What piano was used on The Jackson 5's ABC?

A Steinway Grand Piano was used for the recording at Motown Studios. This was the standard piano used for most Motown recordings during that era and contributes to the bright, full sound heard on the track.

How to get Motown piano sound like ABC?

Start with a quality grand piano sound, use a large diaphragm condenser microphone, and apply optical compression like an LA-2A to add punch and evenness. Slight brightening EQ and minimal reverb help achieve that characteristic present, punchy Motown piano tone.

Who engineered The Jackson 5 ABC recording?

Bob Ohlsson engineered "ABC" at Motown Studios in Detroit. Ohlsson was one of Motown's key engineers and worked on many of the label's classic recordings during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

What microphone was used on Jackson 5 ABC piano?

A Neumann U67 was used to record the piano on "ABC". This tube condenser microphone was a studio standard and provided the clear, balanced sound that allowed the piano to cut through Motown's typically dense arrangements.

piano from "abc" by the jackson 5

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Tone Profile

A bright, clean piano sound with a slightly compressed and punchy character, typical of Motown recordings. The tone is clear and present, fitting well within the mix without being overly dominant.

Shop This Rig

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Steinway Grand Piano(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)
LA-2A(compressor)

The Story

The piano on "ABC" was recorded at Motown Studios in Detroit with engineer Bob Ohlsson, using a Steinway Grand Piano captured through a Neumann U67 microphone. The recording features the characteristic Motown piano sound - bright, punchy, and compressed to sit perfectly in the dense mix typical of the label's productions.

Production Credits

Producer: Berry Gordy

Engineer: Bob Ohlsson

Recorded at: Motown Studios, Detroit

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Grand PianoShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a high-quality grand piano sample or recording.
Use a microphone known for its clear and balanced sound, such as a Neumann U67 or similar.
Apply moderate compression to even out the dynamics and add punch.
EQ can be used to further brighten the tone, but avoid harshness.
Consider using a touch of reverb to add depth and ambience.

Original Gear

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Steinway Grand PianoShop on Reverb(keyboard)
Neumann U67Shop on Reverb(mic)
LA-2AShop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The GrandeurPlugin Boutique$199

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Sampled Steinway D that captures the bright, present character of classic grand piano recordings with multiple mic positions

Warm Audio WA-67Shop on Reverb$899

Alternative to: Neumann U67

Tube condenser mic that recreates the U67's balanced, clear sound perfect for capturing piano with vintage character

Universal Audio LA-2A PluginPlugin Boutique$149

Alternative to: LA-2A Compressor

Authentic emulation of the optical compressor used to add the punchy, even dynamics characteristic of Motown piano sounds

Arturia Piano V3Plugin Boutique$199

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Includes multiple piano models with vintage recording characteristics and built-in processing for classic studio sounds

Klark Teknik 76-KTShop on Reverb$199

Alternative to: LA-2A Compressor

Hardware compressor providing the optical compression characteristics needed for that punchy Motown piano sound

Sources

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piano from “abc” by the jackson 5 | ToneDB

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