Shocking news that Rick Turner passed away yesterday. We invited Rick to join our team in 1970 after Bear introduced us. He worked here at Alembic until 1978. Rick was an important figure at the early Alembic, establishing many of the iconic features of the hippie sandwiches we all love so much, blending his luthier skills with Ron’s active electronics and pickups systems. He also was the spokesperson for Alembic, handling press and interviews. Additionally he acted as the liaison between Alembic and the Grateful Dead on the Wall of Sound project.
Rick was excellent at promoting Alembic and took every opportunity to bring instruments to touring musicians while they were playing in San Francisco, including a young Stanley Clarke in 1973.
Our hearts go out to his family, and he will be missed by many.
Photo of Rick Turner, Sam Field, and Ron Wickersham in 1978 by Dave Gans.
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