The Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic and influential acoustic guitars ever made. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird’s unique design and full, rich tone made it an instant classic. In the over 60 years since its debut, the Hummingbird has been played by countless musicians across many genres and has left an indelible mark on music history.
What made the Gibson Hummingbird different?
Prior to the Hummingbird’s release, most acoustic guitars had a very similar traditional dreadnought body shape. The Hummingbird stood out with its square shoulders and slightly narrowed waist, giving it a unique and eye-catching silhouette. But it wasn’t just about looks – the Hummingbird’s dimensions gave it a distinctive voice as well. The squared-off shoulders resulted in better internal reflection of sound waves, increasing volume and projection. The narrower waist altered the internal air mass, resulting in a fuller midrange tone.
Hummingbird’s distinctive features
Beyond its distinct body shape, the Hummingbird had several other innovative features:
- The first acoustic guitar with a double parallelogram inlay on the fingerboard
- A wider 1 3/4″ nut width for more room between strings
- A longer 25 1/2″ scale length for increased string tension
- A hand-fitted solid spruce top rather than laminated
These attributes gave the Hummingbird a louder, brighter, fuller sound than other acoustics at the time. The ornate pickguard and double parallelogram inlays also made the guitar visually striking and unique.
The Hummingbird takes flight
The Hummingbird was an immediate success when it debuted. Folk music was huge in the early 1960s, and the Hummingbird’s voice was perfect for the style. Iconic folk artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins quickly adopted the guitar. Country artists like Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris also used Hummingbirds, attracted by their capacity for rich, warm tones perfect for harmonies.
As rock music grew, the Hummingbird gained popularity with electric guitarists looking for an acoustic model with greater volume and projection for live performances. The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn, Buffalo Springfield’s Stephen Stills, Yes’ Steve Howe, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page all played Hummingbirds. The guitar even appeared on classic rock albums like the Eagles’ “Hotel California” and Aerosmith’s “Rocks.”
Continued popularity and influence
While many models come and go, the Hummingbird has endured decade after decade. Artists across genres continued adopting the guitar – folk and rock artists like Sheryl Crow and John Mayer, country stars like Keith Urban and Vince Gill, blues musicians like Eric Clapton, and pop superstars like Taylor Swift.
The Hummingbird influenced many other iconic acoustic guitars as well. Models like Gibson’s own Dove, Epiphone’s Hummingbird, Taylor’s Dreadnought, Martin’s D-18, and Guild’s D-40 all followed in the Hummingbird’s footsteps with their square-shouldered dreadnought designs. The Hummingbird proved the visual appeal and tonal superiority of straying from traditional acoustic shapes.
Reasons for the Hummingbird’s enduring legacy
So what made the Hummingbird so revolutionary and influential? A few key factors:
- Unique shape and style – The eye-catching look and ornate appointments set it apart on stage.
- Enhanced volume and projection – The Hummingbird could keep up with drums and amplifiers.
- Full, rich tone – Balanced and clear across the tonal spectrum, great for multiple genres.
- High-quality craftsmanship – Detailed hand-made construction and premium materials.
No other acoustic guitar looked or sounded quite like it. The Hummingbird created a new archetype that merged visual flair, sonic power, playability and quality craftsmanship.
The Hummingbird today
The Gibson Hummingbird remains in production over 60 years after its introduction. It’s still made in Gibson’s Bozeman, Montana factory using premium tonewoods. Models are available with vintage-inspired specs and modern enhancements like electronics. Some highlights of today’s Hummingbird line:
- Vintage Sunburst finish
- Sitka Spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Thermally Aged Red Spruce X-bracing (vintage model)
- Bone nut and saddle
- Rosewood or ebony fingerboard
- Vintage-style split diamond inlay
While the specifications have evolved somewhat, the qualities that made the Hummingbird an instant classic remain intact. The iconic shape, ornate visual details, balanced warm tone, and outstanding quality carry on the Hummingbird’s legacy. It’s no wonder it remains a favorite of musicians across so many genres of music.
Key Gibson Hummingbird Players Through the Years
| Decade | Key Players |
|---|---|
| 1960s | Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins |
| 1970s | Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Page, Don Felder |
| 1980s | Keith Richards, Vince Gill, Eric Clapton |
| 1990s | Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Richie Sambora |
| 2000s | John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz |
Conclusion
For over six decades, the Gibson Hummingbird has captivated musicians and audiences with its singular combination of stylish appearance, inspiring sound, and outstanding craftsmanship. It has left a unique imprint on music across genres from folk and rock to country and pop. The Hummingbird proved that daring to stray from convention could result in innovations that change the course of music history. From influencing future acoustic guitar designs to becoming the instrument of choice for so many legendary artists, the Gibson Hummingbird earned a well-deserved spot among the most iconic guitars of all time. More than just a beautiful acoustic guitar, it’s a symbol of the power of creativity and vision.
