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piano from “i want you back” by the jackson 5 | ToneDB

i want you back

the jackson 5

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A bright and percussive piano sound that cuts through the mix with a clear and defined tone, providing rhythmic and harmonic support to the track.

Gear

Steinway Model Dinstrument
Reverb$52995Sweetwater
Neumann U67microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

"I Want You Back" was recorded at Motown Studios in Detroit, engineered by Russ Terrana and produced by The Corporation. The piano was likely recorded using a Steinway Model D grand piano, which was typical for Motown sessions, captured with what appears to be a Neumann U67 condenser microphone. The recording features the classic Motown approach of close mic placement to achieve that characteristic bright, percussive sound that cuts through the dense arrangement.

Production Credits

Producer: The Corporation

Engineer: Russ Terrana

Recorded at: Motown Studios, Detroit

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Model D

Microphone: Neumann U67

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a high-quality grand piano, preferably a Steinway Model D, for its balanced tone and responsiveness.
  • Use a condenser microphone like the Neumann U67 to capture the piano's natural sound.
  • Experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot that captures both the body and clarity of the instrument.
  • Apply gentle compression and EQ to enhance the piano's presence and clarity in the mix, focusing on the midrange frequencies.

Original Gear

  • Steinway Model D(keyboard)
  • Neumann U67(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The Grandeur$199-$399

Alternative to: Steinway Model D grand piano

Sampled from a Steinway D-274, captures the bright attack and resonance needed for this Motown piano sound

ReverbSweetwater
Synthogy Ivory II American Concert D$299-$399

Alternative to: Steinway Model D grand piano

Based on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand, offers the dynamic range and tonal character for authentic Motown piano parts

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA-67$899-$999

Alternative to: Neumann U67 condenser microphone

Tube condenser mic that recreates the U67's warm yet detailed sound for recording acoustic piano

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4047/SV$399-$499

Alternative to: Neumann U67 condenser microphone

Multi-pattern tube condenser that provides the clarity and presence needed for cutting piano tracks at a lower price point

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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