Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
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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
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What type of wood is used in the Gibson Hummingbird's construction?
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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.
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How does the Gibson Hummingbird's scale length affect playability?
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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.
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What electronics are included in the Gibson Hummingbird?
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The Gibson Hummingbird is equipped with an LR Baggs VTC under saddle pickup, providing natural acoustic sound amplification suitable for live performances.
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Is the Gibson Hummingbird suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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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.
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Does the Gibson Hummingbird come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson Hummingbird comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Gibson Hummingbird vs Martin D18 - which is the best acoustic guitar?
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic design with a unique, hand-etched pickguard admired by many owners
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Rich, full-bodied sound with a balance between bright and dark tones
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Warm, resonant mahogany back and sides project an amazing tone
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Inspiring aesthetics and craftsmanship make it a joy to own and play
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Ideal for fingerpicking and strumming, with superb action praised by players
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Durable and reliable, often considered a lifetime keeper or family heirloom
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Excellent playability that encourages frequent use and musical exploration
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L.R. Baggs electronics provide great sound quality for amplified performances
CONS
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High purchase price, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers
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Some setups may require adjustments for action out of the factory
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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
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The Gibson Hummingbird is described as sounding quieter and more muffled compared to the Dove, which is noted for its versatility and brighter tone.
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The Hummingbird's shorter 24.75" scale is contrasted with the Dove's longer 25.5" scale, affecting playability and tonal characteristics.
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Faded models are not lower-tier; they're structurally similar to originals, unlike studio versions with concert depth.
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User experience
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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.
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Some owners mention that the Hummingbird reinvigorated their passion for playing, highlighting its emotional impact beyond technical specifications.
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Owners who prefer satin finishes find the faded series offers superior resonance and sustain compared to gloss finishes.
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Value and pricing
Build quality
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Special models have a semi-gloss finish and a thinner body depth, distinguishing them from original Hummingbirds.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 45 Ratings
103
150
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.
143
106
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.
215
Gibson Hummingbird
My Hummingbird is 16 years ago. added a piezzo pickup and preamp inside (not visible)
Artist usage
Add artist
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).
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."
In this picture, take it from Green Day's "Cuatro!", we can see Billie Joe playing his Gibson Hummingbird
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.
During the credits of this interview with Gibson, Jerry Cantrell can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird.
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.'"
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.
Soundgarden's Chris Cornell can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird in this video for Like a Stone.
"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.
Album Usage
The Gibson Hummingbird has been featured on the following albums:
Greetings From Your Hometown
Jonas Brothers & Nick Jonas & Joe Jonas & Kevin Jonas (2025)
Hippie Sunshine
Kasabian (2025)
One Deep River
Mark Knopfler (2024)
Sonnet
Richard Ashcroft (2021)
Eye in the Sky
John's Children (2021)
Trio
Jake Shimabukuro & Dave Preston (2020)
Dancing Without You
Bastian Baker (2020)
Howl
Alex Vargas (2020)
Lebón & Co.
David Lebón (2019)
Opus
Al Di Meola (2018)
The Invisible
Ravenscry (2017)
As You Were (Deluxe Edition)
Liam Gallagher (2017)
WALLS
Kings of Leon (2016)
Acoustic
Simple Minds (2016)
Wild Ones (Deluxe)
Kip Moore (2015)
48:13
Kasabian (2014)
Pride
Rea Garvey (2014)
Where You Stand
Travis (2013)
Ruby
Cheap Girls (2012)
A Banquet for Ghosts
Matthew Mayfield (2012)
Black and White America
Lenny Kravitz (2011)
Several Shades of Why
J Mascis (2011)
Acoustic EP
Mat Kearney (2007)
In Session Information
Shuggie Otis (2007)
Sloe Gin
Joe Bonamassa (2007)
Corinne Bailey Rae
Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
Unplugged
Alice in Chains (1996)
Wildflowers
Tom Petty (1994)
In The Court Of The Crimson King (Expanded & Remastered Original Album Mix)
King Crimson (1969)
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.
Community setups
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