jamerson without going flat.

[lolaviola]

The Hook:
I dunno about strings, I just lurk here, but I really think the right hand is 89% and strings are 11% of the sound.
As far as the Jamerson right hand sound, there was muting on the bass bridge, not with the palm.
Position the bass so your right hand is close to the belly.
Play near the neck, as if on upright.
Use one finger, but play chord tones.
Someone else said use the side of your finger.
Treat your strings with scotchbrite and baby oil; no gumbo required ;~)

 

[Hamrhed]

im dyin' over here on that one. ill just give the flats a rub down with some hot wings and they should be good.

im just looking for SOME kinda texture on my strings. not much but some

Actually a good idea to some: Bosco Mann- who plays w/ the Dap-Kings and runs Dap Tone records, does that very thing for his soulful round tone... french fries, chicken grease, whatever

I would try some TI Flats... they are much easier to slide around on than 99% of the rounds out there and they will be easier to get a Jamerson tone than rounds. I will say that the smoothest feeling rounds Ive used lately have been Ken Smith Burners, and they break in nicely- try those for smooth feel and sound if you just cant go to flats!

 

[One Drop]

I have two flat equipped Ps, one with Jamersons and the other with FL760s. The Jamerson one gets me as close as any bass will to his sound, without having his hands and his high action.

The one wearing the lighter Labellas gets a lot closer than any other flats I've tried on a P besides the Jamersons, I'd recommend them over another brand of flats if you don't want the tension of the Jamersons. Either way a mute at the bridge is an absolute necessity to get the thump and roundness of each note; palm and left hand muting can sound amazing but don't replicate the Jamerson tone. Part of his tone was from hitting the strings pretty hard most of the time, you can hear the attack clearly on some recordings, especially when isolated. it also helps the note to drop off quicker, leaving space between the notes even on faster lines.

It all comes down to how close you want to sound- personally I think his tone is one of the most glorious sounds on the planet, just an incredible mix of thump, heaviness and just enough clarity and definition, and it gives me such a kick to get anywhere near to that sound when playing Motown style soul.

 

[mntngrown]

Carvin carries La Bella tapewounds they say are acoustic bass strings but don't let that slow you down. 25 bucks or so and due to their shipping price grab a few other things too and if you live outside CA no tax. Definitely flatish and smooth to play either out of the box or soon thereafter. Use your imagination on stuff you think might be sticky or draggy. Wear em down a bit with a rough rag or scotchbrite pad and avoid the breakin period. Lemon oil you fretboard,(sparingly) with the strings still on! If our 60's heroes put BBQ sauce on their flats what are you afraid of? Worn in Chromes are smooth and fast.