What piano was used on Jackson 5 I Want You Back?

The piano was likely a Steinway Model D grand piano, which was standard at Motown Studios during this period. This type of piano was typical for most Motown recordings and provided the bright, percussive sound characteristic of the label's productions.

How to get that classic Motown piano sound like I Want You Back?

The key is using a quality grand piano sample or instrument with close microphone placement to capture attack and clarity. Apply gentle compression and EQ emphasis in the midrange frequencies to help the piano cut through a dense mix, which was typical of Motown's approach.

What microphone was used to record I Want You Back piano?

Based on typical Motown Studios practices and the sound characteristics, it was likely recorded with a Neumann U67 condenser microphone. This mic was commonly used at the studio and would provide the clarity and presence heard on the track.

Who played piano on Jackson 5 I Want You Back?

The exact pianist hasn't been definitively confirmed in most sources, but it was likely one of the Funk Brothers session musicians who regularly worked on Motown recordings. The Funk Brothers were the house band for most classic Motown hits during this era.

piano from "i want you back" by the jackson 5

i want you back

the jackson 5

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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.

Shop This Rig

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Steinway Model D(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)

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 DShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

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

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Steinway Model DShop on Reverb(keyboard)
Neumann U67Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The GrandeurPlugin Boutique$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

Synthogy Ivory II American Concert DPlugin Boutique$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

Warm Audio WA-67Shop on Reverb$899-$999

Alternative to: Neumann U67 condenser microphone

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

Audio-Technica AT4047/SVShop on Reverb$399-$499