"I've got a Fender Concert amp from the '60s, the one Joe Osborn used. He played his bass through it"

Johnny Rivers is referencing a particular piece of musical equipment, a Fender Concert amplifier from the 1960s. The Fender Concert amp, renowned for its clarity, warmth, and responsiveness, became prominent among musicians in that era. By specifying the decade, Rivers points to the amp’s vintage status, suggesting both historical value and a distinctive tonal quality associated with that period’s craftsmanship. Amplifiers from the 1960s are sought after by musicians and collectors for their unique sound signature, durability, and their place in the history of popular music.

Rivers draws a direct connection between his own amp and Joe Osborn, a legendary Los Angeles studio bassist. Osborn’s name carries significant weight in the music industry due to his extensive session work with artists like The Mamas & the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Carpenters, among many others. Osborn was known not only for his melodic playing but also for his signature sound, achieved in part through his choice of equipment. By highlighting that Osborn played his bass through this very model of amplifier, Rivers implies a lineage of tone and musicality running through the gear. This detail indicates that Rivers values authenticity and perhaps draws inspiration from the sonic legacy associated with Osborn.

Mentioning that Osborn played his bass through the amp subtly underlines its versatility and quality, since guitar amplifiers are traditionally designed for electric guitar, not bass. However, in the hands of masterful players, unconventional pairings of instrument and equipment can give birth to distinctive tones. For Rivers, owning and using an amp associated with both a specific era and a musical hero speaks not only to his taste in equipment but also to his appreciation for the artistry and technical ingenuity of the musicians who came before him. The quote is both a reflection on the influence of past musicians and a nod to the enduring relevance of vintage technology in shaping modern sound.