Riff Tone

Keep Your Head Up

Ben Howard

Guitarother2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarMartin D-28 (1970s)

AmpFender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface, studio recording)

PickupsPiezo undersaddle pickup (stock Martin D-28, likely Fishman or similar for studio use)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayStrymon Strymon Brigadier Delay

reverbStrymon Strymon Big Sky Reverb

overdriveWay Huge Way Huge Green Rhino Overdrive

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2011. Ben Howard used his 1970s Martin D-28 acoustic with a piezo pickup into a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp. Effects were added via pedals, not amp. Signal chain based on direct interview and studio details.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatelush and ambientpercussive fingerstyle claritywarm acoustic resonanceshimmering chorus texturedynamic and expressivefull-bodied acoustic tonestudio clarityslight overdrive for presencerich reverb and delay tails

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle skills, including percussive slaps, alternate tuning familiarity, and precise timing for the rhythmic groove.

Sources

Ben Howard talks tones, tantrums and orchestral guitars | MusicRadar Ben Howard's Guitar Gear Guitar Gear/Pedals : r/benhoward

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