It’s true that when it comes to acoustic instruments, few companies can match the Gibson name. Their products are popular among both beginners and experienced musicians alike.
Having been around since the early 1960s, the Hummingbird is one of Gibson’s most iconic models. So if you’re thinking about picking up this guitar, make sure you read our guide first.
The Gibson Hummingbird is a classic dreadnought-style acoustic guitar. It has a large body that provides a rich, full sound and it is ideal for fingerpicking and strumming. This model works well for a variety of genres, including country, folk, rock, and blues. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Gibson Hummingbird.
We’ll start by talking about the history of special guitar and how it became one of Gibson’s most iconic models. Then, we’ll discuss the different features that make the Hummingbird unique and give you some tips on how to choose the right Hummingbird for your specific needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not the Gibson Hummingbird is the right choice for you.
Let’s get started!
History
First introduced in the early 1960s, the acoustic dreadnought-style Gibson Hummingbird quickly became one of Gibson’s most popular models due to its unique sound and ability to be used for a variety of genres. The Hummingbird is known for its rich, full sound, and it is used by both fingerpicking and strumming players. It is also a popular choice for country, folk, rock, and blues musicians.
The Hummingbird was originally designed as a response to the popularity of competitor Martin’s D-28 model. The goal was to create an instrument that had a similar sound while still having its own unique identity. To achieve this, Gibson gave the Hummingbird a square shoulder dreadnought body shape and a unique pickguard design. They also used different woods for the top, back, and sides of the guitar. The result was a distinctive sounding instrument that quickly became a favourite among musicians.
In the 1970s, Gibson updated the Hummingbird with a thinner body and a cutaway design. This new model was known as the Hummingbird Pro and it quickly became one of Gibson’s best-selling guitars.
Today, the Hummingbird is still one of Gibson’s most popular models, used by some of the world’s most iconic musicians.
Features
The Gibson Hummingbird has a number of features that make it unique. These include:
- Dreadnought body shape: The Hummingbird has a square shoulder dreadnought body shape. This gives it a rich, full sound that is ideal for fingerpicking and strumming.
- Unique pickguard design: The Hummingbird has a unique pickguard design that is based on the Gibson Flying V.
- Different woods used for the top, back, and sides: The Hummingbird is made with different woods for the top, back, and sides in order to give it a unique sound that is different from other acoustic guitars.
- Thinner body: The Hummingbird has a thinner body than other dreadnought-style guitars. This makes it more comfortable to play and gives it a more balanced sound.
- Cutaway design: The Hummingbird has a cutaway design that makes it easier to reach the higher frets.
When to Choose the Gibson Hummingbird
There are a few things to consider when deciding if the Gibson Hummingbird is right for your needs.
The first is to identify what type of music you want to play. The Hummingbird is a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, but it excels at fingerpicking and strumming. If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar that can do it all, then the Hummingbird is a great choice.
The next thing to consider is your budget. The Hummingbird is a high-quality guitar, but it is also one of the more expensive models in Gibson’s lineup. If you’re on a tight budget, then you may want to consider another model. However, if you’re willing to spend the extra money, you’ll be getting a top-notch instrument that will last for years to come — a real investment..
No matter what your budget or musical needs are, the Gibson Hummingbird is a great choice for any serious musician. With its unique sound and versatile design, it’s an instrument that is built to last and that will help you take your music to the next level.