Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,999

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Step into the realm of legendary sound with the Gibson Hummingbird Artist, an acoustic guitar that blends timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation. Revered by musicians for over half a century, the Hummingbird's iconic square-shoulder design continues to captivate with its rich, resonant tones and impeccable playability. At its heart lies a solid Adirondack red spruce top, paired with stunning flamed koa back and sides, delivering a dynamic range and clarity that sets it apart in any performance.

The meticulously hand-scalloped X-bracing enhances the guitar's natural resonance, ensuring each note rings with unparalleled vibrancy. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Hummingbird Artist’s LR Baggs Element VTC electronics provide a faithful and natural amplified sound, making it a versatile companion for any setting. The neck, crafted from select mahogany, and the rosewood fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays, offer a comfortable and elegant playing experience.

Finished in a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, this guitar not only looks exquisite but also ages gracefully, improving its tonal qualities over time. From its gold Grover tuners to the intricate binding details, the Gibson Hummingbird Artist is a testament to classic design infused with contemporary flair. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring artist, this guitar invites you to explore new musical horizons.

Key Features:

  • Top Wood: Solid Adirondack Red Spruce
  • Back/Sides Wood: Flamed Koa
  • Bracing: Hand-scalloped X-bracing
  • Electronics: LR Baggs Element VTC
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Fretboard Material: Rosewood
  • Finish Type: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Scale Length: 25-1/4"
  • Nut Material: Tusq
  • Tuners: Gold Grover Keystone
  • Includes Gibson black hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Hummingbird Artist
Finish Sunburst
Year 2005 - 2008
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Hummingbird
Model Sub-Family Gibson Hummingbird Artist
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Montana Factory Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Gibson Hummingbird Artist's body?

The Gibson Hummingbird Artist features a body made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant sound, ideal for a range of musical styles.

Does the Gibson Hummingbird Artist come with an active preamp?

No, the Gibson Hummingbird Artist does not have an active preamp, making it a purely acoustic guitar without onboard electronics for amplification.

Is the Gibson Hummingbird Artist suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Gibson Hummingbird Artist's balanced tone and responsive dynamics make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, in addition to strumming.

What is the fretboard material on the Gibson Hummingbird Artist?

The fretboard of the Gibson Hummingbird Artist is made from rosewood, known for its smooth feel and rich tonal quality.

How many frets does the Gibson Hummingbird Artist have?

The Gibson Hummingbird Artist features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

2011 Gibson "Hummingbird Artist" HCS, Part1

Video thumbnail for 2011 Gibson "Hummingbird Artist" HCS, Part1 by GregsGuitars

2011 Gibson "Hummingbird Artist" HCS, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2012 Gibson "Hummingbird Artist" HCS, Part1 by GregsGuitars

2012 Gibson "Hummingbird Artist" HCS, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Used 2011 Gibson Hummingbird Artist Acoustic/Electric w/Case by The Strum Shop

Used 2011 Gibson Hummingbird Artist Acoustic/Electric w/Case

The Strum Shop

The Strum Shop

Video thumbnail for Gibson Hummingbird Artist, 2008 by laritouille

Gibson Hummingbird Artist, 2008

laritouille

laritouille

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality with a distinctive low end

  • Remarkable color and finish, despite lacking traditional Hummingbird ornamentation

  • Highly playable with effortless sound production

  • Cost-effective alternative to the standard Gibson Hummingbird

  • Performs well both acoustically and plugged in

CONS

  • Some units have issues with neck quality, including divots and blistering

  • Not as visually ornate as the standard Hummingbird

  • Discontinued model may lead to inflated resale prices

  • Potential for non-original parts, like replaced pick guards

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Owners note the Hummingbird Artist's simpler aesthetic is preferred over the traditional Hummingbird's ornate design, with equal or better sound quality.

    Source
  • Custom shop Hummingbirds reportedly offer significant quality differences over standard models, worth considering for a lifetime investment.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Hummingbird Artist range from $1,000 to $1,300, with owners feeling these guitars offer exceptional value, even surpassing expectations at higher price points.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from electric guitars to the Hummingbird Artist highlights the need for stronger hand technique due to its acoustic nature.

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  • Owners report exceptional satisfaction with Wildwood-sourced Hummingbirds, suggesting superior quality control in their selections.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's condition suggests it may be better suited for fingerpicking rather than aggressive strumming, maintaining its quality over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Look closely at neck set and bridge/saddle height; excessive saddle above the bridge can indicate future neck reset needs.

    Source

Build quality

  • Ensure the fretboard doesn't dip where it meets the guitar body, as this can affect playability and long-term stability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Hummingbird Artist Review

acousticfingerstyle.com

The Gibson Hummingbird Artist is a budget-friendly alternative to its iconic predecessor, offering the same rich, vibrant tone without the ornate aesthetics. While it trades the classic sunburst finish and hummingbird pickguard for simpler designs, it retains impressive sound quality with its premium Sitka spruce top and mahogany body. The narrower upper bout and hand-scalloped bracing enhance projection and deliver a bright, airy sound. Its playability shines through crisp low action and a comfortable neck, making it versatile for both strumming and fingerpicking. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element transducer, it also excels in live settings. Though it lacks some visual flair, the Artist is a solid choice for those prioritizing sound over style.

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Artist usage

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See how Tim McIlrath uses Gibson Hummingbird Artist

Tim McIlrath

Guitarist, Singer

Rise Against

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "Hero Of War" by Rise Against, Tim McIlrath is seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird Artist acoustic guitar.

See how Tyler Connolly uses Gibson Hummingbird Artist

Tyler Connolly

Singer, Guitarist

Theory of a Deadman

...
Verified via YouTube

An ebony Hummingbird Artist is used for acoustic sets.

Genre Usage

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

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