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)
$3,621.03 New
$2,600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,999.00
zZounds
$3,999.00
Thomann
4.6 (5)
$3,399.00 $3,333.00 $66.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,999.00

Average Price: $3,650

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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Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird vs. Gibson Hummingbird

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Alamo Music Center

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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

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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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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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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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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
Add

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 Krist Novoselic uses Gibson Hummingbird

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video at 6:58 you can see Krist playing a Gibson Hummingbird.

See how Taylor Swift uses Gibson Hummingbird

Taylor Swift

Singer, Guitarist

Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club

...
Verified via YouTube

Taylor Swift's acoustic guitar of choice on this performance on The Ellen Show is a Gibson Hummingbird Acoustic-Electric Guitar. She plays a duet with Zac Efron. At the 1:18 mark, they begin playing an acoustic cover of the song "Pumped Up Kicks" by the group Foster The People. The video is dated February 2012.

See how Duff McKagan uses Gibson Hummingbird

Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Duff McKagan is seen performing with a Gibson Hummingbird, highlighting its use in his music.

See how Shawn Mendes uses Gibson Hummingbird

Shawn Mendes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Shawn can be seen playing what looks to be a Gibson Hummingbird throughout this video.

See how Caleb Followill uses Gibson Hummingbird

Caleb Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

"Caleb plays a Hummingbird, this is a nice guitar. He just got it not too long ago in Australia. It's deep and rich. Gibson hooked us up," explains Caleb Followill's guitar tech around 2:19 into this video.

See how Bob Dylan uses Gibson Hummingbird

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Photo

Bob Dylan can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird in this photo.

See how Tom Petty uses Gibson Hummingbird

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via YouTube

Tom Pettys Gibson Hummingbrid is no usual one. It shows some very special features, which propably make it a one of a kind Guitar. It has the "upside down belly bridge" with an adjustable ceramic sadlle. That would sugest being from between 1965 and 1970. But the neck is very out of the ordinary. It has the very unusual big block inlays and is bound with the spike at the soundhole like the neck of a J200. The conclusion would be that either somebody changed the neck of a late 60s Hummingbird for a J200 neck and added the big block inlays or it is a very rare prototipe. Sadly there is pretty much no info about it online.

It has a beautiful honey sunburst and he used a LR Bags magentic soundholepickup on it.

He can be seen unsing it on multiple live performances for songs like Wildflowers and in studio, so it is probable that he also used it for recording songs like Wildflowers.

See how Matthew Followill uses Gibson Hummingbird

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram video, Matthew Followill is seen playing the Gibson Hummingbird while performing "Find Me," years before recording "Walls."

See how James Iha uses Gibson Hummingbird

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Iha can be seen playing the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar.

See how Lenny Kravitz uses Gibson Hummingbird

Lenny Kravitz

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Vimeo

In this video for Black And White America, Lenny Kravitz can be seen playing a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar.

See how Corey Taylor uses Gibson Hummingbird

Corey Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

"Ninety-eight percent of them are Gibsons. Everything from old J-200s to Hummingbirds to all the Les Pauls I have. When it comes to writing the rock stuff, I use Les Pauls, because I love the beefy tone to them," says Corey Taylor, in this interview.

See how Izzy Stradlin uses Gibson Hummingbird

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Tumblr

Izzy Stradlin is seen using a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar in a Tumblr post by strangerturner, providing a glimpse into his gear choice.

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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2

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

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