Reader Spotlight: Dave Turner

Dave Turner

Meet Dave Turner, a bassist and educator who has an impressive resume in both arenas.

Dave is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

Dave Turner is an adjunct professor of Jazz Bass at Spokane Falls Community College, as well as a full-time elementary school music teacher. He is currently a pit orchestra member for a few of the local theatre groups in his hometown. Notable gigs include shows with Frank Gambale, Jazz Saxophonist Darren Motamedy, and Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy in the early ’90s Seattle alternative rock scene. Dave has studied with Jeff Berlin and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Double Bass Performance and a Masters degree in Teaching.

Location:

Spokane, WA, USA

Years experience:

33 years

Why I play the bass:

After playing drum set from the age of 10 to 15, a friend from high school let me try his bass guitar. When I first plucked the low E string and felt the entire house rumble, I was hooked! I switched instruments and have never looked back.

Gear:

Amps include a Mark Bass Mk II combo, a TC RH750 head, TC 2×10 cabinet, and TC 2×12 cabinet. My main gigging bass is a 2015 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V, hot-rodded with Fender American Standard pickups. My other basses include a 2001 Fender CIJ Geddy Lee Jazz, 1997 Fender Precision California Special, 1992 Peavey Palaedium, and a 1992 Carvin LB-76. Pedals include a Boss Bass Chorus, Boss Octave, Boss Bass Synthesizer, TEN Effects Barracuda Flanger, and Toad Works Mr. Squishy Compressor.

My Influences:

early influences were guys like Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Geddy Lee, Jaco Pastorius, and Victor Wooten. Later and more enduring influences include Marcus Miller, John Patitucci, and Jeff Berlin.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I played a gig with Frank Gambale when I was 23, and played in a band with Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy for 5 years in the early 1990s.

More on the web:

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