The Gibson Hummingbird is one of Gibson’s most iconic acoustic guitar models. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird has been played by countless musicians over the past six decades. One of the key components that contributes to the Hummingbird’s unique sound is the strings. So what kind of strings actually come on a Gibson Hummingbird from the factory?
Factory Strings on the Gibson Hummingbird
Ever since the early 2000s, Gibson has equipped all new Hummingbird guitars with D’Addario strings right out of the factory. Specifically, Gibson uses D’Addario’s phosphor bronze acoustic EJ-16 lights gauge string set on the Hummingbird. Here are the details on these strings:
- The gauges for the EJ-16 set are: .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, .053
- They are 80/20 bronze strings with a phosphor bronze wrap wire
- Phosphor bronze provides warmth and an expressive, vibrant tone
- “Light” gauge gives flexibility for easier bending and playing
- Made in the USA by D’Addario
So in summary, all new Gibson Hummingbird guitars ship with D’Addario EJ-16 extra light phosphor bronze acoustic strings right from the Gibson factory. This has been the case for about 20 years now.
Why Phosphor Bronze on the Hummingbird?
Phosphor bronze material is known for having a bright, colorful, rich tone. This makes it a great match for the Hummingbird, which is prized for its warm and lush voice. The phosphor bronze strings bring out the depth and complexity of the Hummingbird’s sound. They also impart excellent sustain and resonance.
Additionally, phosphor bronze stands up well to aggressive strumming and picking styles. The durable nature of the strings allows them to keep their integrity even with energetic playing. Since the Hummingbird excels as a strummer’s guitar, the phosphor bronze strings complement that strength.
Light vs Medium Gauge
Going with a light gauge for the factory strings also makes sense for the Hummingbird. Light gauge strings require slightly less tension and are a bit easier to press down versus medium gauges. This gives the Hummingbird a comfortable, playable feel right off the shelf.
While some prefer the thicker sound of mediums, lights work well with the Hummingbird. The impressive bass response of the guitar compensates for the lighter strings. Overall, the light phosphor bronze combination allows the Hummingbird to sound bright and articulate when needed, while still offering rich low-end tones.
Alternate String Brands for the Hummingbird
While the factory installed D’Addario phosphor bronze strings work great on the Hummingbird, many owners like to experiment with alternate string brands as well. Here are some other excellent options to try on the Hummingbird:
| String Brand | Specific String Set | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elixir | Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze | Coated strings last longer |
| Martin | SP Phosphor Bronze | Great pedigree and warm tone |
| John Pearse | Phosphor Bronze | Handmade boutique strings |
| Ernie Ball | Earthwood Phosphor Bronze | Rich tones with 80/20 bronze |
The coated Elixir Nanoweb strings are popular for their longevity. Martin is known for great acoustic strings that work nicely on Gibsons. John Pearse and Ernie Ball Earthwood also make quality phosphor bronze string sets to try.
Switching String Gauges on the Hummingbird
In addition to trying different brands, some players like to experiment with different gauges on their Hummingbird. Heavier gauges like mediums will increase tension and can enhance the lower registers with more punch. However, the heavier tension can make the strings less fun to play for some.
Switching to a custom light gauge set can also be an option if the factory lights feel too tight. Going down to a .011 on the high E and .052 on the low E string will loosen up the feel. On the flip side, jump up to a .013 high E if you want tighter tension and a bit more high end brilliance.
It’s all about personal preference when it comes to what gauge feels and sounds best on your Hummingbird. The factory D’Addario lights are a great starting point that work wonderfully for most players. But don’t be afraid to try different gauges to see if you prefer a different string tension.
Coated vs Uncoated Strings
Another choice is whether to go with coated strings or regular uncoated strings on your Hummingbird. Brands like Elixir and Cleartone make coated strings that claim to last much longer than uncoated strings.
Coated strings can extend string life from weeks to months thanks to the protective coating. This prevents grime and hand oils from building up on the strings as quickly. Many appreciate the reduced maintenance and longer life of coated strings.
However, some players feel the coated strings don’t sound quite as lively and natural as uncoated strings. The tradeoff for extended string life is that the tone is slightly less open and resonant. This is very much based on personal preference.
It’s worth trying both types of strings to see if your ears detect any difference in tone. If you don’t notice a huge change, then the longevity of coated strings might make them the better choice to minimize string changes.
How Often to Change Hummingbird Strings
So how often should you plan on installing a fresh set of strings on your Hummingbird? This depends on several factors:
- How much you play – frequent playing will wear out strings faster
- How aggressively you play – heavy strumming speeds up wear
- Coated or uncoated strings – coated last much longer
- Oils from your hands – wash hands before playing to reduce string wear
- Climate and storage – dry climates preserve strings better
For a frequently played Hummingbird with uncoated strings in an average climate, plan on a fresh set of strings at least every 1-2 months. With heavy playing and lots of sweat and skin oils, you might need new strings every 4-6 weeks.
With coated strings you can likely double or triple that timeframe. Every 3-5 months for a set of coated phosphor bronzes on a Hummingbird played an hour a day is realistic. Use your ears to judge when losing brightness means it’s time for new strings.
New Strings for an Old Hummingbird
Installing a fresh set of quality strings can really revive an older Hummingbird. The tone and volume can bounce back significantly compared to dead, old strings. If you acquire a vintage 1960s Hummingbird, new strings are advised even if it still has old strings.
Some tips for new strings on an old Hummingbird:
- Wipe down the fretboard with a lemon oil cloth before new strings
- Consider a pro setup to adjust neck relief and action
- Use a good quality string lubricant on the nut and bridge
- Give the strings a week to settle in and stretch
- Re-tune periodically as the strings stay in tune better
Quality phosphor bronze strings, proper cleaning and setup, and letting the guitar acclimate can make an old Hummingbird sing. The difference versus old dingy strings will be obvious after a few weeks.
String Recommendations by Hummingbird Model
While D’Addario phosphor bronze lights work excellently on most Hummingbird models, you can tailor the strings further by which specific Hummingbird you own. Here are some top string recommendations for different Hummingbird variants:
Gibson Hummingbird Standard
The modern Gibson Hummingbird Standard comes with D’Addario EJ-16 lights from the factory. These are an excellent choice for the mahogany and spruce Standard model. Other good options include:
- Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Lights
- Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronzes
- John Pearse Phosphor Bronzes
Gibson Hummingbird Vintage
For a Gibson Hummingbird Vintage reissue with an aged finish, consider strings with a bit more brightness:
- D’Addario EJ-17 Mediums
- John Pearse Handmade Polished Bronze
- Cleartone Natural Bronze Mediums
The slightly heavier gauges and bronze formulas add crispness to the vintage vibe.
Gibson Hummingbird Modern
The Hummingbird Modern features Lollar vintage-style pickups for a contemporary tone. Here are guitar string matches for the Modern:
- D’Addario EXP Coated Phosphor Bronze
- Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Mediums
- Dean Markley Blue Steel Mediums
The coated D’Addarios provide a long lasting modern string. Aluminum bronze and Blue Steel add articulation and bite.
Gibson Hummingbird 12-String
With double the strings pressing down, consider a custom light string set for the Gibson Hummingbird 12-string model:
- D’Addario EJ26 Custom Lights
- John Pearse 600L Custom Light
- Thomastik Infeld George Harrison Signature Set
The slightly thinner gauges help counteract the additional tension of a 12-string set.
Best Strings for Playability
Beyond just tone, string gauge has an enormous impact on the playability of a Hummingbird. Heavier gauges increase tension which can fatigue the hands quicker. Lighter strings reduce soreness and make it easier to fret notes and bend strings.
While the factory D’Addario lights work well for most, adjusting the gauges can customize the feel. Here are some great string sets for maximum Hummingbird playability:
- D’Addario EJ15 Super Lights – .011-.052
- Ernie Ball Earthwood Super Slinkys – .011-.052
- Thomastik Infeld George Harrison Set – .010-.050
- John Pearse Custom Extra Light – .011-.052
Lower string tension from these extra light and custom sets enhance the Hummingbird’s comfort and accessibility while still providing bright, balanced tone.
Best Strings for Durability
Acoustic guitar strings are under incredible tension and need to withstand aggressive strumming and constant tuning adjustments. Quality materials that can endure this punishment are key.
Here are some excellent options for long lasting, durable strings on the Gibson Hummingbird:
- Elixir Polyweb Coated Phosphor Bronze
- Cleartone XL Coated
- Martin MSP6000 Lifespan Monel
- John Pearse 600L Phosphor Bronze
The Elixir Polyweb and Cleartone XL sets use thicker coatings to protect against corrosion and add string life. Martin Monel strings have a nickel copper alloy wrap. John Pearse strings are handmade from high quality materials.
Best Strings for Brilliant Tone
The factory installed D’Addario phosphor bronzes provide an excellent tonal foundation. But you can tailor the Hummingbird’s voice even further through strategic string choices.
Here are top string sets for exceptional sparkling tone on a Gibson Hummingbird:
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Lights
- John Pearse 630L Phosphor Bronze
- Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium
- Elixir 80/20 Bronze Nanoweb
- Martin M140 Lifespan SP
The D’Addario factory strings already produce top notch phosphor bronze tone. For tailored options, John Pearse are handmade with brilliant quality. Ernie Ball Earthwoods add crispness, while Elixir Nanowebs provide long life with resonance. Martin SP lifespans also score high marks for all around tone.
Best Strings for Vintage Gibson Hummingbirds
Strings for vintage 60s and 70s era Gibson Hummingbird models should enhance the natural warmth and articulation. Here are superb string choices for vintage Hummingbirds:
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze
- Martin M140
- GHS Vintage Bronze
- Thomastik JF344 Flatwound
- Gibson Sonomatic Vintage Reissue
The D’Addario phosphors work great on vintage models. Martin M140s are warm and lively. GHS Vintage Bronze and Gibson Sonomatics recreate the original string vibe. Thomastik flatwounds provide a smooth vintage feel.
Conclusion
The factory installed D’Addario EJ-16 80/20 phosphor bronze acoustic strings provide an excellent starting point for any Gibson Hummingbird. They deliver a bright, balanced tone that highlights the Hummingbird’s lush voice. Players can experiment with different brands, materials, and gauges to tailor the tone and feel based on personal preference.
Heavier strings like Martin M140s can accentuate lower tones, while lighter Elixir or John Pearse sets improve playability. Coated strings extend lifespan compared to raw uncoated. Ultimately, trust your ears to find the string combination that brings out the best in your Hummingbird.
