TONEDB

bass guitar from “i want you back” by jackson 5 | ToneDB

i want you back

jackson 5

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A warm, round, and deeply resonant bass tone with a distinct yet smooth punch and clear melodic articulation. It's the quintessential early Jackson 5 Motown bass sound, driving the song with energy and precision.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass (likely a 1960s model with La Bella flatwound strings)

Amp: Custom Motown 5-channel DI/interface box

Processing: EQ and compression (from the custom DI unit/interface)

Other: Played fingerstyle by Wilton Felder. Bass guitar's tone knob likely rolled off partially (e.g., to 50-75%) to achieve warmth. Heavy gauge flatwound strings (e.g., La Bella 0760M) were crucial.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in 1969, likely at a Los Angeles studio (e.g., Motown's Mowest studio or an independent LA studio used by The Corporation production team) due to Wilton Felder's involvement.
  • The bass was recorded Direct Input (DI) using a custom-built Motown interface box, which often included built-in EQ and compression, contributing significantly to the signature Motown clarity and punch.
  • The DI signal went directly to the recording console and then to an 8-track tape machine.
  • Minimal additional EQ would have been used at the console, relying on the quality of the instrument, strings, player, and the custom DI.
  • Wilton Felder's bass line is highly melodic, syncopated, and foundational to the song's groove.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Precision Bass or a P-style bass.
  • String the bass with heavy gauge flatwound strings (e.g., La Bella 760M 'Original 1954' set).
  • Play fingerstyle, focusing on a consistent, round attack. Experiment with plucking near the neck pickup for warmth.
  • A high-quality DI box is essential. A tube DI (like an A-Designs REDDI) or a quality transformer-based DI will help capture a full, warm signal.
  • Roll the tone knob on your bass back to about 50-75% to mellow the high frequencies.
  • Apply light, smooth compression. An LA-2A style optical compressor is an excellent choice for this type of sound.
  • If using an amp in conjunction with or instead of a DI, choose a warm tube amp like an Ampeg B-15 or a modern Portaflex (e.g., PF-50T), and keep the EQ relatively flat or with a slight low-mid boost.
  • Avoid overly aggressive playing or processing; the original sound is powerful yet smooth and controlled.

Sources