly figured sycamore back and sides. The sycamore displays exceptionally dramatic ray figuring throughout the back, sides, and headstock face, giving it an almost lacewood-like appearance.

FEATURES:

• Rick Turner / Renaissance Guitars Compass Rose

• Tenor ukulele

• Built in Santa Cruz, California, USA

• 2012

• Serial / build #297

• Western red cedar top

• Highly figured sycamore back and sides

• Mahogany neck

• Dark rosewood fingerboard

• Rosewood bridge

• Highly figured matching headstock face

• Howe-Orme-inspired body design

• Cantilevered fingerboard

• Player-facing side soundport

• Custom Compass Rose soundhole rosette

• Compass direction markings surrounding the soundhole

• Rick Turner / Compass Rose fleur-de-lis headstock inlay

• Dark body binding

• Open-gear tuning machines

• Includes soft padded gig bag

CONDITION:

Overall in good, clean condition with normal light signs of previous use and handling.

The instrument presents beautifully, with the dramatic figuring of the back and sides being a particularly striking feature. The warm cedar-colored top, custom Compass Rose rosette, unusual Howe-Orme body shape, side soundport, and cantilevered fingerboard give this instrument a look all its own.

This ukulele came from the collection of a serious longtime adult ukulele player and appears to have been regularly played, enjoyed, and thoughtfully cared for.

Includes the pictured soft padded gig bag.

A beautiful and uncommon American made Compass Rose tenor from Rick Turner’s Santa Cruz workshop, combining one of Turner’s most innovative acoustic designs with exceptionally attractive tonewoods and distinctive custom appointments.

Please review all photos carefully for the best representation of condition and cosmetic details.