Gibson’s Hummingbird guitar is one of their most iconic and popular models. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird stands out thanks to its square shoulders and distinctive double pickguards. This guitar quickly became popular among folk and country musicians in the 1960s.
Today, Gibson offers two main variations of the Hummingbird: the Hummingbird Studio and the Hummingbird Standard. Both models share the same classic Hummingbird design, but there are some key differences between the two versions.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how the Gibson Hummingbird Studio and Standard compare. We’ll examine their construction, hardware, electronics, sound profiles, and other features to help you decide which model is right for you. Whether you’re a beginner or pro guitarist, read on to learn all about Gibson’s legendary Hummingbird acoustic guitars!
Body Shape and Design
The most noticeable thing about any Hummingbird guitar is the iconic body shape. Both the Studio and Standard models share the same familiar squared-off shoulders and double pickguards.
Gibson first introduced this unique body style in 1960. It was a departure from their typical round-shouldered dreadnought and orchestra models. The Hummingbird’s distinctive look was inspired by the popular flat-top guitars of the 1950s. However, it has endured as a Gibson style all its own.
Both the Studio and Standard are available in natural, heritage cherry sunburst, and tobaccoburst finishes. They have an elegant, vintage vibe while still feeling modern.
The dimensions are the same for both models:
- Length: 20 inches
- Width: 16 inches
- Depth: 4.75 inches
With its large lower bout and tapering shoulders, the Hummingbird has a strong mid-range punch and impressive projection. The sculpted pickguards add a visual flair while also protecting the top. Overall, the Hummingbird shape creates a versatile and balanced tone.
Construction and Materials
The biggest construction difference between the two models lies in the tonewoods used:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Top wood: Sitka spruce
- Back & sides: mahogany
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Top wood: solid Sitka spruce
- Back & sides: maple
The Hummingbird Studio uses a Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides. This combination emphasizes the mid-range and produces a strong, balanced acoustic tone.
The Standard upgrades to a solid Sitka spruce top with figured maple back and sides. The maple adds more robust low-end, brightness, and volume. This creates a loud, deep, and resonant acoustic voice.
Both models have a neck made from mahogany. However, the Standard has a select grade of mahogany which is aesthetically more pleasing. It also contributes to the overall nicer appointments on the Standard model.
Finish Options
As mentioned above, both models are available in a natural finish or Gibson’s classic heritage cherry sunburst and tobaccoburst options.
The transparent finishes let the natural wood grains shine through beautifully. They also enhance resonance for optimal acoustic tone.
Hardware
The hardware is where we see the biggest differences between the Studio and Standard:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Tuning machines: chrome Grover Rotomatic
- Bridge: rosewood
- Saddle and nut: white Corian
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Tuning machines: antique pearloid Grover Imperial
- Bridge: rosewood
- Saddle and nut: bone
The Standard features higher-end Grover Imperial tuners, while the Studio has the Rotomatic tuners. Both are excellent tuning machines, but the Imperials have more vintage appeal.
The Standard also gets upgraded to a bone nut and saddle. Bone has a brighter, purer tone compared to the Studio’s Corian nut and saddle.
Finally, both models have a comfortable rosewood bridge. Rosewood’s stiff properties help transfer string vibrations efficiently.
Overall, the Standard has a slight edge in terms of hardware appointments. But both models utilize quality tuning machines, nuts, saddles, and bridge materials.
Electronics
The Hummingbird Studio and Standard have similar electronics, but a couple of key differences:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Pickup: Shadow NanoFlex
- Controls: volume, tone
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Pickup: Shadow ePerformer
- Controls: volume, tone
Both models have under-saddle piezo pickups from Shadow. However, the Standard uses the ePerformer while the Studio has the NanoFlex.
The ePerformer is a slightly more advanced pickup. It has a preamp specifically voiced for acoustic guitars. This provides excellent amplification and reproduction of the Hummingbird’s natural tone.
The NanoFlex pickup also accurately captures acoustic sound. But the ePerformer has a bit more dynamic range and nuance.
The control layouts are minimal, with just master volume and tone knobs. This streamlined design suits the Hummingbird’s vintage vibe. Both models also come equipped with 1/4″ outputs for plugging into an amplifier or PA system.
The Hummingbird Standard gets a small upgrade in amplification technology. But the Studio still has a quality pickup and preamp system. Both guitars will sound fantastic plugged in or played acoustically.
Sound and Playability
The different construction and hardware do impact the sound profile and playability:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Balanced mid-range tone with tight lows and crisp highs
- Mahogany adds warmth and presence to the Sitka spruce’s clarity
- Slim taper neck for comfortable playing
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Full, deep bass with bright, ringing treble notes
- Maple provides volume and responsiveness, spruce gives sweetness
- Slightly chunkier soft V-shaped neck
The Hummingbird Studio produces a balanced tone that excels at all-around playing. The mahogany and spruce combination hits the tonal sweet spot. It handles chord strumming just as well as single-note solos.
The Standard model lives up to its name with exceptional richness and power. The maple and spruce pairing produces impressive volume and dynamics. This guitar is made for big stages, not just studios.
Both neck profiles are comfortable. The Studio has a fast, modern feel with a sleek taper. The Standard has a vintage chunkiness but still feels smooth. With its soft V shaping, it nestles easily into your hand.
No matter which you choose, the playability and acoustic tone will be superb. It just depends if you want more of a vintage Americana tone (Standard) or a balanced, nuanced studio tone (Studio).
Price
As you’d expect given the differences, the Gibson Hummingbird Studio is more affordable than the Standard model:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- MSRP: $2,499
- Street price: $1,999
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- MSRP: $3,499
- Street price: $2,799
The Studio comes in around $1,000 less than the Standard. That’s because it uses more affordable tonewoods and hardware. But you still get the phenomenal Hummingbird shape, style, and Gibson craftsmanship.
The Standard justifies its higher price with top-shelf tonewoods, appointments, and electronics. This is the pinnacle of Gibson acoustic guitars.
Both models hold their value incredibly well. So the extra $1,000 for the Standard will seem like a wise investment years later. But the Studio is ideal if your budget can’t stretch to $3,000+ for a Standard.
Used Prices
Buying used can be a smart way to get an excellent deal on a Gibson Hummingbird if you don’t want to pay full retail price. Here are typical used prices you can expect to find:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Excellent condition: $1,600
- Good condition: $1,200
- Fair condition: $900
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Excellent condition: $2,200
- Good condition: $1,800
- Fair condition: $1,400
Make sure to carefully inspect any used Hummingbird you’re considering buying. Look for visible wear, repairs, modifications, and potential damage that could affect playability or tone.
Assuming normal play wear and tear, you can get an incredible deal on a used Hummingbird. Just be patient and watch sites like Reverb and eBay to find the best discounted prices.
Private sellers will often negotiate prices compared to guitar shops too. With some hunting, you can land a fantastic used Hummingbird and save some money.
Size Options
One benefit of the Hummingbird model is it’s available in a wide range of sizes:
Gibson Hummingbird Studio:
- Dreadnought (full size)
- Performance (reduced body size)
Gibson Hummingbird Standard:
- Jumbo (max body size)
- Dreadnought
- Performance
The Standard comes in Jumbo, Dreadnought, and Performance sizes. The Jumbo has the deepest bass and highest volumes.
The Studio is available in Dreadnought and Performance sizes. The Performance has a slightly smaller body for more comfort and balance.
No matter what body style you prefer, the Hummingbird has an option. Whether you need massive projection or want a more portable acoustic, there’s a perfect Hummingbird for your needs.
Tonewood Comparisons
Let’s do a quick recap and comparison of the tonewoods used on each model:
| Model | Top Wood | Back & Sides |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Sitka Spruce | Mahogany |
| Standard | Sitka Spruce | Maple |
The spruce tops provide sweetness, clarity, and volume. Spruce is the top choice for most steel-string acoustic tops.
For the back and sides, mahogany has a balanced, robust tone. Maple is brighter and louder.
Mahogany vs. maple is an age-old acoustic guitar debate. Both sound fantastic and have their strengths. It comes down to your tonal preference.
Spec Comparison
Here’s a quick spec checklist summarizing the key features and differences:
| Feature | Studio | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Body wood | Spruce/Mahogany | Spruce/Maple |
| Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose | Gloss Nitrocellulose |
| Neck | Mahogany | Select Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo | Medium Jumbo |
| Binding | Single-Ply | Multi-Ply |
| Tuning Machines | Chrome Grover Rotomatic | Antique Pearloid Grover Imperial |
| Bridge | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Nut/Saddle | White Corian | Bone |
| Pickup | Shadow NanoFlex | Shadow ePerformer |
| Controls | Volume, Tone | Volume, Tone |
This covers all the major specifications. As you can see, the hardware, electronics, and appointments are upgraded on the Standard model. But the core design and build quality is excellent on both Hummingbird versions.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Gibson Hummingbird Studio vs. Standard:
Which one is better for beginners?
The Studio model is better for most beginners. The slightly lower cost and comfortable neck profile make it a great choice. Beginners will appreciate the balanced tone that excels at both chords and single-notes.
Which sounds better plugged in?
The Standard may have a slight edge for amplification thanks to the ePerformer pickup. But both models have high-quality electronics that accurately capture the Hummingbird’s iconic acoustic tone.
Which will hold its value better?
The Standard generally holds value a bit better. The extra $1,000 upcharge compared to the Studio can be recouped later if you ever re-sell the guitar. Both models retain value well, but the Standard edges ahead.
Which has better build quality and craftsmanship?
Both models are crafted to Gibson’s renowned standards in their American factories. Expect excellent attention to detail and quality control. The Standard uses flashier appointments and exotic tonewoods. But the Studio is no slouch either.
Which is better for fingerstyle playing?
It’s a toss-up. Both guitars offer comfortable necks, low action, and balanced tone perfect for intricate fingerpicking. The Studio may suit slower fingerstyles pieces better thanks to its refined mid-range and tight bass. But the Standard has the edge for aggressive, dynamic fingerstyle play.
Conclusion
The Gibson Hummingbird Studio and Standard are both excellent guitars with slightly different strengths.
The Studio delivers pro-level quality and a vintage vibe at a more affordable price. Its all-mahogany body produces warm, even tone perfect for any style of play.
The Standard is the ultimate Gibson acoustic guitar, with no compromises. The maple and spruce construction creates extremely robust projection and dynamics. The top-shelf appointments match the premium tonewoods.
For most players, the Studio hits the sweet spot of great value without breaking the bank. But serious musicians who want Gibson’s most powerful acoustic should check out the exquisite Hummingbird Standard model.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be getting an iconic acoustic with legendary Gibson craftsmanship and sound. The Hummingbird shape is recognizable for good reason – it simply sounds and plays fantastic. Strum a few chords and you’ll understand why the Hummingbird is one of the best acoustic guitars ever made.
