Gibson Hummingbird

Made in Kalamazoo, MI in early 1965; Solid spruce top, laminated mahoghany sides, solid mahoghany back. 1 9/16" nut. Nitro finish. Mother of Pearl Parallellogram inlays. Adjustable wooden saddle(two screws), screwed down flowered pickguard, tulip style tuning keys. Visually beautiful in it's look and design. Slim neck like electric '335's of that era.
Came with original arched hardshell case(blue lining).

As in other reviews, this is not a loud guitar. But it makes up for it in it's sweet, balanced tone. 1 9/16" nut is a little narrow for fingerpicking, but manageable. When strummed with a pick and a soundhole pickup, the tone is harsh. When fingerpicked and strummed thumb style(like Lindsey Buckingham) through a soundhole pickup and Boss GE-7 equalizer, sounds great. This is a guitar whose sound grows on you over time. Sounds great for pick strumming just mic'ed.

Neck was reset and refretted by Elderly Instruments; they also repaired some cracks in the top, which I guess are common for this model. Neck just needed a slight trussrod adjustment to eliminate some buzzing; now it plays fine. Extensive finish checking on the top, not as much on the back---that patina adds to the mojo of this guitar! Stays in tune perfectly---I'm using light gauge strings. Will watch the bridge over time; the original bridges tended to pull up because of a poor design(not enough wood behind the bridge pins to alleviate the pull of the strings).

Yes, this would withstand live playing---it's done so since 1965! I always have a backup when I do an extensive set, but have taken this guitar by itself to open mics.

They were helpful in my research of the serial number as to when it was made.

Been playing since the mid-1970's; The Hummingbird is a guitar with a special tone palette to your musical arsenal. It doesn't do everything, but has that special sound that the others don't. If I need volume I go for my Martin D28, Taylor 810 revoiced, or Gibson CL-30 or Gibson CL-40(which are great guitars in their own right).
I would not buy a Hummingbird from the 70's or 80's(quality problems, double X-bracing that killed the tone, etc.)---I would buy one made during the Bozeman era('90's to now) if I couldn't afford one up to 1968. It's cool to have one from 1965 with the legacy of those who played this model(Stones) with the music I grew up with. Love that finish checking--if only this guitar could talk of it's experiences!

Mine's a 1973 natural-finish Hummingbird Custom, made in Kalamazoo. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, slim neck, large frets, block inlays (why on earth did they get rid of the trapezoids?).

A very deep, woody tone, with a kind of whispery quality. Hummingbirds were voiced originally to accompany singers and Gibson may have something here. Not the loudest or sparkliest, nor the best for recording - the mids are too overpowering.
There's a lot of accumulated guitar lore, some of it on these pages, about bracing patterns and the supposed failings of 70s 'Birds, and I must admit this one probably isn't the very best. However, I have played early 60s Hummingbirds - the supposed golden era - I'm here to tell you there's not THAT much difference. Really. Mine lacks a little richness in tone and can even sounds rather dry, especially when the strings are old. But it has that identifiable Keith Richards tone (think Wild Horses, Let It Bleed) and when I hear people playing classic Hummingbirds, I recognize the tone. Okay? There is SO much BS talked about vintage guitars. Some definitely have a magic about them, but by no means all. Just because they were made in a certain year is no reason to reject them.

Bought this guitar used and someone has sanded the original lacquer off and left a kind of satin finish, presumably to let it 'breathe'. Hmmm. I may get it refinished one day but it's an expensive job. The Hummingbird's country look is not to everyone's taste but they are iconic guitars and I might make the investment.
Good action, nice neck and frets, very comfortable to play.

I have gigged with this guitar, but I won't be much in future. It's 35 years old, with a very light finish, and I have nightmares about bashing it. Keep it at home for songwriting.

Long past warranty, never dealt with Gibson.

I have been playing 25+ years and for all its failings, I have bonded with this guitar. The thought of selling it is too weird. I exchanged a Gibson Mark Series (unsuccessful 70s experiment) for it originally and I never looked back. My Martin 000-28 is sweeter-sounding and more articulate, but the two complement each other very well. Let's face it, most audiences can't tell a good guitar from a bad one, so I'll probably get a Jap electro-acoustic for live work and keep this baby at home. It has a mojo that can't be beat and with a new set of 13s is lovely to strum.

I am reviewing a 1990 Gibson Hummingbird, that was bought used in 2007. It has the J-45 style/colour sunburst and a classic black pickguard instead of the usual hummingbird guards. It has a spruce top with a mahogany body. MOP inlays all along the fret board. It has one of the biggest bridges I have ever seen on a guitar. Basically it looks like a square bodied J-45 that is all dolled up and ready for prom.

Sounds great anyway you play it. It compliments a singers voice perfectly as well, making it ideal for a singer/songwriter. This guitar sounds terrific whether you are hammering on it or playing quietly late at night.

This guitar was 17 years old when I got it, however it is still the most gorgeous instrument I have ever seen.

This guitar has some flaws. One of the original tuners fell apart and had to be replaced, and there is some lifting on the top of the guitar, breaking the finish where top panel meets the side panel. This guitar will stay in tune forever as long as the humidity is controlled, and it always sounds great.

N/A

I have been playing for 7 years and my previous guitar was a Takamine G-series. I finished school and came into some money and decided to buy a nice solid body guitar. When I saw this particular hummingbird, I was blown away by it's beauty and had to have it. It has a very rich and bright sound, and sounds great whether it is flat-picked, strummed, or finger-picked. I would buy this guitar again in a second.

I ordered this one from the custom shop in Boseman 2007. Really nice, this one. Washed cherry sunburst looks like Sheryl Crows on the video "The first Cut is the Deepest". The sides and back are this amazing quilted mahogany, the likes I have never seen before. The spruce top full of bearclaws. Gold hardware, fancy rosewood fretboard and bridge. Not Brazilian, but looks like it very much. Mahogany neck with a very comfortable medium rounded profile. Almost a slim taper 60's, but a tad deeper. It came in an incredible alligator case of intense construction, nicer than the usual case.

I needed this for live performance, so I had an LR Baggs pickup installed. The tone is bizarre, and it hasn't even "opened up" yet. The baggs pickup delivers maximum frequency response without feedback. A volume knob under the lip of the soundhole.

Perfect! The custom shop can really do it sometimes. They sure went above and beyond on this particular example.

I have had it a year, played live, added a strap bin under the heel, no cracks, very sturdy and strong as Gibson's are. Built like a battleship with high accuracy as to the measurements, so it stays together even under duress.

I ordered it, they built me an even better one than I expected, and had it crafted and delivered in 4 months. That is pretty amazing.

I have had just about every major brand of quality guitar, and many boutique creations by master craftsmen. This guitar is very, very beautiful, but not gawdy like some over inlaid parlor hangers. It sports the look of a regular guitar, but it is so finely made that it just draws attention like no other. No ka oi! Best Gibson acoustic guitar I ever played, let alone owned-well-caretaker of. They do stay here when we pass on. Someone in 100 years will be stoked by the quality in this one. I have no doubt it will last that long, and longer. A Harley D of acoustics. Good on ya, Gibson Montana!

2006 Gibson Hummingbird Historic Edition - Classic Cherry Burst w/ Nitro finish. This particular one is not quite as red as many that you see out there, which I prefer. It has a little more honey, a little less cherry.

BODY
Body Style: Square Shoulder Dreadnought
Top Species: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
Body Binding: 6-ply top, 4-ply back

NECK
Species: Mahogany
Scale: 24-3/4 in.
Profile: Round

FINGERBOARD
Species: Rosewood
Binding: single-ply
Number of Frets: 20
Inlays: MOP Double Parallelograms
Nut Width: 1.725

This is an extremely nice sounding guitar. As some of the other reviews have noted, it is not very loud. If you are playing with a group of D-28's, you will have a hard time being heard. But, this guitar is the perfect accompaniment to the singer/songwriter. I do not have a very loud voice when I sing, so I find this guitar easy to sing with since I do not have to compete with its overall volume. The mahogany body provides a nice clear tone, well suited to match the human voice.

The Hummingbird is very versatile and works well for light and aggressive strumming. Due to the lower volume, it is not well suited for finger picking IMO. I play mostly rock and alt. country (Pete Yorn, Ryan Adams, Wilco) and this guitar suits my style perfectly. I was originally attracted to this model after seeing Pete Yorn play one. It certainly has that Keith Richards tone that many players are going for.

Nice set-up from the factory. I prefer D'Addario strings to the Gibson strings it came with. Once I slaped a set of EJ-16s on her, she was ready to go. One aspect of this guitar I like is the larger frets. They are bigger than those on my J-45 and my Martin 000. This makes it easier to when I place the capo high on the neck (7th or 8th fret) for a few songs that I play. One modification I made was replacing the bridge pins. It still amazes me that Gibson sells you a $2000+ guitar with plastic bridge pins. I bought I set of fossilized ivory pins and the guitar really came to life. Much better sustain and note articulation.

This guitar is built very well. I have bumped it against a few pieces of furniture and have not put a ding in it yet. I would not hesitate to take this guitar to a live performance without a backup. Tuners work well. They do not stay in tune as well as a Waverly, but perform fine. I know Gibson has gotten a lot of flack over the past few years for quality control, but the craftsmanship on this guitar is outstanding. I cannot find a flaw on it. Not even a speck of glue on the inside.

Lifetime warranty through Gibson. I have not had any issues, but have contacted Gibson with questions about other guitars and have found them to be friendly and responsive.

I have been playing for about 5 years. I also own a Gibson J-45 Custom (Adirondack) and a Martin 000-18GE. I love this guitar! I give it a 10 overall because of how well it suits my playing style. When I purchased this guitar, I compared it to a Gibson J-200, Gibson Advanced Jumbo, and Martin D-28. I was almost seduced by the volume of the AJ and D-28, both being rosewood. But over time I have come to appreciate the tone and clarity of mahogany. It may not be the loudest, but if you are singing without amplification, it lets your voice be the star. If I were forced to sell my guitars, this would be the last to go. I would certainly replace it if it were lost or stolen.

I just got this one but have some experience with Hummingbirds as my brother has one. Mine is a '67 Custom with natural spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck. 20 frets on Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The finish is still perfect with minimal crazing and for a 39 year old guitar it looks like something from the late nineties
The Customs were fit with nickel Kluson tuners that have the Gibson "G" engraved on them. MOP double parallelogram fret markers. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret.

Although a little on the quiet side, this guitar has tone you just don't find in newer instruments. Extremely well balanced, warm and sweet tone across the board. This is not a bright sounding box. It is mellow and can cry as well as it sings. I love playing blues and jazz on this beauty and expect that my son will too, when I pass it on.

Set up is just perfect. The action is right where I want it and the neck reminds me of the earlier Les Pauls. Not too wide but shallow so you can really wrap around it. Mother of pearl inlay work is flawless as well as the headstock logo. Binding is in perfect condition and shows no sign of breaking loose. Bone nut and belly-up rosewood bridge round out one great guitar.

Based on its appearasnce and playability, this nearly 40 year old guitar is as solid as the day it was built. I know some of the history of it and it has withstood extensive travel and frequent play. I really think it will last a minimum of another 40 years.

They were very helpful in verifying the serial number and the build year. Have not had experience with their repair services or lifetime warranty.

I've played professionally for 8 years and recreationally for 35 years. I also own an American Deluxe Strat, '67 Guild Starfire, and a beautiful CP Thornton Professional Custom single cut semi-hollow with 2 lindy fralin humbuckers. Various Fender and Traynor amps and some custom cabs.
If my hHummingbird were lost or stolen I would search for a replacement of equal value. Martin and Taylor make outstanding guitars but my Bird simply soars above them. This will remain in my collection for as long as I live.

This review is an update on one I submitted in 2001. While I was very taken with the guitar when new (and no doubt trying to justify the huge expense) I did have some reservations about how quiet the instrument was. It was easily drowned out in loud party sessions by other 'lesser' guitars.

To stick to the format: I have always been very happy with the features of the guitar. I play the guitar a lot and I have been a little surprised at the fretboard wear that is starting to show around the open chords areas. I have also been a little disappointed at the way the pickguard has worn to the point where the 'bird' has virtually disappeared. Having said that I have found the main parts to be very hard wearing and I am surprised at how little the finish has marked. Although I try to be careful with it there are always going to be times when you bang it into something like a table, chair or music stand. The case is solid and durable.

Here is the main reason I have elected to submit a new review. Because of the quietness I have described I deliberately set out to 'open' the guitar up. I discussed the issue with lots of people including a luthier and a guitar technician and excellent player. I put the guitar in my lounge on a wall hanger right next to my stereo and have stored it there full time ever since. (Along with 2 other quality guitars I own) This was a good move as I reach for it more often due to better access. It has taken a long time, but I am now absolutely stoked at the improvement. The combination of constant exposure to musical noise and beats together with over 5 years of regular playing has improved the sound incredibly. This guitar is now the sweetest thing I own. It puts out beautiful melodic tones when I want them. It also punches out crisp and loud when I want it to. It will produce the loud and dirty stuff of rock and roll with a ring and clarity that I really love. I have lately taken to using Martin XP's. They really make the guitar 'bark' when I want it to bark. The sustain is great, to the point that when the music sheet says 'let ring' it really does ring until you hit something else. I have submitted this new review to encourage other guitar owners to allow their instruments to 'open up' properly. Dont despair - try everything!!

I did have some teething troubles with this guitar that are well documented in my earlier review. But these days it rarely needs adjustment and performs flawlessly. Holds tuning very well indeed.

Solid as a rock. All aspects now totally reliable.
No wonder well heeled rock stars like this guitar!

Havent had anything to do with Gibson, or their agents, for over 5 years.

I now own 6 guitars. I have the Gibson, a Martin D16RGT, a Maton 12 string (Brilliant), Yamaha FG180 (very old - see reviews), a Wolf archtop electric and an old classical. The Gibson Hummingbird is out on it's own as a six string acoustic. It's what I tend to reach for all the time. Family and other people around me are sick of hearing me rave about it every time I grab it! My son also plays guitar and heads straight for it every time he calls at our house. I used to say that I wouldnt produce it at drunken sing-alongs - but I do - I am just so happy with it and proud of it that I cant resist it! So after 5 years of ownership it just keeps getting better.

1968 Gibson Hummingbird made in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 20-frets (14-frets clear of the body). Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, back, and sides. Rosewood fingerboard w/ pearl double parallelogram inlays. This one has it's original belly-below bridge with the original rosewood adjustable saddle. It has it's orginal nickel "G" made in Germany (I think Grover) tuners. It is of-course, a square shoulderd dreadnought, with cherry sunburst top, and the super-groovy hummingbird pickguard. I've got the non-invasive (no holes drilled) Fishman rare-earth humbucking pickup in the sound hole.

The sound is very warm...and at the risk of using Gibson marketing terminology..."honey-tone" just about sums it up. It's very even from the bottom end to the top. This one is a log...it weighs a ton for an acoustic guitar...it is much heavier than my friend's SJ-200, or my brothers D-28. For me this is a great flat-picker...It has a very balanced and clear voice but it is way to quiet for fingerpicking.

I got this one used in 2001. It was set up wonderfully...but it was in need of a fret-job...which I had done with jumbo frets that are similar to the factory original. Gibson was in some trouble by 1968 and many collectors feel that workmanship at the Gibson plant was not up to par toward the end of the 60's and even through most of the 80's. This guitar, however, appears to be finished beautifully. All the binding work appears to have been done with great care. The inlays, and back-stripe are all very clean, as is the finish. It does have some finish crazing but it's 38-years old.

I perform at Folk Festivals throughout the south-east (mostly Florida). I've had her in all kinds of weather, temperatures, and humidity...and I've logged considerable hours sitting around the campfire. It's a truly reliable, well made, and durable axe. At gigs I always bring a back-up...but thats mostly in-case I break a string...otherwise this thing is a tank. The only thing I'll add is dont get mosquito repellant on it while your pickin' around the fire...that stuff will screw up the finish on any guitar.

Never had to deal with Gibson. But Gibson has a great reputation for standing by their instruments. My buddy had purchased a used Gibson flat-top (a newer L-series flat-top)and the top caved in on him. He was not the original purchaser...but Gibson replaced it free of charge. *I'll add that he probably did not tell Gibson that he wasnt the orginal purchaser.

I've been playing for 20+ years. I divide my time as an upright-bassist for other acts...and as guitarist in my own outfit. I have a 40's Gretsch archtop, and a newer US Standard Stratocaster. I spit time between all three guitars pretty evenly. There's nothing to ask before buying a Hummingbird. The thing's a looker. You look at it...fall in love...play it...freak out some more...yank out the credit card...and take her home. The greatest thing about a Hummingbird is it's looks...It's flashy...and when you take it out of the case it will almost always start a conversation. The worst thing...I don't know...If I had to pick one thing it would be the adjustable bridge saddle. If I lost it...I'd probably buy a flat-top with rosewood back and sides (a Gibson Advanced Jumbo, or a Martin D-28)...but that's just me...The Hummingbird is a great guitar, and I love owning, and playing mine like crazy.

I have just bought a 1969 Hummingbird. I paid #1000 which I think is a good price at the moment considering the Early to mid 60s birds are being sold for #3500 - #5000 in UK. The only thing that has been changed are the tuners to nickle grovers. And the case was not origanal. It has the slightly wider ajustable brimendge than earlier and later models and the bracing is not as tight as the 70s models which feel very heavy, - I have played the mid 60s humming birds and it is definatley more reminicent of those, even if the tone is not quite as open ( neithers my wallet)
What I really like about this guitar compared to the 70s versions and more recent replicas is that it has a very slim little neck on it, great for small hands (like me). Over all the condition is fair for a 36 year old instrument, It has some cracks on the finish but nothing structural (In my opinon guitars that have been played in and are obviously used! play a lot better than collectors origanals which have been kept in the box).
The neck is actual remarkable condition. One odd feature is that the back of the head stock has a Black tapering down to a v on the neck -Apparently this is not unusual on some models of this age.

Suits my musical style 100% Im a rock / indie songwriter, I use it for mainly Studio work, which Im hoping it will be great for. I struggle to get a good recroded tone out of my Martin. The Hummingbird has a lot neater Tone and the over all response is stronger. It is not as loud as I had expected but handles bass and treble remarkably well.
Another pont worth mentioning is that this guitar works incredibly well with a bug through an amp (not conventional I appreciate but try it!) Iam lucky enough to own an orginal 1955 gibson amp - the sound of the hummingbird through a bug in to the amp sounds amazing.Imagine early Neil young mixed with a bit of Dinasaur Junior.
Likes - every thing - Dislikes - nothing

I gave an 8 because of the age of the instrument - but to be honest I think used guitar look a lot cooler than not.

I think this guitar has many years left in it, altyhough I will not be looking after it, not trawling it around the gig circuit.

This is my dream acoustic - I shall keep it until I die - only thing that would improve it was if it was an early 60s model - but for #1000 I would beg to differ if the difference is worth the extra 3 k youd have to pay. Compared to my Martin it is a better instrument - but then to be fair lets see how the Martin plays in 30 years.
PS: Let face it - Bolan - Keith Richards - liked it so do I, ROCK

2005 Hummingbird. Has blue "Historic Collection" stamp on back of the neck - but came with a regular case, regular serial number, and no COA. I have learned that Gibson is making 480 of these in 2005! 40 per month. So it is not as rare as the Custom Authentics with the long scale, engraved pickguard and plastic tuners that had only 48 made in 2004, but still kind of cool to know the number that will be produced this year. Gibson told me the model features are the same since 2003 (not counting those 48 aforementioned long scale models). It might be the same going farther back - I didn't press them for more details.

The "Custom Collection" stamp feels like marketing gimmick to me. I'm not sure I like it.. feels cheezy (of course if it had special serialization and a COA I'd be ALL DOWN WITH THAT). The stamp I could do without but it's the instrument that counts! It's a good one!

Let me tell you I am just SO happy with the sound of this guitar. My idea of good music is Sister Morphine, Angie etc... Sticky Fingers/Exile on Main Street era Stones.

I've spent a lot of money on nice guitars... had two Martin HD28Vs, a Martin D18V (wish I had kept that one = Nice!), a Lowden F32C. But I could never get the jangly chimey kind of folk/rock sound that I wanted. I read somewhere that Keef played a Hummingbird so I set out to find one. The guitar did not disappoint. Is it as loud as my HD28V? no. But loudness is not everything. I think it sounds just more appropriate to folk/rock than the Martin though. I love it.

The top grain is great - straight and consistent width. The mahogany back has cool figure too. Nice wood! The wood choice on this guitar seems consistent with the Martins I've had. The actual gluing together of the guitar - I'm very impressed... not a drop out of place - the inside looks perfectly clean.

The sort of Iced Tea faded burst is lovely. I wouldn't have minded having a clownburst like some vintage Hummingbirds I've seen, but this finish is very tasteful and one day people will probably look back fondly at this exact finish. It is a beautiful guitar.

The pickguard is painted, not engraved. I think that's cool though... I don't want to pay extra for a hand-painted engraved pickguard. I guess Gibson was up for doing 48 of those, but not 480 :-)

Actually I wouldn't mind if it did have the special pickguard, but I guess it wouldn't be special if EVERYONE had it right?

On a gig... heh heh. I'm a lifetime porch picker, jam with my brother when he's in town a bit. That's all. I feel this guitar, my HD28V, and my 58RI Les Paul will all outlive me and who knows, when my kids are old and they don't have so much rosewood, ebony, spruce, maple and mahogany around they might be worth real money. I will leave them to my kids (hey I have 4 kids but only THREE primo guitars... hmmmm...I wonder if for the good of the team I should buy a Custom Shop Nocaster to round things out?)

Gibson customer service has always been really cool and down to earth with me. I love Gibson - very accessible.

I'm pretty sure I have a lifetime warranty but I better go read up about that. Gold Warranty whatever that is.

I've been playing since I was a teenager. I wish I had bought a Gibson Hummingbird early on...15 years ago. I feel like it is the acoustic I always wanted.

I'd buy another one. I actually was wanting to get a real early 60s Hummingbird but I played one in a store and the neck was too thin - didn't like it. This modern version is very nice though - highly recommended. If I could only keep this OR my HD28V it would be a hard call but I think I'd keep the Gibson.