What guitar did The Lumineers use on Ho Hey?

The Lumineers used a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar for the rhythm guitar parts on "Ho Hey." This classic dreadnought acoustic is known for its warm, balanced tone with strong midrange presence.

How to get The Lumineers Ho Hey guitar tone?

To recreate the "Ho Hey" guitar tone, use a dreadnought acoustic guitar (preferably a Gibson J-45 or similar), record with a large-diaphragm condenser microphone like a Neumann U87, and apply gentle optical compression with something like an LA-2A. The key is capturing the natural warmth of the acoustic while using subtle compression to even out the dynamics.

What studio was Ho Hey recorded at?

"Ho Hey" was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington, with Ryan Hadlock serving as both producer and engineer. Bear Creek is known for its warm, natural acoustic recording environment.

What microphone was used to record Ho Hey acoustic guitar?

A Neumann U87 large-diaphragm condenser microphone was used to capture the acoustic guitar on "Ho Hey." This classic studio microphone is prized for its detailed yet warm sound on acoustic instruments.

What compressor was used on The Lumineers Ho Hey?

The acoustic guitar on "Ho Hey" was processed through a Teletronix LA-2A optical tube compressor. This vintage-style compressor added the subtle, musical compression that helps give the track its smooth, consistent feel.

rhythm guitar from "ho hey" by the lumineers

ho hey

the lumineers

rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

Acoustic guitar with a warm, slightly compressed tone, providing a solid rhythmic foundation for the song. The sound is intimate and natural, emphasizing the raw, organic feel of the recording.

Shop This Rig

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Gibson J-45(instrument)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Teletronix LA-2A(processing)

The Story

The rhythm guitar on "Ho Hey" was recorded at Bear Creek Studio with producer/engineer Ryan Hadlock using a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar. The signal chain included a Neumann U87 microphone and Teletronix LA-2A compressor, which contributed to the warm, slightly compressed sound that provides the song's rhythmic foundation.

Production Credits

Producer: Ryan Hadlock

Engineer: Ryan Hadlock

Recorded at: Bear Creek Studio, Woodinville, WA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson J-45Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Processing: Teletronix LA-2AShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a high-quality acoustic guitar, preferably a Gibson J-45 or similar model.
Use a large-diaphragm condenser microphone like the Neumann U87 positioned a foot or two away from the guitar.
Apply gentle compression using a Teletronix LA-2A or similar compressor plugin to smooth out the dynamics without squashing the sound.
Adjust EQ to taste, focusing on the low-mid frequencies to add warmth and body.

Original Gear

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Gibson J-45Shop on Reverb(guitar)
Neumann U87Shop on Reverb(mic)
Teletronix LA-2AShop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone J-45 StudioShop on Reverb$300-$400

Alternative to: Gibson J-45

Budget alternative that captures the mahogany back/sides and sitka spruce top combination of the original J-45 with similar warm, balanced tone

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Large-diaphragm condenser with multiple polar patterns that delivers detailed acoustic guitar capture at a fraction of the U87's cost

Universal Audio LA-2A Collection PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Teletronix LA-2A

Authentic emulation of the original tube/optical compressor used on the track, providing the same smooth, musical compression character

Rode K2 ProShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Premium tube condenser microphone that offers the warmth and presence needed for intimate acoustic guitar recording similar to the U87

Warm Audio WA-2AShop on Reverb$800-$900