The Jamerson Bass Rig

James Jamerson was the session acoustic/electric bass player for most of the Motown hits during their peak years. He started out primarily an upright bass player, but eventually switched to a 1962 Fender Precision bass (dubbed "The Funk Machine"). This was played sometimes into an Ampeg B-15N Portaflex amp, and other times directly into the mixer. Regardless of the instrument, his technique was pretty much always the same - index finger only ("The Hook"). Give this a try next time you're air bassing to "I Was Made to Love Her" or "Reach Out"; after you fail miserably, go rent a copy of "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" to learn more about James and the Funk Brothers.

Being a fan of Motown, a gearhog, and a bass player, it was just a matter of time before I acquired the same rig for myself. Here's a pic of my Ampeg B-15N and '62 reissue Precision bass:

The original basses came with a foamy strip that adhered under the bridge plate to prevent excessive ringing/sustain. This is probably the most important thing you can do if you want the Jamerson sound; I just cut a piece off my Sobakawa foam pillow and stuffed it under the plate. After this, adjust the amp to minimal treble, trim your nails to the quick (gross but worth it), put on flatwound strings, and be in awe with your new 60s/70s bass sound*.

* This assumes you're not going for the west coast / Carol Kaye bass sound, which requires a pick and funny eyeglasses.