The Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic and beloved acoustic guitars in music history. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird’s unique square-shouldered dreadnought design and warm, balanced tone has made it a favorite of countless musicians over the decades.
The Origins of the Gibson Hummingbird
The Hummingbird was Gibson’s first square-shouldered dreadnought, diverging from the company’s typical rounded shoulders. The original Hummingbird models were made with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. They quickly became popular for their full, rich tone and distinctive visual appeal.
The name “Hummingbird” was inspired by the guitar’s elaborate pickguard design featuring a hummingbird motif. This decorative touch near the soundhole gave the Hummingbird a stylish, ornate look. Over the years, Gibson has produced many variations on the Hummingbird with different ornamentation, woods, and finishes.
Early Adopters of the Gibson Hummingbird
In the 1960s, the Hummingbird gained recognition from many prominent musicians. Folk icon Bob Dylan played a Gibson Nick Lucas model Hummingbird early in his career. Country legends Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris were both known for playing Hummingbirds. Parsons’ famous Hummingbird is now displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Famous Musicians Associated with the Gibson Hummingbird
Here is a look at some of the most famous musicians who are closely associated with the iconic Gibson Hummingbird guitar:
Keith Richards
As guitarist for the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards helped cement the band’s blues-rock sound. His heavily-used 1960 Gibson Hummingbird is recognizable from countless Stones performances and recordings in the 60s and early 70s. The guitar’s warm, rounded tone beautifully complements Richards’ rough-edged rhythm playing.
John Denver
Folk-pop singer-songwriter John Denver made the Gibson Hummingbird a staple of his live shows and television performances throughout the 1970s. Denver would strum chords on his Hummingbird as he sang beloved songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Annie’s Song.”
Noel Gallagher
As guitarist and co-lead singer of British rock band Oasis in the 1990s, Noel Gallagher often played a Cherry Sunburst Gibson Hummingbird on stage. The guitar’s bright yet mellow tone provided a nice contrast to the band’s gritty electric guitars. Gallagher helped introduce the Hummingbird sound to a new generation of alternative rock fans.
Sheryl Crow
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow has used Gibson Hummingbirds throughout her successful solo career which took off in the 90s. Her rich, soulful vocals pair beautifully with the Hummingbird’s lush tone. Crow often plays a Hummingbird acoustic for more intimate songs on tour and TV appearances.
Eric Clapton
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton has a huge collection of guitars, but he has regularly played a Gibson Hummingbird in the studio and on tour since the late 1960s. Clapton appreciates the guitar’s classic dreadnought tone which works for both acoustic blues and fuller rock band arrangements.
Other Notable Gibson Hummingbird Players
Many other famous musicians have been associated with the Gibson Hummingbird over the decades, including:
| Musician | Genre |
|---|---|
| Melissa Etheridge | Rock |
| Gregg Allman | Rock |
| Jimmy Page | Rock |
| Kenny Chesney | Country |
| Michelle Branch | Pop Rock |
| Ryan Adams | Alt-Country |
This diverse list demonstrates the versatility of the Gibson Hummingbird and its appeal across different musical genres.
What Makes the Gibson Hummingbird Special?
There are several key factors that contribute to the Gibson Hummingbird’s uniqueness and popularity among so many great musicians over the past 60+ years:
Square Shoulder Design
The square-shouldered dreadnought body shape creates a deep, booming low end and projecting midrange that cuts through a mix beautifully. This makes it an exceptionally well-balanced acoustic.
Tonewood Combination
The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides yield a smooth, warm, nuanced tone. The mahogany adds a touch of woodiness while the spruce provides crisp high end and tight bass.
High Quality Craftsmanship
Gibson’s craftsmanship results in great attention to detail on each guitar. From the braces to the fittings to the ornate pickguards, every element impacts the tone and playability.
Visually Striking Design
The Hummingbird simply looks gorgeous! The pickguard and body binding designs are true works of art in themselves.
Accessible Mid-Level Price Point
While not cheap, the Hummingbird has a reasonable price for a USA-made acoustic of its quality. This makes it attainable for working musicians compared to more expensive models.
Conclusion
With its excellent playability, vintage appeal, and distinctive warm tone, the Gibson Hummingbird has earned a special place in music history. It has been the acoustic guitar of choice for stars across many genres from rock and pop to folk and country. More than half a century after its introduction, musicians continue to be drawn to the unmistakable look, feel, and sound of the Gibson Hummingbird.
