The Epiphone Dove and Epiphone Hummingbird are two iconic acoustic guitars made by Epiphone, which is owned by Gibson. Both models have been around since the 1960s and are based on classic Gibson designs. There are several key differences between the Epiphone Dove and Hummingbird in terms of their history, construction, sound, and pricing.
History
The Dove and Hummingbird models were originally designed by Gibson in the early 1960s. The Dove was released in 1962 and was Gibson’s answer to rival Martin’s popular D-28 dreadnought guitar. The Hummingbird debuted in 1960 and was inspired by the “square shouldered” dreadnoughts being made by Martin at the time.
Gibson released several versions of both models through the ’60s and ’70s that became hugely popular with musicians looking for a quality, affordable Gibson acoustic. In the late 1990s, Gibson shifted production of many of its classic acoustic lines, including the Dove and Hummingbird, to its Epiphone brand in order to appeal to more budget-conscious players.
Epiphone Dove
The Epiphone Dove model was first introduced in the early 1970s as a more affordable version of the Gibson Dove guitar. It was originally made at the Matsumoku factory in Japan, which was known for producing high-quality instruments. Early Dove models featured a solid spruce top with maple back and sides.
Over the years, Epiphone has continued to produce various versions of the Dove including models with mahogany or flame maple back and sides. Current Epiphone Doves are made in China and Indonesia and feature a solid Sitka spruce top with either laminated mahogany or maple back and sides.
Epiphone Hummingbird
Epiphone first introduced the Hummingbird model in the late 1970s as an Epiphone-branded version of Gibson’s famous square shoulder dreadnought acoustic. Like the Dove, early versions were made in Japan by Matsumoku and featured solid woods throughout.
Today’s Epiphone Hummingbirds are primarily made in China and Indonesia using laminated mahogany back and sides paired with a solid Sitka spruce top. Some higher-end models feature solid rosewood back and sides. The Hummingbird has undergone several design changes over the years but has remained true to its original dreadnought shape and finish.
Construction and Materials
There are some notable differences between Epiphone Doves and Hummingbirds when it comes to their construction and the woods used:
Body Shape
The Dove has a classic dreadnought body shape with a square shoulder profile. The Hummingbird has a slightly larger dreadnought shape that is also square shouldered.
Top Woods
Both models typically feature a solid Sitka spruce top. On higher-end models, the Dove may have a solid Engelmann spruce top.
Back and Side Woods
| Model | Back & Side Woods |
|---|---|
| Dove | Laminated mahogany or maple |
| Hummingbird | Laminated mahogany |
As shown in the table, Doves may have mahogany or maple, while Hummingbirds use mahogany exclusively for their laminated backs and sides.
Bracing
Both models have traditional X bracing patterns on their tops. This helps provide stability and projection.
Neck
The Dove and Hummingbird both have mahogany necks with rosewood fretboards and belcat truss rods for adjusting neck relief. The Hummingbird has a slim taper neck profile while the Dove has a more rounded profile.
Hardware
Each guitar features chrome tuners and a compensated saddle for improved intonation. The Dove uses a standard compensated rosewood bridge while the Hummingbird has a slightly more elaborate rosewood bridge with mother-of-pearl inlay.
Sound and Tone
The tonewood combination and body shapes used give the Dove and Hummingbird their own unique voices:
Epiphone Dove
The Dove produces a balanced, well-rounded tone thanks to its dreadnought body shape and mix of maple and spruce. The solid spruce top provides sweet mids and highs while the maple back and sides give it a tight low end and excellent volume. The tone has nice sparkle and clarity. Overall, the Dove has an acoustic tone suited to many playing styles but especially shines for strumming.
Epiphone Hummingbird
With its slightly larger body and all-mahogany construction, the Hummingbird delivers a warm, deep voice that excels at rich rhythmic playing. The solid spruce top offers excellent clarity on the high end while the mahogany body boosts the mid-range and bass frequencies. This gives the Hummingbird a mellow, vintage tone that has made it popular with blues and country players over the decades.
Playability
Both the Dove and Hummingbird feature slim, comfortable neck profiles suited for most playing styles. The Hummingbird does have a slightly slimmer taper neck which some players prefer for faster playing and easier fretting. The wider nut width on both models (1.68″ for Dove, 1.69″ for Hummingbird) provides roomy spacing between strings that facilitates fingerpicking and complex chords.
The body shapes are also comfortable for most players, whether seated or standing. The Hummingbird’s slightly larger lower bout may be more ideal for players who prefer a more balanced feel against their body. The Dove’s dreadnought shape sits nicely for seated playing. Overall, both models offer excellent playability for fingerpickers and strummers.
Appearance
Visually, the Dove and Hummingbird share several similar design elements but also have unique appointments:
Body Binding
Both models feature single ply binding around the top back and sides. The Dove uses a simple white binding while the Hummingbird has more ornate multi-ply binding with white/black/white layers.
Pickguards
The pickguards are different both visually and functionally. The Dove has a standard teardrop tortoiseshell pickguard while the Hummingbird has a large, ornate pickguard featuring multiple layers of white/black/white binding and a floral design on the interior lower bout.
Fretboard Inlays
Both have pearloid dot inlays on the fretboard. The Hummingbird also has additional floral pearloid inlays on frets 5, 7 and 9.
Headstock Logo
The Epiphone logo on the headstock is printed in silver on the Dove and in gold foil on the Hummingbird.
Hardware
Chrome tuners match the bridge hardware on both models. The Hummingbird’s bridge is slightly more decorative with engraved floral designs.
Prices
There is a considerable price difference between Epiphone’s Dove and Hummingbird models:
| Model | MSRP Price Range |
|---|---|
| Epiphone Dove | $499 – $699 |
| Epiphone Hummingbird | $749 – $919 |
As shown in the table above, the Epiphone Dove has an MSRP ranging from $499 to $699 for most models. The Hummingbird’s MSRP starts at $749 for versions with laminate back and sides and goes up to $919 for solid rosewood back and sides.
In general, the Hummingbird costs approximately $200 – $300 more than a comparable Dove model. This pricing difference reflects the Hummingbird’s slightly higher-end appointments and ornamentation.
Availability
Both the Epiphone Dove and Hummingbird models are widely available at guitar retailers worldwide:
Epiphone Dove
– Several configurations available including DR-100, DR-200, DR-500RE, and DR-500MCE
– Offered in natural, vintage sunburst, and other popular finish options
– Can be found at most Epiphone dealers and major guitar retailers
Epiphone Hummingbird
– Two current versions offered: Hummingbird Performer and Hummingbird Artist
– Available in heritage cherry sunburst and natural finish
– Carried by Epiphone dealers and major acoustic guitar retailers
While supplies and local availability may vary, both the Dove and Hummingbird can typically be found either in stock or by special order at most well-stocked acoustic guitar stores.
Conclusion
In summary, the Epiphone Dove and Hummingbird are two of Epiphone’s most esteemed acoustic guitars, and share many attributes including solid spruce tops, quality craftsmanship, and classic dreadnought designs approved by Gibson. The Hummingbird stands apart with its slightly larger body, all-mahogany back and sides, and ornate appointments that appeal to players looking for a very decorative, rich-sounding acoustic. The Dove offers a more traditional, understated look and balanced tone at a lower cost. For players seeking an affordable but pedigreed dreadnought acoustic, either model makes an excellent choice with great history and sound.
