Ep19: Synth Sounds of Bruno Mars: "Finesse", "24K Magic" & "Uptown Funk" | Reverb

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Bruno Mars reigns the airwaves with hits like "Uptown Funk" (alongside producer Mark Ronson), "Finesse" (featuring Cardi B) & "24K Magic," the Grammy-winning single off the Grammy-winning album of the same name. So can we solve the mystery of what makes these jams so infectious? Will Kurk investigates in the latest edition of #SynthSoundsOf. Don't believe us? Just watch.
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Some photos used from Turnlab: reverb.com/sho...

[@darklordthomaspie6293]

I love funk music, and I am glad that Bruno Mars is helping to bring it back.

[@lucaserojas]

William, we need a series dedicated just to Kraftwerk and Daft Punk.

[@onzatroy999]

We do!

[@orange5718]

And when the world needed them most, they vanished

[@RogerHeathers]

Kraftpunk

[@austinallen3110]

2:15 When your toaster strudel is toasted just right

[@Reverb]

Can anything be as good as a perfectly toasted strudel, though?

[@marcusatiusvirilis7723]

Ok, that's epic

[@YoungBlaze]

6:57 When your Toaster Strudel has been Burned

[@ashleygant3641]

Bruh savage

[@euclid9492]

Nothing better than that my guy

[@caelanhenry2233]

I love the smile when he's using the orchestra hit

[@VenusVoice]

I've been in creative depression for the past five years and this morning, I got up and the first I wanted to do was produce music. Thanks for the video to help me stay motivated and inspired. Please pray for me 🙌

[@wrenguitar2813]

This man is a legitimate god tier musician. What a lesson

[@jo_ni_kay]

Shampoo, Press & Curl (Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Brody Brown) were producers on all the 24K Magic album. The Stereotypes were credited with helping to produce three tracks on the album. Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, and Bruno Mars produced Uptown Funk. Uptown Funk had an interesting combination of drums (Bruno Mars) and bass (Jamareo Artis) along with synth drums and synth bass. The horns were live.

[@KaizerVevo]

A taste of 80's and a dip of modern pop music!

[@thejesuschrist]

Glorious!

[@morioh6505]

Dafaq r u doin here?? I thought you were a meme guy

[@atomsasapat]

how did you get here

[@ChesttRockkwell]

Jesus Christ!

[@MinusTwoPoints]

Jesus... you are indeed everywhere

[@lftysm8374]

Jesus!

[@theawesomebrick]

“Don’t you want one of these synths?” Yes, yes I do, but wanting one and affording one is a different story

[@bhaveshtochabbra6853]

Many problems, One solution- Arturia v collection.

[@jesuslovestoastyaya]

Check out UHE Diva! Best sounding plugin to emulate all of these synths

[@AudioReplica2023]

For all of those saying: uh...it doesn't sounds the same. Let me remind you he is using the sounds right out of the synths to the video. In the production versions ....this sounds have been processed heavily with Eq's, compressors and even used a different reverb on them. All of that to make them sit tight in the final mix. So thats the reason they dont sound exactly the same.

[@SoFloCichlids]

I know this is an old video but man Bruno Mars if one of the best of my generation.

[@andrewnibbi]

“I think it’s made with the Moog Model D, so we’ll use the Moog Sub 37, a modern synth which has a completely different architecture which isn’t supposed to sound anything like the model D.”

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

Andrew Nibbi 😭😭😭

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

@Luke Lol not a battle I would even involve myself with bro. I have no problem with it personally. Just thought the comment was hilarious. I doubt anyone in their right mind would settle for the Sub 37 if they had the means to grab a mini, but if the Sub 37 was the best they could do at a certain point in time (& they didn’t mind the “cut corners”/sonic differences), I think the decision would obviously depend on the end user & how they choose to invest their money.

[@ClemensWennersMusic]

Oh dear. Basically everything is wrong again.. Bruno used a Juno almost exclusively on 24k and Uptown Funk for example. You played most of the parts wrong too.. I know this is about the sounds but they actually didn't sound like the records at all. I want this series to absolutely be the bomb but it unfortunately just isn't...

[@marcoravelli5397]

Agree.

[@jazzfunkyplayer]

Same. It is possible to tweak sounds much closer to original (I own Moog sub37). First I was exited about this video, but man... sounds are just not good enough. And parts are not correct either

[@MegaSniv]

absolutely Juno, I can tell by the chorus

[@fundementalroast7002]

Guy's you are being way too critical! This was a fun and interesting video showcasing what can be achieved with commercially available synths and VST's.

[@ClemensWennersMusic]

@@fundementalroast7002 No man, sorry. This is called 'synth sounds of'. All the sounds are off, just like in previous installments. For example, you could get MUCH closer to the Bruno Mars synth sound with the FREE Juno VSTi from TAL for example. A free emulation of the synth Bruno ACTUALLY used on these tracks, go figure! Like I said, I would LOVE to see this series being all awesome and correct and actually showing people how the sounds are made and the parts are played. But they're both not unfortunately.

[@blu2th101]

Teddy’s not one of the pioneers. He’s completely responsible for New Jack Swing. That being said, this is a dope series. I’ve been waiting for someone to do this. Definition subscribed.

[@TheJamZCooler]

Man! i rarely comment on vids but i enjoyed that so much. So informative and Just fun to listen to and watch! Im a novice piano player, you've opened up my world to the sound of the synthesizer! Thanks! BIG LOVE!

[@vfx7t]

when I was a child, it made me dream these keyboards, I had energy to compose but I had no luck to acquire them not only these were too expensive, but it was impossible for me to easily find in Algeria Africa, nowadays I have them all plugin but I do not have the energy of yesteryear to compose, the age of 50 is shit lol finally thank you for sharing :)) google translate french english thank you :D

[@muhdfaiz7637]

All these sounds can get in Nexus 3 and Slyenth 1 and simply use with only 1 midi keyboard...the future of VSTs...loving it

[@robjornayvaz8178]

This dude is literally THE BEST

[@TheRoneZone]

But can we just talk about how, Finesse and 24K Magic are both much better than Uptown Funk....?

[@nocturnal7345]

@Shashwat mishra Nah, Perm is legit the best one, and super underrated.

[@RickNP]

yes perm

[@oscar2k755]

Versace on the floor>>>>>>>>>>>

[@ProdigyProductionsMusic]

I don't appreciate u callin me a honey dip...lolol anyhow, I do appreciate the toaster strudel dance you hit @2:15

[@morpsox]

Love learning more about synths Everytime I watch this

[@jaderene]

Me too

[@YTOW85]

@@jaderene me forty

[@KG88KiteGodMusic]

2:15 when it's your first day on the job at Mcdonalds and all the patties start burning at once

[@jasonwilliamson1396]

FACT CHECKS: Teddy Riley was "super pivotal"? Dude invented it!!!!! Jimmy Jam just tried to copy the drums, but they had their own more melodic r&B sound. But just look up the history of New Jack Swing. AND the most iconic sound of New Jack was actually the Lately Bass on the Yamaha TX Module Hands down most important New Jack Sound!

[@mrpruitt4]

QSC Caddy Same thing I was thinking! It is so disrespectful not to call Teddy Riley the inventor of his OWN GENRE! He’s not a pivotal person, he’s the inventor!

[@ILLCLAPYOCHEEKSBOI]

Yea i was confused by that

[@johnpalmercreates]

Steve Jobs was in the room when apple was created lol

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

John Palmer 😭😭😭

[@BboySalamon]

How I love 1980's Electro Discofunk, thanks a lot👍🎶🎵🎼🎹

[@carlosvinueza8733]

Your videos make me learn a lot😍 Thanks for that

[@tuckertotter7652]

You said we all wanted to see Uptown Funk but you had me at Synth Sounds of Bruno Mars

[@CostasKletsides]

I used to feel bad about the sounds I make on my channel. Not that I don't suck anymore but this series of videos made me feel a bit better about my work.

[@BobWijnen]

Making a good synth sound for horns is unbelievably hard, as this version of Uptown Funk proves. My reference would be that synth brass sound of I wanna dance with somebody, which sounds more like a synth than like real horns.

[@Ainobolic]

Funky BASSLINES .. Groovy Hi Hats .... = Smooooth!

[@ksager123]

my god that room is a musician's heaven

[@damienlobb85]

Thank you for this. But a few things. 24k was produced predominantly by Shampoo Press & Curl (Bruno, Lawrence Brown, Chris B Brown). There's a video of Bruno in the studio showing many of the keyboards used on the album including a Juno for the brass, Moog for bass etc.

[@___David___Savian]

I did not know that the lead singer of the group Cameo did music analysis videos on KZbin. Good for him.

[@splitpeaks_music]

Mars used the Juno 106 for the synth brass stabs on 24K Magic.

[@steffenherold754]

You mean The Stereotypes used the Juno 106 ;)

[@underdog2400]

That moment you wait for the Korg Minilogue to get used..... #priceless!

[@SomalieDXB]

UNDERDOG THE DJ I only watched the video for that 😂

[@motif123456]

Great entertaining video overall....Plus cannot praise enough of the versatality achieved by using keyboard synths nowadays in the context of music making ,which this vdo has so beautifully demonstrated.

[@markymark2189]

You have the best reverb channel.

[@tomslater8374]

get this man all the synths for these videos, he deserves them all for these videos

[@pakiaoo7]

Cool but I thought you were going to reproduce the same sounds, some are completely different

[@DevinShoulders]

Yea I was thinking the same thing

[@ThePabloaw]

@@DevinShoulders same here

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Put a shirt on

[@XleeHS]

remember the time is just so YES

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

Please, Please, PLEASE can we have a Christmas special where you do a synth breakdown of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time"? I've wanted that for long. Such beautiful analogue synth goodness in that tune! :D

[@StrongThompson]

Yes! Do this!

[@dcurry7287]

Point Break has a pretty solid one.

[@arlingtonhynes]

That’s literally the single worst record in history.

[@domgreen1859]

such a good idea!

[@Grayham4]

Yes.

[@chandeleerjet5637]

🔥 I watched Mark Ronsons masterclass on BBC Maestro and he showed that they used a Juno 106 and a minimoog on Uptown Funk. Your patches sounded just like it bit the stabs and all the synth parts were his Juno 106 and maybe a Juno 60 arp. He didnt show the orchestra hits but said they worked on it for 9 months and had a bunch of arguments on the song with Jeff Bhasker and Bruno just to go back to what they had in the first day. Mark explains how he hated the “bumbudumbubudum” part bruno introduced but after sleeping on it realized that it was one of the main hooks of the song.

[@kcarmical]

I love your videos! The tunes are great and each is a lesson in pop music history.

[@georgewaltermusic]

This guy has the best job.

[@TRIANGLEMUSIK]

That's a smashing carpet.

[@aidensaroka7268]

The dancing is the best part of the whole video.

[@chrishepburn1503]

Must have been live horns in Uptown Funk.

[@Reverb]

There was a time when we would swear Mark Ronson didn't travel anyplace without a full brass section at the ready.

[@horowizard]

Of course those are live horns. The Dap Kings to be certain. Better to use a sample if you're going to recreate it with Keyboards.

[@joemca7917]

I did see a video of them performing with real horns

[@TallicaMan1986]

If you have the money. Go for the real thing everytime. It'll sound better.

[@2beJT]

the horn sound used here made my ears poop

[@suadcokljat1045]

50% of 80s sound is in drums sounds and production, mostly heavy processed with FX processor machines and gated reverbs and plates such as Lexicon 480L, PCM70, AMS, Eventide H3000... All this FX boxes are second to none even today.

[@TheChopShopPodcast]

can't thank you guys enough for the presets, so many VIBES!!!!!!!

[@hunterrogersmusic]

Thanks for the help!

[@picturegracecolb5525]

Indeed, GREAT Sounds! Thanks! Jan/ 10, 2022

[@you-tubero]

Junos were definitely used for the stabs and background high pitched sounds in 24k

[@nasihulwan1223]

4:14 i get how you feel fo that sound man

[@sonsoffunk4437]

Bruh Teddy Riely started new jack swing

[@piercewilkins4898]

Brass stabs are the Roland Juno. There’s a video interview of Bruno going over 24k magic

[@Mike_the_Barbarian]

He's back! Been too long.. Bring us More!

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

Loved the dance moves and yeah new jack swing was amazing.

[@meclazine]

First class. Love the bass synth parts.

[@Cherrytea558]

Love the Novation Bass Station. Such great sound.

[@T0bh]

For 24k the Minimoog was used for the bass, and the Roland Juno 106 for the brass.

[@bennethos]

Loved the energy , the smiling and the explanations . Great vid

[@alextbuck7]

They listened to my request! This is awesome!!!

[@yeguor]

Absolutely

[@tomchukk]

When thriller, take on me, save a prayer and the safety dance will be? I’ll wait

[@TheSkinnyLovers]

i love your videos. Keep this stuff coming. So helpful and fun.

[@noizyme]

More Synths Sounds in 2019! Love the series.

[@alexbolster7765]

love this guy

[@JamesDiamondDurant]

The bass sound in Finesse is the Yamaha TX81z, at least that’s what it sounds like. The bass sound is called Lately Bass. The Orchestra Hit in the day was the Akai S900. 24 k Magic is Oberheim Brass. Uptown Funk is definitely Oberheim Brass. If you layer the JV brass with the JX Regal Brass you’ll recreate those horns. Nice tutorial.

[@DanG626]

William: Now they could have used the Biddly-Boo KZX 80, or the Jimtom DSR 7, but luckily for this video we’re gonna patch the J-20 into the Moog Delta Synth for the same effect Me: Naturally

[@GarretGravink]

That ending was dope!

[@fnonaka]

What a music lesson! Thanks!

[@miguelbarradas]

This video was so cool

[@kennylee5621]

the drums on "Finesse" were sampled from "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe

[@garyholdsworth53]

William, we love you and your synth vids. One time, I would just like to have you focus on the gigging keys player, that doesn't have the luxury of tons of add-ins at his/her fingertips, drums live, instead of machine, and has to make many compromises. Because, like playing these Bruno tunes (which I do live) I have to decide sometimes which sounds I keep, and which I just cannot do because I only have two hands, and in most cases, the max of two keyboards. Oh, and I would point out that I love your gliss-up slide on Uptown, but you also need to do that on 24K for some of those synth stab parts. Carry on and keep keepin it synth!

[@Reverb]

That's a fantastic idea, thanks Gary!

[@djdrwatson]

1:05 Keith Sweat's 'I Want Her' is perhaps a better reference as a song being at the forefront of New Jack Swing. A popular bass used in New Jack Swing was the "I21 Lately Bass" from the Yamaha TX81Z.

[@flowerthief269]

I love all the gear

[@Zer0Spinn]

I love this man

[@MakeMajor]

phenomenal, just what i was looking for. thank you so much for this. +1 SUB

[@GarciansVortex]

will always killing it

[@nnataliered]

ahhh I just LOOVE his music

[@JacobGagoOfficial]

This guy is the best spokesman

[@barsoktay2119]

If anyone interested, Umut Erhan's 24K Magic video is the best i've seen in recreations.

[@pboutteb3]

Teddy Riley was the founder of New Jack Swing. Hence also the movie New Jack City.

[@yanetriosmusic]

I’m so amazed at all these synthesizers lol

[@BCRilakuma]

In Bruno documentary 24k synth brass is Roland Juno-106

[@quentinkoons]

which documentary?

[@riccardodamian]

On Uptown Funk you cover all the synths that don't exist on the song BUT the one that is actually there in the chorus :)

[@Des_Armoni]

Best one yet

[@CruelBuddhist]

4:14 :) Love that feeling

[@stuartphelps3293]

My favorite synth in uptown is that ghost busters type pad in the chorus.

[@apexlegendsglobal]

So much Inspiration here I Love the old sounds combine to modern music this what I wanna try now Becuse iam sick of trap really I wanna made some different bring the music back from our heart to the feeling what music can be ❤️

[@oddities-whatnot]

Great setup.

[@RyanLoredo100]

Video title should be "sounds of zapp and roger and teddy riley"

[@collierough1]

I've been waiting and waiting for ya , Great

[@oxiplasty]

The live bass got a groove that always sends me back to MJ of the wall

[@rordrom3234]

Yesss, this will be great! Step on my good foot, good lord!

[@robertkielty5094]

I'm too busy. TOO BUSY. So I just the like button.

[@jamesg872]

More Will Kirk videos please.

[@aftereffects00]

Awesome !

[@prod.willianscheer]

amazing!

[@themadduck8784]

I've been trying to figure out what that Finesse bass is for like a year, you're a lifesaver! Sometimes you just can't do everything with Xfer Serum despite my attempts lol

[@trrawww8829]

the way this guy dances at 2:16 is too funny