Techniques of 50’s & 60’s country players.

[Sartana]

If one were to try and emulate the technique/style/sound of the electric bass players of the 1950’s and 1960’s, what would you recommend? I have a ’62 Fender Jazz bass reissue and a mid 60’s Magnatone with flatwound strings on them. I think I am good there. I seem to have read that many of them used picks….is that correct? As to amps, I am guessing that an Ampeg Portaflex or Fender Showman will do the trick. Underpowered by today’s standards I know but for practice and club settings I am guessing it should work.

Any thoughts?

James

[AGCurry]

Except for whether or not to use a pick, you're not talking about technique - you're talking about gear.

Using a pick was NOT common. What you're more likely thinking of is the baritone guitar, those picked tic-tac parts with palm muting and lots of reverb.

In the 50s the vast majority of country records were made with upright bass.

Beginning about 1962, the Fender Precision began to be heard more. Flatwound strings, finger style, and most important, understated parts!

[zachbass02]

as for gear, if you really want to get that sound from then, loose the jazz and pick up an old precision bass.....as much as I love my jazz and the tone of the jazz bass with flats, it doesn't truly capture that era's tone and sound.....