NBD: 1999 Epiphone Thunderbird IV

I posted this at TalkBass about a bass I bought yesterday.

24 hours ago I bought a Epiphone Thunderbird IV from a TB member in Seattle. I had never played a TB before and was super intrigued by a bassist I saw playing one. Not only did she look incredibly cool playing her white TB, the sounds she got were incredible as well, both recorded and live. I started researching the TB basses, and the player (Butterfly Boucher) and her band (Elle Macho).
All that research last week eventually led me to where all Thunderbird posts end up: the Thunderbird Club.

At first, I felt like the new kid at school. I jumped in and posted a few things and got a few responses, before my posts were then buried under posts about venison or caribou meat, views of a beach, and other jokes. But, I didn’t feel unwelcome. In fact, many of the TB Club vets were gracious and friendly enough to make me want to ask more questions.

I’m sure all my questions had been answered somewhere in the 8 year old thread, but I didn’t do any deep dives. Sure, some quick searches, but for specifics, I just fired away.

Before long, both @TBird1958 and @Gaolee reached out and offered me to try their basses, as we all live in the Seattle area. A few PMs later, Gaolee had offered up an Epiphone Thunderbird IV he wasn’t playing for a super fair price. We set up a date to meet yesterday.

I got to Gaolee’s house and played his TB through his amp. It was an epic vintage amp and I won’t disrespect it by naming it incorrectly, but the amp sound incredible. The bass wasn’t half bad either. He said it hadn’t been played for awhile, but it played just fine to me. The size of the bass wasn’t lost on me. With the huge headstock and long tail, I felt like I was playing a giant bass, but after a few minutes, it started to feel better. I played some more and then did the deal.

From there, I headed to my bandmate’s house a few miles away and plugged into my rig. Using my own rig, it was noticeable how clear and bell-like the TB sounded when I plucked the strings. The sustain on the notes was long and wonderful, too. Neck-dive was not bad as there is a strap button on the neck heel, and that’s where I attached the strap that came with the bass.

I then brought the bass home and gave it a good wipe down, removed the strings and lubed the fretboard. I removed the roundwound strings that were on it and put on some old flats I had laying around. Today, I adjusted the truss rod and sort of just messed around with it, with the help of the homeys in the TB Club as well.

Some things I learned in the last 24 hrs:

· The saddles in the 3 point bridge are not fastened to the bridge. When I took the strings off to wipe down the guitar, I then flipped it over and then, “plink, plink, plink, plink,” all 4 saddles fell off. I looked at a picture I took earlier of the whole bass and tried to put the pieces back where they went. I thought I did it right, but the strings sat funny. Off to TB I went to learn…

· That the saddles are printed with numbers 1-4, indicating their placement in the bridge (1=E, 2=A, 3=D, 4=G). I had the E and A backwards and once I swapped them, the strings followed the radius of the board.

· I learned the board is a 12” radius.

· I learned that the bridge does not have individual height adjustments for the saddles. However, you can adjust the overall height of the bridge by turning the 2 screws at the base of the bridge (I have not done that yet so I may be wrong on that statement).

· The length of the TB neck from the end of the nut to the end of the fretboard is actually SHORTER than the same measurement on my L-1000 G&L.

· There is a gap between the fretboard and the body of the bass. This is normal.

I spent about 30 minutes playing the TB through a Carvin R600 Cyclops I have in the basement. I turned the gain and tube blend knobs up, the volume down a little, and went to town. I really liked what I heard. I did some recording in ProTools via my SansAmp BDDI and it sounded pretty good in there as well.

The strap pin on the bottom of the bass was working its way out so I snapped off a couple toothpicks and screwed the pin back in. Nice and tight now.

I likely won’t play it in a band setting until Sunday or so, and may not even play it then. My band’s last show is on 4/9 and I don’t want to be distracted with how a new bass sounds/feels/looks on stage. Will go with my #1 that got me here, the gold L1K, and then unveil the TB in the future projects coming up.

In the meantime, thanks to the TBC regulars that pitched in to all my n00b questions and being so inclusive and welcoming. Not once did anyone ask if I’d searched for my answer, they were all happy to help. I’m sure I will have more questions and, if what I’m understanding about TBs is true, this may not be my last one. After all, I really wanted one in alpine white…

Taken just after I bought it, on the ground behind my car.

We all know what these look like, so here are some close ups.

 
Not sure why the neck heel strap pin was put there instead of where the bolts are, but it works for me. Also happy to see it's a 99, that it's got some years under its belt. And for a 99 it is in excellent shape. Really great.

 

About the only issues I see with the bass are the little cracks/chips between the fretboard and neck, right where they meet the nut on either side. Looks like it's cosmetic more than anything else.

And, lastly, when turning the truss rod earlier today, it moved quite easily. It didn't have the "stuck" feeling like other TRs I've turned have. It almost moved too easily? Anyway, thanks for reading and indulging my NBD recap.

There's a girl I know

There's a girl I know
And she's full of heart
And she's got a stupid boyfriend

She's a shooting star
And she's really smart
But she's got a stupid boyfriend

I don't know what she sees in him
Maybe 'cause he's fit and trim
But she's not so shallow, she's not like that
She's so dang sweet, you can bet on that

There's a girl I know
She inspires me
And she's got a crazy boyfriend

She's so beautiful
Yeah, she's breathtaking
But she's got a crazy boyfriend

It's not like she can make a move
She's got her guy; what's there to do?
Despite herself, she loves him so
That's all it is, this much I know

There's a girl I know
And she's really happy
That she's got herself a boyfriend

He's the perfect guy
To be by her side
He's her one and only boyfriend

ELLE MACHO

so obsessed i made a desktop background from a video capture

I do not know why this incredible band is not ruling the world, or at least still putting out incredible songs.

A week ago I put a post in TalkBass looking for ideas around pedals and fattening up sounds. A guy pretty much said to google it and in a link he posted, it linked to gear page which had this post in a forum, which had this video linked:

I've pretty much been obsessed ever since. I loved how this song started and then when the other singer kicked in at the :40 mark. And then the harmonies at 1:06? Wow. Just a two part harmony, but so good. And then the Tbird bass tone at 1:23? My goodness. I fell in love.

I did some research on the band and found out the bassist/singer is none other than Butterfly Boucher, someone I actually saw with Haley in 2019. We bought tickets to see Sara Bareilles in Seattle, and Butterfly was on guitar and vocals. At the time, after seeing her sing with Sara, I started following her on IG, but back then, even playing with Sara, she didn't post a lot, so I forgot about her.

But when I started researching Elle Macho, I fell in love. Her voice is so pure and clear, her bass playing is inspiring, and the musicianship is just overall incredible. With regard to the band and songs, everything just works. It ticks all my boxes. Let's make a list:

• Power trio
• Killer harmonies
• Killer melodies
• All instruments are showing up well
• T-bird bass tone is incredible
• They all look cool (esp. Butterfly)
• Songs have the added undefinable juice that I love
• Basslines are thoughtful and complex, but simple at the same time

I'm sure there's more, but you get the gist.

I almost forgot to mention the most incredible part. This band put out stuff like that video above in 2009. They only have one full length and one EP and they were put out in 2013 (Import) and 2016 (VoVo). They do have something more recent, a video they filmed, from 2020, but there's no indication of any more music. There are a few live club videos with a few dozen views scattered on YT, but other than that, it's been radio silence. David (guitar) does have a solo career that I have yet to check out, and Lindsay (drums) apparently is in marketing by day, and isn't doing much more on drums. Butterfly did put out some solo records, but it's not super clear what she does these days; she's not active at all on social media, it seems. Other than Sara B.'s tour, she hasn't been forthright with what she's doing.

But, regardless of the lack of material (or info), I am super excited about this band. It has inspired me. I am searching now for a Epiphone (Gibson too expensive) Thunderbird and have done a bunch of research. There's a guy on TB that has offered me his TB IV (entry model, bolt on neck), but I'm waiting to hear back from him for a potential meet and try.

I am also hoping to sing a bunch more in future projects. Not just harmony here and there and not necessarily lead, but harmony/lead, if that makes sense. I love what Butterfly and David (guitar) do vocally, and would love to do something like that. Now, if I could only get better at hearing/singing harmonies without having to be told what they are!

Here's an Elle Macho playlist, in case you need more (and you will):

PLAYLIST

And take a listen to Butterfly's stuff, it's more pop, but it's really good too.

PLAYLIST

It's 2022, what's new?

 Apparently I started to write an entry on 7/7/20 and never finished it. Actually, I never started it; I just opened this page and it was blank.

Last entry was as the pandemic started around a little thing called the coronavirus. If you are bored, read it here. So what has happened the last 2 years. Here we go, in no particular order:

• fucking DJT was rightfully and lawfully voted out and we have a sane and fairly competent president
• we updated and/or remodeled the following with our house:
• exterior paint
• deck replaced
• all floors in house replaced
• painted most interior walls
• landscape cleaned up in front yard
• roof replaced
• renovated both bathrooms, somewhat
• had our shower enclosure replaced under warranty
• just last winter, had ductless heating/cooling systems installed downstairs, in the living room and master bedroom
• experienced the hottest few days of summer ever last year, upwards of 115°F in our back yard!
• stayed gainfully employed throughout pandemic
• Riley got a job at Target in 10/2020 and has continued working there the entire time
• Haley graduated in the debacle of 2020 and is in CA going to college
• Bella was put down on 3/11 due to old age and kidney issues :(
• I left MS and started working at Amazon in 2/22
• Both kids got coronavirus early 2022
• Marci and I have stayed virus free
• Took a hiatus from FB and pretty much only post about my musical endeavors anymore
• Started recording myself playing bass to songs and putting them on youtube
• Me, Robb and Cass made a record in 2020 (or was it 2021?) remotely in a new band called Planets in the Ocean
• Stereo Embers didn't do jack diddly during the pandemic and have played a few shows since last summer. Our last show is next month
• Continued running throughout everything. Trying to run every other day, usually run at least 3.5 miles unless pressed for time

Can't remember if there's anything else really momentous or not.

These days, it's working from home, working with Kody to get him walking and out and about, trying to figure out Riley's college situation, trying to figure out my work and upcoming travel and contract plans, and just generally being great at whatever I do.

Gig report: 3/12/2022, Stereo Embers at Slim's Last Chance

Last night, Stereo Embers returned to form with our first show and second to last show in 2022. We were asked to play a 50th birthday bash for a friend and local scenester. The theme was Elvis vs Elvis (Costello vs Presley), but we just did our set, as requested.

One of our favorite places to play, Slim's Last Chance in the SODO area of Seattle.


I was loaning my rig for the backline, a Trace Elliot GP 12, powering an Avatar 2x10 and Ashdown 1x15. Believe me, it's buried back there somewhere.


I showed up a little early to get set up and get some dinner, which was sort of a disaster. I ordered a chili dog at 7:45 and waited, chatted with friends and others. Then I saw a couple who showed up 20 minutes after me get their food. I told the bartender and she apologized profusely and said it would be ready shortly. About 10 minutes later, someone at my table also got her food, so I said something again. The bartender apologized profusely again and said my ticket was the only one that was messed up all night. Not much of a consolation, but I didn't care too much, wasn't there to make a stink, just wanted to eat before I played.

Finally, after some more time, my chili dog came out. I sat down to eat and realized... there was no chili on the chili dog. I checked the menu to verify that indeed, it should have chili, and yes, it should've had chili.

One more apology and I had my chili dog, finally. Sadly, no photos of said dog.

At this time, though, I just had to power through the meal as we were gonna hit the stage soon. But, enough about my food adventures. Let's just say there was no intestinal drama or food related mishaps.

Onto the show!

Tonight was the first time playing my MIM P at a gig and it performed wonderfully. Super thick and full via my rig.

We started the night with a ballad. Singer and guitarist start it, it's a little blues based number. Drummer and I come in at the second verse and we close it out with a nice build. From there we started some rockers. As this is our second to last show, we were determined to make it a slobberknocker.



Not only that, since it was our first gig in nearly 6 months, it was great just to be back on a stage (no matter how small or cramped it might have been). March 12th was also the day our state's mask mandate was rescinded so masks were optional inside. Though I did some grocery shopping earlier in the day (what a rock star!) and wore a mask, at the club last night, I didn't wear one off stage at all. There was plenty of yelling into peoples' ears and faces and also the same right back at me. It was a little weird, but the weirdness quickly wore off and it felt like old times again. So awesome!!

As it was our 2nd to last show, turnout was great and there was a lot of love in the air. Couple that with the fact that I had to put my 14 year old dog to rest the day before and it was just a cathartic evening.

The next acts to follow were a bunch of Seattle scenesters getting on stage to play Elvis or Elvis tunes for a local legend's aforementioned 50th. A wonderful time was had by all. Take a look.



And one last one of my girl Bella, RIP.

Bella 2009-2022

I posted this on Facebook on March 11th and realized I didn't have it here, so here it is.

How it started/How it's going

For some dumb reason, in 2009, to kill time on weekends, we started going to the Humane Society. It was free and fun and of course, after a few weekends of this, we found Bella. We put a hold on her and then went back then next day.

Back then, we were not in the position, financially or otherwise, to bring home a dog. Not only that, we had no clue how to be dog parents, other than asking my brother about it.

We also had Haley and Riley, who were 7 and 4, respectively, and also had no clue how to own a dog. But we learned as we went and discovered that with Bella, we really lucked out.

From day 1, she was house trained and gentle with the kids. She was rambunctious and really loved playing Chuck-it in the backyard with us. I would take the ball and do long toss, from one side of the yard to the other. She would go and go and go until she was practically hyperventilating, and then go frog legs on the lawn to recover.

She could be pretty annoying, especially when people came to the door and rang the doorbell. But I guess that's the case with most dogs. We learned to read her barks, from fun, to excitement, to someone's here.

If we left a bedroom door open, we would often find that room's garbage strewn about the floor. Her favorite pastime was to eat and/or destroy used tissues. We'd find that stuff everywhere.

Over the years, we got into a nice routine. As long as our doors were shut, we could leave the house for work and school and trust her to behave herself. She never had any accidents and if she got stuff off the kitchen counter, it was because we forgot to put it away.

She developed a bad leg due to jumping for balls in the back yard. She would go three-legged for a bit, but before long, she healed up and would still be able to do everything, but longer stints of play would result in limping afterwards.

About 4 years ago, as I started to exercise and run, I started taking her on runs with me. She was a great little partner, going for 2-3 miles with me for a time. It was a great way to get her out as she was never a great walker on leash. But running got her out, then we'd go to the local dog park, and then come home. However, with the bad leg and limping, I had to stop bringing her on runs. Also, as she got older, she just couldn't keep up anymore.

In 2019, Bella started slowing down and, like dummies, we started going to the Humane Society again. And again, we came back with another dog. We knew Bella's time was limited and we wanted to give her some companionship, as well as have a dog to continue in our family when B's time came.

Though Bella and Kody exist together, I wouldn't call them soulmates or best buds or anything. They do get along, but there's no snuggling or playing, despite Kody's efforts. Bella was in her senior years while Kody was ready to hit the nightclubs.

Last Sunday, Marci and I came home from the store. The usual routine is Kody inside the garage door to the house and Bella barking from the top of the stairs. We brought in the groceries and B had her nose in everything, sniffing and snooping. Business as usual.

Come Tuesday morning, I did the routine with the dogs and things seemed normal, except Bella wasn't eating. And then Tuesday night I took her out to do her business and then she came inside and promptly threw up. I also saw her standing in the living room and almost fall backwards as her back legs seemed weak.

Early Wednesday morning, she threw up and then proceeded to vomit every couple hours. She still wasn't eating and was not interested in drinking either. She was mobile, but it was quite clear she was weak. We made a vet appointment for that afternoon to see what was up. I was thinking that she may not make it back if I took her in.

The vet thought B had pneumonia, and other issues would be determined by the blood work the next morning. So Wednesday night, I brought her back home and we tried to make her as comfy as possible. Luckily she's pretty low-maintenance and we just had her lay on her pillow and she slept through the night.

Bathroom breaks are now me carrying her outside and down the steps, holding a hand on her so she doesn't trip or fall over, and then some cleanup as her system is not functioning optimally.

Thursday it became pretty clear what we had to do. Her weakness has increased, she will not eat, despite me giving her some appetite stimulants from the vet, and she is very lethargic and slow. After talking to Marci, Haley and Riley, we knew what had to be done.

I made arrangements for this afternoon for a vet to come to our house to ease Bella's suffering. Haley is on a plane as I type to come home to see her baby one last time. Bella's old friend Nancy stopped by to say goodbye this morning. We always said Nancy was Bella's best friend; it was proved as Bella actually wagged her tail and barked when Nancy walked in! We were so happy to see that!

If you came over now, you'd think Bella was just sleeping. But looking over at her now, I can tell that she's tired, but more than just that, she's ready to move on.

Bella has taught me a lot over the past 13 years, not all of it good. I need more patience, especially with her bro Kody. But she also taught me that no matter how mad I might have gotten with her, her love for me was unconditional. All she ever wanted was a belly rub or an ear scratch. And she was always hungry for treats.

We're going to be finding her orange hairs all over this house for years to come. We're not going to hear her back paw's nail dragging on the floor when she's walking around. We won't smell her awful breath due to dental negligence (PSA: don't let your dogs chew sticks for years on end). We won't feel the bed shake when she plops down right next to the frame. And we won't hear her announcing our arrival when we come home anymore. And as much as I hated that sound on the daily, I think that might be what I miss the most when she's gone.

Dogs are weird. I see all of you out there with your relationships with them and part of me is envious. Don't get me wrong; I love my dogs. But I think I love them differently than others might love their dogs. Am I the guy that kisses dogs on the mouth? No. Brings them everywhere I go? No. Sleeps and snuggles with them? Not if I can help it.

But do I love my dogs? Absolutely. And am I gonna miss Bella? 10000% I am. It's been a long week working from home and seeing B in the state she's in. I've been sending picture updates to Marci and the kids regularly to keep them posted. Now, we have all accepted what will be happening today at 5:30, when Bella goes to sleep one last time.

Thank you, Bella, for being a rock solid dog, companion and goofball for almost 13 years. We will keep you in our hearts forever. Rest easy.