What guitar did Bon Iver use on Skinny Love?

Justin Vernon used a Gibson acoustic guitar during the For Emma, Forever Ago sessions at his Wisconsin cabin. The specific model hasn't been definitively confirmed in interviews, but it was recorded with close-miking to capture the intimate fingerpicked sound.

How to get Bon Iver's acoustic guitar tone on Skinny Love?

Focus on close-miking a warm acoustic guitar with a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Apply gentle optical-style compression to even out dynamics and add subtle warmth. The intimate sound comes from minimal room ambience and detailed midrange capture.

What microphone was used to record Skinny Love?

A Neumann U87 condenser microphone was used to record the acoustic guitar on 'Skinny Love.' This microphone choice contributed to the detailed, warm character of the recording through its smooth frequency response and ability to capture subtle playing nuances.

Where was Bon Iver's Skinny Love recorded?

Skinny Love was recorded at Justin Vernon's remote cabin in northwestern Wisconsin, which he called April Base Studios. The album was self-recorded during a winter retreat in 2006-2007, contributing to its intimate, isolated sound character.

What compression was used on Skinny Love acoustic guitar?

The acoustic guitar features gentle compression that evens out the dynamics while maintaining natural playing feel. While the exact hardware isn't confirmed, the smooth, musical compression suggests optical-style processing similar to an LA-2A compressor.

rhythm guitar from "skinny love" by bon iver

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rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

A warm and intimate acoustic guitar sound, characterized by its soft attack, detailed mid-range, and a gentle, slightly compressed dynamic that provides a sense of closeness and vulnerability.

Shop This Rig

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Gibson Acoustic Guitar(instrument)
Neumann U87(microphone)
LA-2A(compressor)

The Story

Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love' was recorded at Justin Vernon's remote cabin (April Base) in northwestern Wisconsin as part of his self-recorded For Emma, Forever Ago album. Vernon used minimal equipment during these winter cabin sessions, recording the acoustic guitar with close-miking techniques to capture the intimate, detailed sound that became characteristic of the album. The warm, compressed quality comes from both the recording approach and gentle processing applied during the self-produced mixing process.

Production Credits

Producer: Justin Vernon

Engineer: Sean Carey

Recorded at: April Base Studios, Fall Creek, Wisconsin

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Acoustic GuitarShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a high-quality acoustic guitar with warm tonal characteristics.
Experiment with microphone placement, focusing on capturing both the body and neck of the guitar.
Use a condenser microphone with a smooth frequency response, such as a Neumann U87 or similar.
Apply gentle compression to control dynamics and add sustain.
Consider using a touch of EQ to subtly enhance the guitar's natural warmth and clarity.

Original Gear

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Gibson Acoustic GuitarShop on Reverb(guitar)
Neumann U87Shop on Reverb(mic)
LA-2AShop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Audio-Technica AT4040Shop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Neumann U87 condenser microphone

Large diaphragm condenser with warm character and detailed midrange response perfect for intimate acoustic recording

Taylor 814ceShop on Reverb$4000-$4500

Alternative to: Gibson Acoustic Guitar

Premium acoustic with balanced tone and clear articulation that works well for fingerpicked indie folk styles

Waves CLA-2A PluginPlugin Boutique$30-$50

Alternative to: LA-2A style compression

Optical compressor emulation that provides the gentle, musical compression characteristic of this warm acoustic tone

Yamaha FG830Shop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Gibson Acoustic Guitar

Budget-friendly dreadnought with solid spruce top that delivers warm, full-bodied tone suitable for fingerpicking

Rode ProcasterShop on Reverb$800-$900