Rick Turner Custom 12-Fret Acoustic (2001) – Hand-Signed by Rick Turner – Walnut & Spruce – 18V Turner Electronics – 1 of 2 Built

Hand-built and signed by legendary luthier Rick Turner in 2001, this exquisite 12-fret steel-string acoustic is a rare example of Turner’s boutique acoustic craftsmanship—one of only two ever made in this body style. Signed inside the body “Built by Rick Turner 2001”, it features master-grade tonewoods, custom electronics, and the unmistakable build precision that made Turner a legend among modern luthiers. The top is Sitka spruce finished in a warm vintage sunburst, paired with highly figured Claro walnut back and sides—a hallmark of Turner’s aesthetic and tonal signature. The neck is a multi-laminate mahogany with contrasting center stripes, topped with an ebony fingerboard and slotted headstock, fitted with premium open-gear tuners. Inside, Turner’s craftsmanship shines: clean bracing, elegant binding, and his 18-volt active preamp system powered by dual 9V batteries, delivering pristine amplified tone and wide dynamic range. This guitar was hand-voiced and tuned by Rick himself during his Santa Cruz workshop period. A true collector’s instrument, perfectly preserved and ready to perform or display. There is only one mark that I've found on the top, side of the body. Not easy to see but it is photographed.

The guitar just came back from my guitar tech with servicing, setup and new strings.

Builder: Rick Turner (Santa Cruz, CA) Model Year: 2001 (hand-signed inside “Built by Rick Turner 2001”)

Body Style: Custom 12-fret acoustic (Turner prototype / one-off)

Top Wood: Sitka spruce, sunburst finish Back & Sides: Master-grade Claro walnut (deep figure and ribbon grain)

Neck: Multi-laminate mahogany with decorative center strip

Fingerboard: Ebony Bridge: Turner “moustache” style ebony bridge with compensated saddle Headstock: Slotted classical-style with ebony overlay and gold open-gear tuners

Electronics: Turner custom 18V active pickup system (dual 9V batteries mounted internally)

Neck Joint: 12th fret Rosette: Rope-style inlay

Binding: Tortoise/ivoroid style with black accent lines

Finish: High-gloss lacquer Case: Deluxe softshell case included

This was a custom commission built by Turner for a private client and believed to be one of only two made in this design configuration. Comes with high-resolution photos of the interior signature and electronics as proof of authenticity.

Rick Turner’s acoustic instruments are far rarer than his famed Model 1 electrics. Each was hand-voiced, and very few were built per year. With his passing in 2022, signed customs like this represent an irreplaceable piece of his legacy.

For collectors, this is a museum-worthy Turner original; for musicians, it’s a stage-ready acoustic masterpiece with modern power and vintage warmth.