Getting a good motown/R&B tone?

**adouglas** · 12-16-2006, 10:01 AM

I just answered an ad for an R&B/motown/funk horn band. Always wanted to play this kind of stuff, but have never had the opportunity. Hopefully they'll call me back.

My preferred tone probably doesn't fit the material (I like an open, hi-fi Tony Levin-like sound). To get my tone, I run my Bongo with bass and treble flat, mag pickups in the middle, a bit of piezo and the low mids boosted a bit. I use Slinkys.

So what rules of thumb are there for getting a good motown/R&B sound out of a Bongo? Besides putting flats on, that is.

**bassmonkeee** · 12-16-2006, 10:17 AM

If I am trying for that R&B tone, I'll solo the neck pickup, but the mag/piezo blend at about 70/30 in favor of the mag, cut the treble a tad, and boost the low mids a bit. Add a little bass, depending on the room.

Flats and my BassMute seal the deal, but are not entirely vital. Just some added frosting on an already delicious cake.

**strummer** · 12-16-2006, 11:10 AM

We do some motown stuff, and then I just use the neck PU. As usual no eq on bass or amp.

**adouglas** · 12-16-2006, 11:34 AM

Thanks, guys, that's just what I needed.

You are both gentlemen and scholars.

And knuckleheads.

**tkarter** · 12-17-2006, 09:40 PM

Nothing will cop that sound like the use of a foam mute will. IMHO Easy to use and the front pup it should just jump right out and say hey.

I use a 1and 1/4 inch wide piece of foam rubber just touching the strings right in front of the bridge.
tk

**Colin** · 12-18-2006, 12:22 AM

Motown and r&b now we are talking....

**Hutton** · 12-18-2006, 12:49 AM

To get the James Jamerson sound you will have to adorn your bass with flats and never change them unless they break. That's what James did. He also used a certain bass which we don't mention.

**Caca de Kick** · 12-18-2006, 01:06 AM

My preferred tone has always been like Dave LaRue's since way back 15-16yrs or so. I love Motown, huge fan, but for the question "Getting a good motown/R&B tone?". Well I have an old P for that.

**shamus63** · 12-18-2006, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Colin

Motown and r&b now we are talking....

Hell yeah! When I want the Jamerson tone (or close to it), I cut the treble almost completely off, and finger-pick close to the neck...little-to-no bridge pickup (where applicable).

**Hutton** · 12-18-2006, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Well I have an old P for that.

You mentioned it!

**IkaruShizzlemah** · 12-18-2006, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by adouglas

Besides putting flats on, that is.

Why not flats?????????

Flats are awesome. They are the backbone of Democracy.

Not using flats to play R&B is like telling a peanut butter sandwich "Is there a way to make you taste better? besides putting jelly (grape) on, that is."

Ikaru

**GassieBall** · 12-18-2006, 07:23 AM

Just curious, guys, but sometimes when I play motown or funkier stuff I just keep my Bongo sort of sounding Ray-ish and I kinda like the fresh deodorant tone to it, rather than the flat muted tone. It's different, but neat. Anyone else do this?

**shamus63** · 12-18-2006, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by GassieBall

Just curious, guys, but sometimes when I play motown or funkier stuff I just keep my Bongo sort of sounding Ray-ish and I kinda like the fresh deodorant tone to it, rather than the flat muted tone. It's different, but neat. Anyone else do this?

I gave up the flats a while back...love my Super Slinky's for feel and sustain...but when I'm doing Motown and such, I prefer a lot less high-end tone (even with slapping), adding just enough gain from my amp to keep it nice and warm.