Louis Johnson strange bass?

[Mark Wilson]

Hey guys,

How about keeping this thread about the bass and NOT Michael MacDonald, or what Soul Train was.

K, thanks.

 

[Tommygunn]

I think the thread is over. Most of my threads (or other threads that I've posted in a lot) end up in jokes about my age, ect ect

 

[Blazer]

Let me salvage what can be salvaged then. The bass you described and the pictures I've seen showed a Westone Thunder 2 bass, which was an eighties model made by the Matsumoku factory which also gave us Aria Pro 2, Washburn, Vantage and Electra.

The Thunder range featured solid Sen (A Japanese variety of Ash) bodies with DiMarzio licenced pickups. One P bass pickup on the Thunder 1 and the Thunder 1A (which had an active two band EQ) and two of those Units on the Thunder 2. The Thunder 2 also differed from the Thunder1 and Thunder 1A by having a neck through body construction.
Link Removed
A Westone Thunder 1A

And the back of a Thunder 1 series bass showing the Bolt on neck.

The thunder 3 guitar series, showing the Alembic style attributes.

The thunder series guitars and basses were meant for beginners, offerring a well made instrument which included a case. The range lasted until the Westone brand went belly up in the late eighties and subsiquently became branded Alvarez but the Thunder didn't live to see the transition. Westone instruments still offer plenty Bang for the buck and usually can be picked up for very little money.

Having said that, I doubt that the bass you saw Louis Johnson playing was a Westone. I suspect it was a BC Rich Eagle. Seeing how he used those as well as using his musicman basses.

 

[Mark Wilson]

I think the thread is over. Most of my threads (or other threads that I've posted in a lot) end up in jokes about my age, ect ect

FWIW, you can report your post in your OP and ask it to be closed.

 

[Tommygunn]

Let me salvage what can be salvaged then. The bass you described and the pictures I've seen showed a Westone Thunder 2 bass, which was an eighties model made by the Matsumoku factory which also gave us Aria Pro 2, Washburn, Vantage and Electra.

The Thunder range featured solid Sen (A Japanese variety of Ash) bodies with DiMarzio licenced pickups. One P bass pickup on the Thunder 1 and the Thunder 1A (which had an active two band EQ) and two of those Units on the Thunder 2. The Thunder 2 also differed from the Thunder1 and Thunder 1A by having a neck through body construction.
Link Removed
A Westone Thunder 1A

And the back of a Thunder 1 series bass showing the Bolt on neck.

The thunder 3 guitar series, showing the Alembic style attributes.

The thunder series guitars and basses were meant for beginners, offerring a well made instrument which included a case. The range lasted until the Westone brand went belly up in the late eighties and subsiquently became branded Alvarez but the Thunder didn't live to see the transition. Westone instruments still offer plenty Bang for the buck and usually can be picked up for very little money.

Having said that, I doubt that the bass you saw Louis Johnson playing was a Westone. I suspect it was a BC Rich Eagle. Seeing how he used those as well as using his musicman basses.

That last pic! thats it!!! I just saw the westone and figured it was it cause it looked so much what I had saw. thanks man!

 

[mikeswals]

He was on a thing called soul train playing with Michael McDonald.

It was a P/P bass and it was natural and reminded me a bit of a BC Rich Mockingbird but I know it wasn't one. Black headstock. Best description I can give you, it didn't show him more than 3 times.

Any ideas?

I'm thinking Tommygunn saw Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers on that TV show since Tommy is decsribing a BC Rich. During that time Tiran Porter was playing a BC Rich Eagle, which has a P/P config. His bass looked just this this:

Can't be a Trekker. All the old Bass player mags I have laying around show Louis Johnson with his bass having a P/J config.

And to agree with those who dislike Michael McDonald...he was the worst thing that happened to the Doobies, just like Yoko ruined the Beatles. He also absolutely butchers remakes of Motown tunes. Michael of you happen to read this, stop! Please stop!

 

[mikeswals]

Here's a vid of that timeframe, and Tiran playing the Eagle.

 

[tdizzle]

I have seen the clip of Louis on Soul Train and am almost sure that it was a BC Rich. I am still searching to find the clip again.

 

[bigscore1000]

In this issue of Bass Player which i have at home. Louis talks about his trekker Bass...theres even an ad in the mag for the bass. I cant find a pic online though....He's pictured on the cover with the Trekker bass that he mentions....

 

[Baird6869]

Really! Michael Mc Donald was just called a 70's version of Michael Bolton..

The guy singlehandedly destroyed the sound of the Doobies IMO. How the hell do you go from Long Train Running, China Grove and Listen to the Music to the syrupy easy listening crap that the McDonald Doobies did?

 

[bigscore1000]

The guy singlehandedly destroyed the sound of the Doobies IMO. How the hell do you go from Long Train Running, China Grove and Listen to the Music to the syrupy easy listening crap that the McDonald Doobies did?

Was "Black Water" pre or post McDonald Doobie Bros?

 

[Baird6869]

Was "Black Water" pre or post McDonald Doobie Bros?

Pre I think. Not a bad tune.

 

[kevin newsham]

As a former owner of a now stolen PBC bass(15 years ago), I can attest to the strength and sound of the tension free neck. Man are they incredible!!!

Bunker, PBC, and Treker all use the same neck design, and are owned by Dave Bunker, except Treker. That is owned by his son.

If I could afford another, I would not hesitate to buy another 356 fretless, headless 6.

 

[mikeswals]

.....except Treker. That is owned by his son.

Are Trekers being made again?
A few years ago I looked for one, and it looked like they completely disappeared.

 

[NicJimBass]

"If I hear 'Ya Mo Be There' one more time, I'm gonna ya mo burn this place to the ground."

My favorite Michael McDonald-inspired quote EVER!

 

[s4001]

Found it!

It's one of the last two in the pic
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4361637754_2a474b8c13_o.jpg

Actually, I like that Jazz.