Yes, Paul Revere and the Raiders primarily played their own instruments during their recording sessions and live performances.
The band established itself as a group of genuine musicians who were deeply involved in the creation of their sound. Unlike some groups of their era that might have relied heavily on uncredited studio musicians, the core members of Paul Revere and the Raiders were hands-on with their instruments.
The Raiders' Approach to Recording
Throughout their active years, Paul Revere and the Raiders maintained a significant presence on their own recordings. Their process involved the direct participation of the band members:
- Active Participation: The instrumentalists in the band were consistently present in the studio, performing their own parts for the songs. This ensured that the unique musical style of the Raiders was genuinely captured by the band members themselves.
- Augmentation, Not Replacement: While it was common for outside musicians to contribute to recordings to enhance or "augment" the sound, these additions did not replace the band's core instrumentalists. Any extra players were brought in to enrich the sonic landscape, not to perform the primary instrumental duties that belonged to the band members.
- Playing Their "Chops": The members were dedicated to playing their own "chops" – a term referring to their instrumental skill and performance parts. This commitment underscored their role as true musicians within the group, contributing directly to their chart-topping hits and distinctive sound.
This commitment to playing their own instruments was a significant aspect of Paul Revere and the Raiders' identity, solidifying their reputation as a talented and authentic musical ensemble.