Ho Hey

The recording

‘Ho Hey’ was recorded in 2012 with Kevin Augunas engineering and mixing at Bear Creek Studios. The acoustic guitars were captured using a LR Baggs M1 soundhole pickup combined with a pair of condenser microphones, delivering a warm, natural tone that sits just behind the vocal chants. The signal was routed through a Fishman Loudbox Performer before being sent to the console, preserving clarity while adding a slight boost. A light percussive strum with a capoed rhythm gives the song its driving folk feel.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

Gibson Hummingbird

Acoustic Guitar

Wesley Schultz’s acoustic rhythm on ‘Ho Hey’ was played on a Gibson Hummingbird, delivering the warm, full‑bodied strum heard throughout the track.

LR Baggs M1 soundhole pickup

Pickup

The acoustic signal was captured via an LR Baggs M1 soundhole pickup, which Schultz says matches his natural guitar tone and was used for the recording of ‘Ho Hey’.

Fishman Loudbox Performer

Acoustic Amplifier

The pickup signal was fed into a Fishman Loudbox Performer, a portable PA/amplifier that added clean warmth to the acoustic tone on the track.

Alternatives

Epiphone Hummingbird

Budget alternative · for the Gibson Hummingbird

$750 to $900

Fishman Loudbox Mini

Budget alternative · for the Fishman Loudbox Performer

$450 to $550

LR Baggs Anthem

Modern equivalent · for the LR Baggs M1 soundhole pickup

$300 to $350

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Strum with a pick near the bridge to achieve a bright, articulate attack.
2. 2.Place a capo on the 5th fret (or as needed) to match the recorded key.
3. 3.Use a relaxed, percussive strum motion, letting the pick bounce off the strings.
4. 4.Blend the pickup and microphone signals (if possible) to capture both body and articulation.
5. 5.Keep the volume moderate; the recorded tone sits just behind the vocals.