Gibson Hummingbird Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
The Gibson Hummingbird is a classic troubadour's guitar. With a Solid Sitka Spruce top and Solid Mahogany back and sides, the Hummingbird sounds fantastic.
Overall User Ratings (based on 56 ratings)
Submitted August 31, 2014 by Gary B in Seattle, WA
"Gibson Hummingbird: A classic from Gibson Montana "
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Got this as a Blemished Model. Looked it over very closely and could not find anything wrong with it other than some surface marks on the bottom edge that polished out easily.
Sound
Sound is not boomy but balanced; the 'highs' are distinct and the lows measured but there in a good way. Sounds good thru an acoustic amp or unplugged. It's not a 'Cannon' but it's not meant to be, and that's totally OK.
Features
It's got an LR Baggs PU system that sounds great. I like the fretboard inlays, color of the Rosewood fretboard and the 'burst' which only Gibson can do well in my book.
I like the feel of the neck and the 1 3/4" nut width.
Ease of Use
Action was good right out of the case. Plays easily.
Quality
It's made well…Gibson has come a long way to keep their quality consistent. Should last a lifetime with proper care in a correct humidified environment.
Value
It's kind of pricey but as a blem I saved about $900, which I thought was a great option from paying retail.
Manufacturer Support
this is a 'blem' model so the warranty will not apply. I've got a good Luthier so I'm not worried.
The Wow Factor
It's got the 'Bling' in classic looks and the sound to support it!
Musical Background:
coffeehouse musician
Musical Style:
folk, folk/rock, contemporary
11 of 11 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted February 11, 2015 by Dave H in Redmond, WA
"Gibson Hummingbird"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've found that quality control at Gibson (like Fender) is not super great and there tends to be quite a bit variation between instruments. At least more variation than I would like, particularly at this price point. There is variation in fit/finish (namely the color/intensity of the burst finish and the quality of the wood used for their tops). I also find that some Hummingbirds just sound better than others. And whereas I've found comparably priced models with Taylor and Martin to be virtually flawless, I can see some minor nits in construction. But you have to really look for them (and be extremely picky like me). All of this makes it difficult in my mind to buy online. I sent the first Hummingbird back as it had a clearly inferior wood top. There was one grain line that was significantly darker than the rest and just looked strange. If you looked closer at it, you could see how this created flaws in the finish (pocking). It also sounded pretty compressed and lifeless. I sent it back and the replacement was much, much better - a superior instrument in every way.
Sound
I've only had the opportunity to play the Hummingbird unplugged so far and the tone is great - better, in fact than any of the other Hummingbirds I've tried. I find acoustic guitars made of mahogany are not as wide sounding in general as those made of rosewood or maple and the same holds true of the Hummingbird. I like the rich complexity of those mids and feel that tone profile really works well in an amplified band setting. The lows are tight and balanced while the highs are controlled and musical. The instrument is very dynamic, responding well regardless of pick/fingers or being played louder/softer. And the Hummingbird is a really good balance of warmth, richness and clarity. I've got a Taylor that I like slightly better from a tone perspective (it's a bit more rich) - I felt the same about the Martin EC model as well. The Hummingbird comes in a close #2 to these, in my mind - but I could see why others would prefer the Gibson instead. They're al certainly top notch, great sounding instruments.
Features
You can certainly read about all of these online, so won't regurgitate that here. Two things I would love to see on this guitar. First is there is no front strap button - not sure why, but that would make things easier. The second is the tuners. The ones used work, but I much prefer the plastic tulip style tuners they used on these back in the 1960's - either the vintage green or white ones. I'll replace these at some point.
Ease of Use
The Hummingbird has a pretty typical neck profile - think and beefy. Not my favorite, but I know some really like that. It also has a bit of that sticky/tacky finish that my Les Paul has. I much prefer the more electric guitar-like profile and satin finish of my Taylor. I can make it work - but this is the only thing about the Hummingbird I really don't absolutely love.
Quality
The Hummingbird is an extremely well made instrument. There are a few really, really minor nits that I could call out, but won't. It's 99.5% perfect in terms of construction, fit and finish. I was a little bit disappointed with the case - it was just a bit rough and not super high quality like the guitar itself (but workable). I think it could use a bit of set-up work - I wonder if the nut could be re-cut and action brought down a bit overall. I have a tech who is very good and made every high end instrument I own better.
Value
I think it's right in line with the competition. It's expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for.
Manufacturer Support
I have never had to deal with Gibson directly, so cannot comment.
The Wow Factor
I absolutely believe the Hummingbird is, hands-down, the best looking acoustic guitar on the market. It is extremely well built and an instrument that I consider a life-time instrument.
Musical Background:
Played bass and guitar (electric and acoustic) - both in bands and solo for 20 years
Musical Style:
Country, rock and blues
12 of 13 people (92%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 10, 2014 by Joseph Mizzi in Tonopah, NV
"2014 Hummingbird"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Just got my Hummingbird today, and I am very happy with it.Saved $800 by getting the Blemished version, and can not find anything wrong on this guitar, maybe someone just returned it. Action is a little high as others have stated. Came with all paperwork, extra strings, key fob and pick. Did not give 5 stars for support because I haven't had to use it on any of my 3 Gibsons.
Musical Background:
many years,self taught,but just a novice.Acoustic,and electric
Musical Style:
all kinds
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 23, 2014 by Gary B in Seattle, WA
"Gibson Hummingbird: A classic from Gibson Montana"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This was purchased as a 'Blemished' Model…but I could not find anything wrong with it when it arrived. My only thought was that the color is more 'Honeyburst' than 'Heritage Cherry Sunburst'….the previous buyer might not have liked the Honeyburst and returned it. Mine at least is not a Heritage Cherry Sunburst color like the ones on the zzounds website.
I was unsure what I would find when it came, but it was just like new.
Sound
I used to have a Gibson 'Hummingbird Artist'---less in price but not really a true Hummingbird. The "real" Gibson Hummingbird is just that---got a wonderful sound much better than the Hummingbird Artist.
This was the first time I had purchased a 'Blemished' instrument and I was pleasantly surprised, as some Hummingbirds I had played locally did not sound good at all. I had a '65 Gibson Hummingbird that sounded great but the nut width was way too narrow(the one's back in the mid to late '60's were 1 9/16". I sold it.
The Gibson Montana Hummingbirds do not have a sound like the '60's ones, but they are built better and their sound is just as good…just a different palette to your ears.
Features
Set up nicely with light strings, it's got a smooth sound to it that resonates nicely. It's hard to put down! Got a voice unique from my other guitars. I see that the pick guard image is not painted on top(it wore off easily and Gibson got a lot of complaints) but it's somehow underneath the pick guard plastic or has some kind of clear coat over it so it won't wear off. The MOP on the fretboard is beautiful, as is the pattern of the rosewood on the fretboard. I like the 1 3/4" nut width and the neck profile.
Ease of Use
Nice action; LR Baggs p.u. works fine. It's a good system that's simple.
Quality
Nitro finish well done; seems to be built solid all around.
Value
The 'Blem' model is definitely worth it; I saved about $900. Yet I don't know if I would pay $3100 for this, even though it's a nice guitar to play.
Manufacturer Support
Have not dealt with them; this 'Blemished' model is not covered under warranty so I won't have much contact I don't think.
The Wow Factor
It's got the Gibson sound and the Gibson 'bling' to boot. The Honeyburst color is a bit different, but I'm warming up to it with it's subtle hues. But the sound is key---and with this one(and Gibsons don't all sound great) is a 'keeper'. I wish the pick guard was actually etched and painted like the old ones were, but it's probably a cost factor to be had on only the higher priced models now.
Musical Background:
30+years Coffeehouse musician
Musical Style:
folk, folk-rock, contemporary
6 of 7 people (86%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted November 12, 2012 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Gibson Humming Bird Guitar"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sounded great right out of the case. Set up was right on. Easy to play all the way up the neck. Plugged into amp and the tone never changed sounded clean and clear. Could not be happier with my pick.
Musical Style:
country, bluegrass,
6 of 8 people (75%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted October 5, 2015 by Steve Minor in Ona, WV
"Gibson Hummingbird"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am learning to play guitar and chose to learn on the best platform I could afford, so after reading everything I could find that rated acoustic guitars and visiting businesses that sell guitars, I settled on the Hummingbird. I have NOT been disappointed in the guitar for any reason. To me, it handles better than high dollar Martins, Taylors, ect., and the tone is wonderful ! Fit and finish is superb also. In short, it is everything I could have hoped for in a FIRST Gibson acoustic guitar. I HAVE experienced a problem with the fit and finish of the hardcase, which is manufactured in Canada. After consulting with Gibson over the period of nearly a month, they have agreed to ship a new case to me. On the other hand, zZounds offered immediately, when I explained the problem to them, to accept the hardcase and guitar as a return and ship a new set back to me.... I thought that was OUTSTANDING customer service ! I'm glad I haven't had to go that route because I became instantly attached to the Hummingbird I received, but it is nice to know zZounds stands behind what they sell and is willing to make customer problems right. I believe I will continue to do business with zZounds for any future guitar purchases.
Musical Background:
I used to play trumpet years ago. Just now seriously taking up guitar.
Musical Style:
Country, blues, hymns......
2 of 3 people (67%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted October 27, 2012 by Richard S in Cranston, RI
"Sweetest Guitar that I ever had the opportunity to play"
I taught myself to play the guitar after 5 or 6 years of classical piano lessons and I had friends playing so I had an interest, but also had the talent to be able to transfer my musical skills from the keyboard to the neck and frets. I played all through the years and even when in college in Albuquerque, NM and working my way as a Bartender/Waiter in a big Steakhouse, I started up a Monday Late Night HAPPY HOUR with drink specials and local entertainment. When we couldn't book a Name Act, I would rent sound equipment and Sing & Play myself. I was always well received, but I always thought it was as much the way that Gibson Hummingbird looked and sounded as well as me that they liked.
Musical Background:
Since age 6 Piano 5 years classical training, Guitar since and Piano
Musical Style:
Finger Picking & Flat Picking some allot of Paul Simon type Eagles, trying to label it but can't. Had a Hummingbird from when
2 of 4 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted December 17, 2013 by Charlie Sweat in Jacksonville, FL
"Gibson Hummingbird"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am very pleased with my purchase from Zzsounds.com. The support staff was very helpful, my guitar came in on time and it was packed very well to prevent damage.
Musical Background:
Guitar & Harmonica
Musical Style:
Blues
of 1 people (0%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted March 29, 2006 by a customer from verizon.net
"Go elsewhere"
I am not satisfied.
Sound
I own a 1967 Hummingbird and can honestly say that the new ones cannot compare. My vintage bird has tones that knock the socks off the new ones. Harmonically the vintage is superior. The new ones are hollow sounding, with less sustain and less bass response, making it sound too bright or tinny. The neck, however, is still very nice.
Features
The pick guard, which is supposed to be the visual marquis of this guitar, wore of almost instantly.
Ease of Use
Like I said, it can't compare to the older ones made in Kalamazoo.
Quality
Compared to other guitars of the same price range, I would go for a Martin or a Larivee.
Value
Not worth it.
Manufacturer Support
When I asked about the pick guard wearing off so fast, they said that's the way it is.
The Wow Factor
Keep it.
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
blues
5 of 16 people (31%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted March 2, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com
Gibson Hummingbird Guitar Customer Review
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I give only a nine overall because of it's volume. My Martins don't have that melt-in-your-mouth sound, but they have plenty of volume.
Sound
The sound is unparalleled, but it's not as loud as a Martin.
Features
It's a guitar. It's got six strings, a neck, and a hole. Every guitar I've ever played has these, so I can't really say a Hummingbird is any better than any other.
Ease of Use
It is indeed easy to play.
Quality
The reason I wound up on this site is because I'm hunting a good repairman. The bridge is slowly, but surely coming loose. I don't really blame Gibson, though. I bought this guitar in a pawn shop and it was easy to see it had been abused, but that was 30 years ago. It sounded until about a year ago when I noticed I was having to continually tune it, then I began to notice the bridge coming up.
Value
Hard to say if it's really worth two or three thousand. I have a four hundred dollar Tex-Mex Strat that I'll keep ahead of my Hummingbird, my two Martins, and my Les Paul.
Manufacturer Support
As of yet I have not found the support I'd hoped I would.
The Wow Factor
Definitely a beautiful guitar.
Musical Background:
all the above
Musical Style:
mostly gospel, bluegrass, classic rock
1 of 12 people (8%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted April 21, 2011
"A Dream Come True"
Sound
The Hummingbird is a great sounding guitar like they say, it has a very balanced and well blended sound across the sound spectrem of the dreadnought style guitars!!! I am so pleased with mine,and it's very pretty to look at!!! I own a D-45 Martin and it has more substain and volume and more flashto it, but it's rosewood, and the Hummingbird is Mahogany, so you know it will be different in sound. I also own a Martin HD-28 and it's a fantastic guitar too, but the Hummingbird is my favorite for playing while singing because it has the looks and a great sound with good substain and it blends really well for singing it louder than a Taylor but softer and a little less volume than a martin in other words it's a true win,win guitar for me!!!
Features
Came with a deluxe hard shell case (not the less desireable molded plastic) but the classic kind, padded with a plush blue interior (real sharp)and Gibson embosement on the outside lid top.
Manufacturer Support
So for there has been no reason to use support!!!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Southern Gospel and Country & Folk & Bluegrass Gospel
30 of 33 people (91%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted January 26, 2008
"Consider This"
Don't get me wrong i love this guitar however if you are into bluegrass (and that's it) it may not be what you are looking for this guitar has a wonderful sweet balanced tone like i sad that is capable for any style i say go for it you wont be dissapointed.
Sound
Great sweet sound, this guitar is not designed to be loud and boomy great to go along with any style of music. The hummingbird sounds great either alone or plugged in i can't get enough.
Features
A beautiful sounding acoustic with a built in pickup that isn't visible from the outside. Comes with and excellent hardshell case.
Ease of Use
This guitar is great for strumming along to any song and has the ability to play any style of music, however it is not taylored to any specific style and will not overpower the human voice. Action is good i exprimented with lowering the action but ended up setting it back to factory standards.
Quality
I will own this guitar forever because i know it will outlast me beautifully put together all the pices fit together so smoothe and the entire instrument appears seemless. Go Gibson!
Value
this guitar is beautiful sounds good and is somewhat of a legend however it is pricey.
Manufacturer Support
I have not had any issues with this guitar so i cannot adequately answer. I gave support a ten because i dont know and innoscent until proven guilty.
The Wow Factor
I love it, i wanted it and i bought it. it really is a stunning instrument the pictures on the web don't do it justice. The finish on all Gibson's is wonderful i wouldn't want it any other way.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, Country, Bluegrass
12 of 12 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted December 28, 2006 by a customer from aol.com
"The only family that stayed with me when I was broken,down and out,my beautiful Hummingbird,It kept me alive to see new days."
See above.
Sound
If you play in a reflective area or record and play back at your ears,my hummingbird sounds like a baby grand in an empty audatorium with just my bare fingers.A set of finger picks hurts my ears on this guiter.The sound is sharp and accurate as it engulfs your being.There is nothing else in the world when it speaks true.
Features
the materiels are all natural and of the highest quality obtainable.
Ease of Use
For me,and I am of medium stature,it took some time finding a seat on this saddle,and it is a mount that needs my attention every day,or it will leave me.Without commitment,it doesent' work,butif I am true to her and play no other,the music is the best of my capability.
Quality
Flawless! on the road? how are you on the road?
Value
The extra that one pays for a premium American product is soon forgotten with the pleasures and pride given back with each use.However the money wasted on an inferior foreign nockoff is an open wound that will always be remembered!
Manufacturer Support
I have not had the pleasure for they did it right the first time.
The Wow Factor
It is a perfect balance of design and craftmanship,with only the artist missing.Sex has nothing to do with it,here we have a {Best Friend}This is something given away or passed down,not resold!
Musical Background:
lonely singer since forever,early 60's begining with a pawn shop capital that I won in a pool game.
Musical Style:
Billy Boye,Georgia
33 of 40 people (83%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Please wait.