Gibson Hummingbird '70s

$2,200.00 Price Tier: High-end

Find out who is using Gibson Hummingbird '70s

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

3.0 (5)

$2,200.00 21 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $2,200

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Gibson Hummingbird '70s is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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

Edit description

Step back in time with the Gibson Hummingbird '70s, a legendary acoustic guitar that has stood the test of time with its iconic design and unmistakable sound. First introduced in the 1960s as one of Gibson's most prestigious models, the Hummingbird '70s captures the essence of vintage craftsmanship and artistic elegance. Known for its striking square shoulders and an elaborate pickguard, this guitar not only delivers a rich, balanced tone but also makes a bold visual statement on stage.

Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Hummingbird '70s provides a warm, resonant sound that suits a variety of musical styles from folk to rock. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure smooth playability and a comfortable grip, allowing you to express your creativity with ease. Whether you're strumming in the studio or performing live, this guitar offers both the playability and projection that seasoned musicians crave.

Historically favored by legends such as Jimmy Page and Keith Richards, the Hummingbird '70s continues to inspire modern artists seeking that classic Gibson sound. Dive into a world of sonic possibilities and make your mark with this timeless instrument.

Key Features:

Body Style: Dreadnought with square shoulders
Wood Composition: Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck
Design Elements: Ornate pickguard, deep set neck, adjustable bridge saddle
Fingerboard: Rosewood with double parallelogram inlays
Notable Players: John McLoughlin, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Hummingbird
Finish	Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, Wine Red
Year	1969 - 1988
Made In	United States
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Black, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson Hummingbird
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Gibson Hummingbird '70s back and sides?: The Gibson Hummingbird '70s features solid Mahogany back and sides, contributing to its warm and resonant sound.
Is the Gibson Hummingbird '70s suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Gibson Hummingbird '70s is well-suited for fingerstyle due to its responsive spruce top and balanced tone, making it versatile for various playing styles.
What is the neck profile of the Gibson Hummingbird '70s like?: The Gibson Hummingbird '70s has a slim neck profile, offering a comfortable playing experience similar to electric guitars, which is ideal for players transitioning from electric to acoustic.
Does the Gibson Hummingbird '70s come with a pickup for amplification?: No, the Gibson Hummingbird '70s does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for unplugged performances.
What finish options are available for the Gibson Hummingbird '70s?: The Gibson Hummingbird '70s is available in Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, and Wine Red finishes, each offering a distinct visual appeal.

Videos

Add video

TONE

A weekend away with a 1970 Gibson Hummingbird

TONE

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Beautiful and distinctive sound that players find uniquely captivating
Holds sentimental value and creates strong personal connections for some users
Renowned for its aesthetic appeal, described as looking "like a million bucks"

CONS

High price point with some users feeling it doesn't justify the cost
Issues with action and buzzing, making it unsuitable for recording
Narrow fingerboard may not suit all playing styles
Some units may require neck reset, indicating potential maintenance challenges

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Hummingbird '70s.

Build quality

0 0

The "Hummingbird Custom" label inside the guitar indicates a production period in the early to mid-1970s.
Source
0 0

The thick poly finish on 70s models can contribute to a muffled tone, as it is perceived to be overbuilt compared to other eras.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

A 5.5 cm split in the guitar's side was repaired with an interior cleat, showing no movement over 45 years.
Source
0 0

Serial numbers from this era can be challenging to decode due to multiple changes in Gibson’s system during the 1970s.
Source
0 0

A 1974 Hummingbird required a neck reset to enhance playability, indicating potential maintenance needs for similar models.
Source
0 0

A lower saddle height on '70s models can deaden sound; ensuring a steep break angle from saddle to string pin is crucial for optimal resonance.
Source
0 0

Buzzing often occurs in "cowboy chord" positions; this could be due to a nut filed too low or excessive neck relief requiring truss rod adjustment.
Source
0 0

Light gauge strings and lowered action can exacerbate buzzing; switching to heavier strings may improve tone and reduce buzz.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Early 1970s Gibson Hummingbirds can be valued around $4,000, especially when well-maintained despite minor cosmetic issues.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Owners are considering investing in weather-proof cases for preservation and display due to the guitar's value and historic significance.
Source
0 0

A 70s Hummingbird is valued not just for sound but also for its aesthetic appeal and history, enhancing its sentimental and practical playing value.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners mention that despite a reputation for tonal dullness, some 70s Hummingbirds are considered to sound as good as 1960s versions after proper adjustments.
Source
0 0

Owners report that the Hummingbird's sound can change after extended play, suggesting it may need to be "played in" to reach its full tonal potential.
Source
0 0

A noticeable difference in sound quality between store environments and personal spaces can occur, potentially misleading buyers during initial trials.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

A preference for 1960s parallelogram fret markers over the block types found in 70s models is highlighted by some users.
Source
0 0

The Epiphone Hummingbird, although made with cheaper woods, is noted for producing a brighter sound that may cut better in group settings.
Source