Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (27)
$3,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$3,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$3,532.74 New
$2,600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,999.00
zZounds
$3,999.00
Thomann
4.5 (4)
$3,399.00
Gear4Music
£2,999.00

Average Price: $3,647

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Hummingbird". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tones and timeless design of the Gibson Hummingbird. An iconic acoustic guitar, the Hummingbird has been a staple of the music scene for over half a century, treasured for its robust, square-shoulder dreadnought body, and distinctive, full-bodied voice.

The Gibson Hummingbird artfully combines tradition and innovation. Its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides echo the tonewood formula that first made the Hummingbird a star, producing a deep, clear resonance that only improves with time. The bold, balanced tone is brought beautifully into the 21st century with the addition of the LR Baggs VTC Element pickup system, offering natural amplified sound perfect for gigging and recording.

Every aspect of the Hummingbird Original is meticulously designed for an exceptional playing experience. The slim mahogany neck, 1.725" nut width, and belly bridge all enhance playability, while the compensated saddle improves intonation accuracy and clarity.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides for a rich, full sound
  • LR Baggs VTC Element pickup system for natural amplified tone
  • Square shoulder dreadnought body shape for a bold, unique look
  • Slim Mahogany neck and 1.725" nut width for comfortable, easy playing
  • Belly bridge and compensated saddle for accurate intonation and clarity
  • Premium appointments including gold Gotoh Keystone tuners and double antiqued binding
  • Available in Antique Natural or Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Top Wood Sitka Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Scalloped X-bracing
Binding Multi-ply top/back
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Rounded
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Parallelograms
Number of Frets 20, Standard
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.725"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Rosewood
Tuning Machines Gotoh Keystone
Electronics LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
Strings Gibson, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Gibson Hummingbird's construction?

The Gibson Hummingbird features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, contributing to its rich, full-bodied tone and deep bass response.

How does the Gibson Hummingbird's scale length affect playability?

The Gibson Hummingbird has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly softer string tension and a more comfortable playing experience, especially for those with smaller hands.

What electronics are included in the Gibson Hummingbird?

The Gibson Hummingbird is equipped with an LR Baggs VTC under saddle pickup, providing natural acoustic sound amplification suitable for live performances.

Is the Gibson Hummingbird suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Gibson Hummingbird's balanced tone and responsive dynamics make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and warmth across the frequency spectrum.

Does the Gibson Hummingbird come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Hummingbird comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

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Gibson Custom Hummingbird Honey Burst Review

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Guitar of the Day: 2022 Gibson Hummingbird

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Normans Rare Guitars

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Gibson Montana Hummingbird Heritage Sunburst | CME Gear Demo | Shelby Pollard

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Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for How the Gibson Hummingbird Changed the World ★ Acoustic Tuesday #134 by Tony Polecastro

How the Gibson Hummingbird Changed the World ★ Acoustic Tuesday #134

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Tony Polecastro

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Gibson Acoustic Comparison | Hummingbird vs. Dove

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Alamo Music Center

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Gibson Hummingbird Demo & Review

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Gibson Hummingbird Original for 2020

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J45 vs Hummingbird : Only One Gibson Is Staying

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Blake Mansfield

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Gibson Hummingbird (Sunburst) - Every Classic Rock Song in One Guitar!

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Gibson Hummingbird vs Martin D18 | Guitar Battles

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The Fellowship of Acoustics

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2011 Gibson "Hummingbird" HCS

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Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry

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Peach Guitars

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Gibson Hummingbird Original 'Heritage Cherry' Acoustic Electric Guitar

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Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for The NEW Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst with Luthier Daniel Ott by Guitarplace Aschaffenburg

The NEW Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst with Luthier Daniel Ott

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Guitarplace Aschaffenburg

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Video thumbnail for Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst - Rimmers Music | Talk & Tones With James by Rimmers Music

Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst - Rimmers Music | Talk & Tones With James

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Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte - Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte - Gibson Hummingbird Original Heritage Cherry Sunburst

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Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic design with a unique, hand-etched pickguard admired by many owners

  • Rich, full-bodied sound with a balance between bright and dark tones

  • Warm, resonant mahogany back and sides project an amazing tone

  • Inspiring aesthetics and craftsmanship make it a joy to own and play

  • Ideal for fingerpicking and strumming, with superb action praised by players

  • Durable and reliable, often considered a lifetime keeper or family heirloom

  • Excellent playability that encourages frequent use and musical exploration

  • L.R. Baggs electronics provide great sound quality for amplified performances

CONS

  • High purchase price, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers

  • Some setups may require adjustments for action out of the factory

  • Occasional minor cosmetic issues, like rough edges or unfinished areas

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Hummingbird.

Comparisons

  • The Gibson Hummingbird is described as sounding quieter and more muffled compared to the Dove, which is noted for its versatility and brighter tone.

    Source
  • The Hummingbird's shorter 24.75" scale is contrasted with the Dove's longer 25.5" scale, affecting playability and tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Faded models are not lower-tier; they're structurally similar to originals, unlike studio versions with concert depth.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that playing a Gibson Hummingbird may not meet expectations unless tried in person, as similar models can vary significantly in sound and feel.

    Source
  • Some owners mention that the Hummingbird reinvigorated their passion for playing, highlighting its emotional impact beyond technical specifications.

    Source
  • Owners who prefer satin finishes find the faded series offers superior resonance and sustain compared to gloss finishes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's observed that used Hummingbirds can maintain value, with prices on platforms like Reverb indicating appreciation over time.

    Source
  • The faded version is priced lower primarily due to reduced labor in polishing the finish to gloss, not due to inferior build.

    Source

Build quality

  • Special models have a semi-gloss finish and a thinner body depth, distinguishing them from original Hummingbirds.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Faded models maintain a true nitrocellulose finish built to 50s specifications, contributing to resonance and sustain.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: The 2016 Gibson Hummingbird Vintage Model Is a High-Flying Acoustic Guitar [VIDEO] | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The 2016 Gibson Hummingbird Vintage is a high-flying acoustic that impresses with its warm, balanced voice and impeccable craftsmanship. This modern iteration boasts smooth playability, a torrefied Sitka spruce top for vintage tonal properties, and a flawless build that includes a perfect rounded neck profile and scalloped bracing. While the aged aesthetic isn't for everyone, with some preferring a fresh look, the guitar's sound clarity and evenness across registers make it a standout for both strumming and fingerpicking. Minor quibbles aside, it's a beautifully crafted instrument with a strong old-school vibe and optimal modern playability.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 45 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
T

Good solid guitar

Love it. A little pricy. But the sound is rich. You can feel the quality between this and the Epiphone.

Roles:
Genres:
musicman101

my secret weapon

The action on this acoustic is to dream for. While many Martins and Taylors have the driving, gritty tone, my hummingbird has a great balance between bright and dark tonalities. Personally, this is the ideal fingerpicking acoustic, and like I said to start with, the action is superb. I play right at the edge of the sound hole towards the saddle to get a clear, yet warm-enveloping tone. I have written countless songs on this instrument because it is certainly inspiring just to own it and look at it. This guitar will last me a lifetime.

T

Booming sound

Great full bodied sound and resonance from this beauty. Great for performances when you’re playing with the guitar not mic’d up, and acoustic jamming (guitar pulls).

howard_jeffrey

2013 Hummingbird True Vintage (Custom Shop)

She's finally opening up. Fundamental tone is all there. There are weeks this is the only guitar I play.

oliver_bachmaier

THE BEST ACOUSTIC

The best of the best Acoustics i ve ever had

danlaurens

Gibson Hummingbird

My Hummingbird is 16 years ago. added a piezzo pickup and preamp inside (not visible)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Gibson Hummingbird

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Dave Grohl is performing an acoustic version of Everlong for the first time ever, live on the Howard Stern Show in 1997. He is using a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar in a natural finish, as evidenced by the pickguard shape and designs, fretboard pearl parallelogram inlays, and headstock (seen somewhat clearly at 1:24 into the video).

See how Jack White uses Gibson Hummingbird

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The White Stripes

...
Verified via Gibson

Jack White plays the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar on the Cold Mountain soundtrack, as highlighted in the Gibson article "You Don’t Know Jack: 10 Essential Performances from Jack White."

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson Hummingbird

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Twitter

In this picture, take it from Green Day's "Cuatro!", we can see Billie Joe playing his Gibson Hummingbird

See how Jonny Greenwood uses Gibson Hummingbird

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood used a Gibson Hummingbird guitar, originally Thom Yorke's, during the Haiti Benefit show for the performance of "Faust Arp." This is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

See how Thom Yorke uses Gibson Hummingbird

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Thom is using a Gibson Hummingbird in this photo.

See how Dan Auerbach uses Gibson Hummingbird

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Auerbach can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird.

See how Jerry Cantrell uses Gibson Hummingbird

Jerry Cantrell

Singer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via YouTube

During the credits of this interview with Gibson, Jerry Cantrell can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird.

See how Keith Richards uses Gibson Hummingbird

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Keith can be seen in this image playing a Gibson Hummingbird. Gibson writes in this article "Or, depending on your taste in guitar heroes, the foundation of the Hummingbird mystique may have been laid by Keith Richards. He has preferred the ’Bird as his acoustic guitar of choice since 1964, and the model has fueled such famous Rolling Stones cuts as 'Street Fighting Man,' 'Not Fade Away,' 'Brown Sugar,' 'Angie,' 'Wild Horses' and 'Jumping Jack Flash.'"

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson Hummingbird

Mark Knopfler

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified

Mark Knopfler purchased this acoustic guitar from Rudolph Prankl of Guitar Relics of N.Y. Inc. in Bethpage, New York, in October 2005. Snapped for his online studio diaries, Knopfler's 1960s acoustic was photographed by keyboardist and album co-producer Guy Fletcher as one of a group of guitars used during album recording sessions at British Grove Studios in 2008-9.

The Hummingbird was used by guitarist Richard Bennett to record the bonus track The living end, from Knopfler's solo album One deep river. From time to time, Knopfler kept this guitar in his study for home use.

See how Chris Cornell uses Gibson Hummingbird

Chris Cornell

Guitarist, Singer

Soundgarden

...
Verified via YouTube

Soundgarden's Chris Cornell can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird in this video for Like a Stone.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Gibson Hummingbird

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

"Two behind the flagship that is the J-200 this guitar has a very balanced sound and is great for recording. Very few maple back and side versions were made in this period that overlapped the Dove model. This guitar can be heard on the Sloe Gin album on a song called…'Around the Bend,'" Joe Bonomassa says, on his website.

See how J Mascis uses Gibson Hummingbird

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

This guitar can be seen at many times during the video for Is it Done from his 2011 solo album Several Shades of Why.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Hummingbird, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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carlos_garcia

carlos_garcia

Gear IQ 30

david_savage

david_savage

Gear IQ 58

A

akidcalledoutlaw

Gear IQ 1662

lehimacs

lehimacs

Gear IQ 449

rain_jaudon

rain_jaudon

Gear IQ 341

1 alternative for Gibson Hummingbird, curated by the Equipboard community.

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