The Epiphone Hummingbird is a classic acoustic guitar model made famous by musicians like Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. As an iconic instrument, the Hummingbird has a long and storied history. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of the Epiphone Hummingbird over time.
When did the first Epiphone Hummingbirds come out?
The first Epiphone Hummingbirds were introduced in 1959. At the time, Epiphone was owned by the Gibson Guitar Corporation and built in the famous Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The original Epiphone Hummingbirds were designed to compete with Gibson’s popular J-45 model. Like the J-45, the Hummingbird featured a dreadnought body shape with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
What were some key design features of early Hummingbirds?
Some distinctive features of the earliest Hummingbirds included:
- A sunburst finish on the spruce top
- Multi-ply binding around the top and back
- A pickguard with a floral design
- A distinctive block letter “E” headstock inlay
- A belly bridge with a floating rosewood saddle
These design details gave the first Epiphone Hummingbirds a unique and ornate visual style. The exceptional craftsmanship and materials also contributed to the great sound and playability that would make the model famous.
How did the Hummingbird change up to the late 1960s?
In the first decade after its launch, the Epiphone Hummingbird saw some minor changes and developments:
Early 1960s
In the early ’60s, the sunburst finish became a standard feature on all Hummingbird models. Epiphone also introduced a natural finished model and a 12-string version of the Hummingbird.
Mid to late 1960s
By the mid-1960s, the Hummingbird pickguards changed from floral designs to a simple tortoiseshell pattern. The fretboard inlays also changed to small block shapes rather than the previous dots. In 1968, the bridge design was changed to a rosewood bridge with an elevated bone saddle, replacing the previous belly bridge.
However, despite these small changes, the Hummingbird’s core design characteristics like the dreadnought body shape and spruce/mahogany tonewoods remained consistent throughout the 1960s.
When did production move from the USA to Japan?
In 1970, Epiphone production moved from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Japan. This marked a major change for the Hummingbird and other Epiphone models:
- USA-made Epiphones from 1959 to 1969 are considered the “golden era” of Epiphone guitars
- From 1970 onward, Epiphone guitars were built in the Matsumoku factory in Japan
- The new Japanese Epiphones were different in quality, wood selection, and attention to detail
So the 1970 transition marked the end of the original American-made Hummingbirds and the beginning of a new era of Japanese manufacturing.
How do pre-1970 and 1970+ Hummingbirds compare?
Here’s a quick comparison of major specs between the original USA Hummingbirds and the later Japanese models:
| Specs | 1959-1969 USA Models | 1970+ Japanese Models |
|---|---|---|
| Woods | Solid spruce top Solid mahogany back/sides |
Laminated woods |
| Build Quality | High attention to detail and craftsmanship | Lower manufacturing consistency |
| Hardware | Higher quality tuners, nut, bridge | Lower-end hardware |
| Electronics | None | Added pickups and wiring |
| Collectibility | More valuable, vintage collector’s items | Less collectible and valuable |
As the table shows, the American-made Hummingbirds are viewed as higher quality and more collectible instruments compared to the Japanese models that followed.
What were the major Hummingbird variants after 1970?
After production moved to Japan, Epiphone continued expanding the Hummingbird line with new models including:
Hummingbird Artist
Introduced in 1971, the Hummingbird Artist featured a slightly fancier appointments like extra binding and pearl inlays.
Epiphone Hummingbird Maple
Also debuting in 1971, the Maple model featured a maple back and sides rather than traditional mahogany.
Hummingbird Electric
Launching in 1972, the Electric model had a thinline semi-hollow body and included pickups and wiring.
Hummingbird Twelve
This 12-string version of the Hummingbird joined the lineup starting in 1972.
These and other Hummingbird models helped drive the guitar’s popularity through the 1970s and beyond.
How did the Hummingbird evolve in the 1980s and 1990s?
Key developments for the Epiphone Hummingbird from the ’80s into the ’90s included:
Return to solid woods
By the mid-1980s, Epiphone returned to using solid tonewoods on higher-end Hummingbird models, rather than laminates.
Blueburst finish
A flashy new “blueburst” finish option joined the sunburst and natural options by 1986.
Rise of acoustic-electrics
Pickups and electronics became more common on Hummingbirds through the ’80s and ’90s to amplify acoustic tones.
Discontinued in the 1990s
Epiphone briefly discontinued the Hummingbird in the late 1990s as acoustic guitars fell out of fashion. However, the model would soon make a major comeback.
When did the Epiphone Hummingbird get reissued?
After a few years off the market in the late 1990s, Epiphone brought back the Hummingbird model in the early 2000s:
- The Hummingbird Performer acoustic-electric was reintroduced in 2001
- Epiphone celebrated the Hummingbird’s heritage with a 50th Anniversary model in 2009
- Today’s Epiphone Hummingbird Classics pay homage to vintage specs
The Hummingbird’s reissue demonstrated continued appreciation for this historic guitar model among players and collectors.
Key specs on current Hummingbirds
Here are some key specs and features found on new Hummingbird Classics today:
- Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Dreadnought body shape
- 25.5″ scale length
- bone Nut and saddle
- Rosewood fingerboard with block inlays
- Built in China or Indonesia
- MSRP around $600
While not 100% identical to vintage American models, the latest Hummingbirds still pay tribute to the iconic originals.
Conclusion
With a history spanning over 60 years and countless famous players, the Epiphone Hummingbird stands as one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar models of all time. While its production history is complex, the Hummingbird’s legendary tone and aesthetic remain appealing to musicians decades later. From Keith Richards to modern players, the vibrant jangle and full-bodied voice of a Hummingbird still captures the imagination and ears of guitarists across genres.
