FlyGuitars Interview: Martin Turner

By Graham Fieldhouse Bassist Martin Turner formed Wishbone Ash in 1969 with drummer Steve Upton after playing together in various bands in the 1960s. Along with twin lead guitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner, they went on to become one of the most respected acts of the 1970s, playing blues-based rock, with folk and classical influences. Martin Turner is famous for his melodic bass playing, songwriting, regular lead vocals and of course his Gibson Thunderbird bass.
He split with Wishbone Ash in 1980, and after renunion tours in the late 1980s, he now performs with a new line-up known as Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. Martin talks to FlyGuitars.com

FlyGuitars From what I've seen you started out playing guitar before taking up the bass?

Martin Turner I've always been a guitar player. I'm not a musician guitar player you know playing fancy lead and all that stuff. I play rhythm purely for writing songs really and a sing, song. When I work with lead guitarists, like Wishbone through the 70s I would sing them the melody and they would translate it on to guitar. They were really good at guitarising the melodies that I would come up with. I have written lead lines but I tend to be pretty good at that Hank Marvin sort of stuff, all the bluesy bending notes up high, can't do that, that's not me.

Martin Turner in the studio 2006 (courtesy wishboneash.co.uk)

FlyGuitars So do you think that has influenced how you have adapted to the bass?

Martin Turner I suppose it must have really, the main thing being obviously that I play with a plectrum, and I don't even hold it correctly. This is what happens when you are not taught to play an instrument formally in a correct fashion. You pick up these wacky little habits and unorthodox ways of playing and it's a double-edged sword because it means you can play certain styles and certain things quite well and there are other things that you cannot do. I like that because it's part of the restriction that gives you your identity and your style, you're forced to work in certain parameters.

FlyGuitars Playing with a pick as opposed to fingers does help to distinguish your sound.

Martin Turner Very much so and in fact in the early days even when we were recording the first Wishbone album or two I was still trying to get comfortable with an instrument. I mean I experimented with a Jazz bass, which is very clicky. If you use a plectrum a Jazz bass ain't the instrument for you really, I also had a bash on a six string bass, everyone felt that would be ideal for me but I didn't get on with it at all.

FlyGuitars Was that one of the Fender ones?

Martin Turner Yeah.  Why get so complicated, keep it simple. Four strings is more than enough for my little brain to deal with, and I had a Rickenbacker which I really, really liked and I still do, I've got one at home but I went out on the road and the first time I took it on an aeroplane the neck snapped. I thought oh man, this ain't no good, this things going to see some serious action and the first time I take it some place it turns out to be a girls guitar you know, can't take the punishment so that's when I kicked it in to touch and rang Peter Watts and said to him 'Oi, I need to borrow an instrument mate'' (see part 2 regarding Martin borrowing Pete Watts' Thunderbird)

Martin Turner playing live 1973 (courtesy wishboneash.co.uk)

FlyGuitars What amps are you currently using and what were you using back then?

Martin Turner It's always nice to try different ones. I used BGW power amps for a long time in Wishbone, at front end was an Alembic pre-amp which has got a little valve in it, you know 1U rack, it's basically a copy of a Fender pre-amp stage that's all, good little unit. Nowadays for the kind of size gigs we're doing I am using two Ashdown cabinets. One is a fifteen inch for low end and the top one is a 2 ten inch cabinet. I'm not a fan of twelve inch speakers for bass.

FlyGuitars Have you ever used twelve inch speaker cabs, did you use those in the 70s at all?

Martin Turner Yeah, I don't know what it is about twelve inch speakers, they''re great for guitar but for bass I like fifteens and tens or eighteens even but fifteens and tens work great, so that's what I got. I drive the fifteen inch cab with a little SWR. I think I brought it back from America, it's not that powerful, it's a couple of hundred watts and the top end I'm using a little Ashdown amp, it's got a valve in it so I can crank it and get it to just snarl a bit and it works great for me. I've no doubt that I will be trying other stuff probably quite soon. We've done a hook up with an Italian company Brunetti and they've supplied us with guitar amps that we really like and my first question was wheres the bass amp then? They're still working on it so I'm itching to get a look at that.

FlyGuitars So would you describe yourself as a sort of gear head then in the sense that your keen to try out new and different amps?

Martin Turner Yes and no, I'm always interested to check out stuff but I do tend to find that I seem to like going back to old equipment. Maybe that's because I'm a studio cat really and everyone's buying fancy computers and forging ahead and I'm going the other way, I'?m going back to old 60s bits of gear and valves and all the rest of it. I've been doing that for years and years, even in the 70s. The early solid state equipment if you keep it running has got a lovely sound, it's kind of like very much more analogue sounding, it hasn't got that digital crisp clinical quality to it. It just seems to be the way that it's almost like the heavier it is the better it is.

FlyGuitars It could be said that Wishbone Ash invented and popularised the twin guitar sound, it's been used by Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and Steve Harris has said he's a fan of the band and they were a direct influence on Iron Maiden. Even now you here new bands like The Darkness using twin leads, where you aware of what you created at that time?

Martin Turner Yes, I wouldn't say we were the first band to do it, I think Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac were experimenting a bit with that particularly when Danny Kirwin joined the band. They had Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwin came on board with Peter Green, he was kind of like the boy who they were bringing along and they started to get in to a bit of that harmony guitar thing. You listen to that instrumental track they did Albatross, that's beautiful, huge hit. There was that and Blossom Toes who were a band, I think they only existed for ten minutes. Jim Kreegan was in the band and they recorded in a mate of mines studio Advision where he worked. We used to hear what he was doing on pretty much on a daily basis and I guess we were just surrounded by things that were hinting in that direction if you like and we just took it that stage further really I think. I would say though that with my kind of classical background because I'd always been involved in religious music, classical music, bombarded with it every day of my life, the melodies that I tended to come up with were a bit in that direction. They don't sound it because they''re on top of electric guitar rock music but it gave the band an identity if you like that was a little bit different. I would say that a band like Thin Lizzy, they've come up to us and said that they used to be in the front row of the audience watching what we were doing, thinking great we've got to do some of that but I mean that's the way it is with all bands really. What is totally original in music since bloody Bill Hailey, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, you know how far do you want to go back? So everything's recycled to a certain extent, Thin Lizzy were extremely successful with the harmony guitar thing and I take me hat off to them, brilliant.

FlyGuitars It must feel good though to know you've inspired that?

Martin Turner Yeah it's great to feel you made a contribution to the music, rock music history as a whole although I think in Wishbone Ash's case because of our lack of commercial acknowledgement. We tend not to show up in Rolling Stone magazine polls and MTV and all the rest of it. Wishbone Ash tends to get kind of ignored or forgotten about or looked over. If you talk to actual musicians, working musicians then yeah they''re all well aware of the band usually. I'd agree with that definitely. It's really a strange one, it's a double edged sword because if it we had been commercially successful at any stage with a single or two probably the band wouldn't have lasted for 35 years or whatever it is because you tend to become last years news you know like Right Said Fred or something.

FlyGuitars Once you have that hit I guess there'd be pressure to produce more and the record company are thinking ?oh yeah these guys can write a hit and lets milk that?.

Martin Turner Yeah music by accountancy, never been my forte really.

Rickenbacker bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

Rickenbacker - 4001 - 1978

Asbury, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

rickenbacker 4001 . Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS Ground.... more

Rickenbacker 4001 1979 Maple Glo

San Francisco, California, 941**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3399

There may be more pristine 1979 Rick 4001's out there, but I'd venture there are none prettier than this one. Absolutely stunning piece of maple. Plays as well as it looks. I'm the 2nd owner of this bass and bought it off a guy who got it new in high school. This bass was barely played for decades
It came to me with a shim under the nut which actually works really well with the setup. The neck and fretboard are perfect. No dead spots. The frets have plenty of life left in them. The setup is ... more

1975 Rickenbacker Model 4001 Bass Mapleglo

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Vintage original 1975 Rickenbacker Model 4001 electric bass
A remarkably great playing example that is light and resonant with a good low action. Super easy to play
Original stereo output for that classic "Ric-O-Sound" works great. Bass is nice and warm and percussive .
No crack or breaks or issues.
Set up super well, one of the best playing 4001 basses we have had
Comess with a good hard case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $150 shipping in the USA, ... more

Rickenbacker Vintage 1977 4001 4- String Bass -USA Mapleglo 9lbs 9oz w / OHSC

Huntington Station, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3399

Here we have a vintage Rickenbacker 4001 4- string bass. Made in the USA in 1977. Serial number is QL 5497. This 4001 is a perfect example of the serious quality and sound you get from an ol Rick! The finish is Mapleglo. Classic setup with two pickups, Volume and Tone for each pickup, and a 3- way toggle switch. Mono or Rick-O-Sound outputs. This 4001 weighs 9lbs 9oz. It comes with its original hard case. The case is in good shape with all latches and hinges working. There are some ... more

Used 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass, Ebony

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2380

A rock 'n' roll legend, Gene Simmons has inspired countless metal-heads to bring groovy, rockin' sound to the world. The 2022-model Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass carries that essence in the purest form. Built in America, this striking bass has a Reverse Thunderbird body made from mahogany, with a Mirror Plex pickguard for an awesome look. The rounded mahogany neck hosts an ebony fingerboard, and it's powered by a set of T-Bird pickups, each with individual volumes and a master tone ... more

1972 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Fireglo w / Checkerboard / Crushed Pearl / Toaster Pickup

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5190

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1972 Rickenbacker 4001 in its original Fireglo finish with checkerboard binding. It has a great playing neck with some worn but good frets and crushed pearl inlay. It's all original with the exception of a later treble / bridge position pickup, one pot and the pad for the mute. A later Rickenbacker silver "Vintage" hardshell case is included. This 4001 looks great with some minor nicks + dings and other cosmetic ... more

Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1599

Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
... more

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass - Vintage Cherry

El Paso, Texas, 799**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird, Vintage Cherry
Needs strings and is missing a single bridge saddle ?? but can??t bother myself to get the part
I??m more of a Rickie backer guy anyways .
Used for a few weeks, but it does has it road knicks as pictured
Original case included.... more

NOS 1976 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Potentiometers Pots

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

NOS 1976 Rickenbacker Bass Potentiometers Pots
New old stock
See photos for exact condition
See my ebay store for more vintage music items
... more

rickenbacker 1979 4001 bass fireglo

New Lenox, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

This Rickenbacker electric bass guitar is a vintage 1979 Fireglo model with a solid body type and 4 string configuration. It is a right-handed instrument made by the well-known brand Rickenbacker. This model 4001 bass guitar is highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike, and is perfect for those who appreciate the classic sound of a high-quality bass guitar. Whether you're a professional musician looking for the perfect instrument for your gigs, or a collector looking to add a piece ... more

Rickenbacker Bass 4001S 1981 Dot Neck

New Egypt, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2400

Hello, You are looking at a rare 4001S Rick bass in mapleglo. The S stands for set neck. The Bass has a dot neck and mono output, no binding. The finish was removed from the fretboard at some point. There is a screw replaced in one of the tuners. This is by far the lightest Rick bass I have ever owned it weighs just over 8 lbs. It comes with an aftermarket hard shell case. I'd say the Bass may need a setup depending on your playing style. Bass plays and sounds great! It has strap locks on it so ... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

Gibson Gene Simmons Signature G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar USA

Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1710

This is a fantastic made in USA bass! Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Slight cosmetic blemishes, nothing major. This can take your joy of playing to new heights and also is a very collectible item, being a Gene Simmons USA Bass! Comes with case!


Don't miss your chance to own!


Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing

Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and ... more

Vintage Rickenbacker 4001 Mapleglo 1973

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6999

Vintage Rickenbacker 4001 Mapleglo 1973
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Your eyes are not deceiving you - this is indeed a true vintage, 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 in exceptionally clean condition! Not only that, but it features the last of the highly desired specs, namely the "toaster top" neck pickup, the checkerboard body binding & the mother of pearl inlays that extend from edge to edge on the fingerboard. This beauty is truly an exceptionally ... more

2024 Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Ebony 4 String Bass Guitar With Case

Lewiston, Maine, 042**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1826

This guitar plays very nice and comes with the original strap and hard shell case!!! There are some dings and dents as you can see in the photos of this listing.
Stock # J78010770-NK / 10 13XZ
A New Signature Bass Model From Rex Brown
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This?? His new Gibson Rex Brown Signature ... more

1980 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass White w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495

1980 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass In White Finish
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Heavy Fading And Checking With Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Various Small Dings, Marks, And Scratches Throughout
A-String Saddle Screw Replaced And Non-Adjustable, Slightly Sharp Intonation On That String Only
Small Fingerboard / Finish Crack As Shown
All Original Pickups And Electronics
Pots Date To Late 1979
... more

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more

1973 Vintage Rickenbacker 4001 Checkerboard Binding Fireglo Collector Grade Rick

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5997

Up for sale is an exceptionally rare and collector-grade 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 finished in its original Fireglo. This bass hails from the golden era of Rickenbacker production and features the highly coveted checkered binding, triangle inlays, and all original components. At 8lbs 13oz, it??s lightweight for this era and resonates beautifully with the signature Rickenbacker growl and clarity
A true time capsule for enthusiasts and collectors alike, this bass has remained 100% original, ... more

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its pretty mahogany neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is ... more

? 1974 Rickenbacker 4001 JetGlo Black Bass Electric Guitar Classic Bass!!?

Reno, Nevada, 895**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3695

? 1974 Rickenbacker 4001 JetGlo Black Bass Electric Guitar?I bought this Rickenbacker from Music Unlimited on East 14th Street in San Leandro, CA in 1987. It was hanging in the window but it was Sunday and they had closed. I showed up early the next day and made the purchase. One of the most exciting days of my music days. I love this guitar but have to sell because my playing days are over due to medical issues. The bass is good condition but it will need a little TLC to get it back ... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co