That Motown Sound - Page 4 - Vintage Drum Forum

That Motown Sound Last viewed: 17 hours ago

Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

When I was a kid in the mid sixties ,early seventies, I could pick out a Motown song or groove as soon as it came on the radio, which I also think was a part of the sound we remember. Listening to my little plastic transistor radio not even in stereo, is far different than on an I-pad today.

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Posted on 10 years ago

#31

Sanityclause

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Joined 12 years ago

Posts: 455 Threads: 77

From OddBall

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OK I think I know what you mean now. And you`re right about transition, throughout the sixties Drums went from three ply to five or six and Remo was making plastic heads which most went from calf to plastic. Those two will change the sound of the drum for sure. Also I think Motown was a "groove"(lots of clapping) and had a lot to do with the hands and wrist.

This is true too, but I was more referring to the transition of music genres, hence the similar tuning to a jazz and big band guys. Those drums to my ears sound like the reso on the toms are tuned way up and they are pretty open sounding. Same with the bass drums during the earlier era...

I think its interesting the way that "drum sounds" were manipulated through the years by producers and flavor of the day. IMO, I am drawn to the sound of big band drums, that's the way drums were meant to sound. Nice open and acoustically beautiful. I also love the different sounds that Beatles got, completely muffled with towls etc...but all my drums that I use to practice and play in my studio are wide open with the reso head tuned higher than the batter to get that nice open sound.

My sound changes to suit the music I'm recording and I enjoy working on drums to make them sound the best for the job.

I can't think of any other instrument that has been manipulated more over the years. Drums sounds have gone from wide open to completely muffled, compressed to hell, back to muffled and back to open again. Sizes, from 28" bass drums down to 18".... Now most of the work I do today for singer songwriters want dead toms and snare drums...The swing back to unported big 26" bass drums is nice too!!! Ya gotta love this instrument!

Posted on 10 years ago

#32

blairndrums

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Joined 19 years ago

Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

I used to buy a lot of the Supreme's 45's when they would just come out....

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"

Posted on 10 years ago

#33

Purdie Shuffle

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Joined 13 years ago

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From blairndrums

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I used to buy a lot of the Supreme's 45's when they would just come out....

Although not strictly 'Motown' per se, I was like that with the Ronettes (Ronnie Spector, best 'girl group' on the planet,) and 'Little Stevie Wonder.' Stevie Wonder was amazing all his life, but especially so in his early years. Always great drum sounds on those records.

Back to Motown...

John

Too many great drums to list here!

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Posted on 10 years ago

#34

PopsOldSkins

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Joined 15 years ago

Posts: 721 Threads: 30

And the Pointer Sisters are coming to town new Years eve.

Joe

“I did not trip and fall. I attacked the floor and I believe I am winning.”

Posted on 10 years ago