James Jamerson used the same set of flatwound strings that came on his P-Bass for his entire recording stint at Motown. *Never* changed 'em. All those hits. Little Ampeg single fifteen tube amp, forget the real model number of 'em, the tubes flipped upside down into the speaker cabinet for moving, I call 'em "R2-D2's" when one passes over the testbench for a dose of repair TLC. Ultralinear output transformer, black metal cage for the tubes with the light up plexiglass nameplate, chrome plated chassis, the cute little thangs were literally the epitome of US design in that day. Maybe not so powerful by today's standards, but as Motown proved time and again, mic it at the right distance in a good sounding room and that's a take, Jake.

Not only that, but he never had a case for that instrument, either. It hung on a hook in his locker at the studio, which was the only place he played it really, his beloved upright was what he held court with in the Detroit jazz halls at night.


--Mac

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