The Epiphone Hummingbird is a popular acoustic guitar model produced by the Epiphone Guitar Company. Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson and manufactures its instruments in multiple facilities around the world. Determining where a particular Epiphone Hummingbird model is made requires looking at the serial number and specifications.
Epiphone Serial Numbers
All Epiphone guitars have a serial number on the back of the headstock. This can provide information about the country of origin. Here is a breakdown of what the serial numbers signify for Epiphone Hummingbird models:
- Serial numbers starting with “S” indicates China. For example, S1234.
- Serial numbers starting with “J” or “E” indicate Japan. For example, J1234 or E1234.
- Serial numbers starting with “R” or “T” indicate Korea. For example, R1234 or T1234.
- Serial numbers starting with “U” indicate Indonesia. For example, U1234.
Therefore, looking at the serial number prefix can reveal the facility where an Epiphone Hummingbird was manufactured.
Factory Locations
Here are more details on the major factories where Epiphone Hummingbirds are produced:
China
Many Epiphone Hummingbirds are made at the Qingdao and Dongbei factories in China. These plants can produce hundreds of thousands of guitars per year. The Chinese-made Hummingbirds tend to be more affordable models aimed at entry level and intermediate players. The serial numbers for Chinese models start with “S”.
Japan
Some higher-end Epiphone Hummingbirds are produced at the Terada factory in Japan. The Japanese factory uses premium woods and has experienced craftsmen. These guitars are considered top notch professional level instruments. The serial numbers for Japanese models start with “J” or “E”.
Korea
Epiphone also operates a factory in Incheon, South Korea. This mid-range facility produces guitars priced between the Chinese and Japanese built models. Their build quality is still excellent. The serial numbers for Korean models start with “R” or “T”.
Indonesia
A small number of budget priced Epiphone Hummingbirds are made in Indonesia. Their serial numbers start with “U”. The Indonesian factory uses cheaper materials and labor to hit lower price points.
Model Specifications
In addition to the serial number, the specifications and features of a particular Epiphone Hummingbird model can provide clues about where it was made. Here are some guidelines:
- Solid wood top – Japan or Korea factory
- Laminate wood top – China or Indonesia factory
- Solid mahogany back/sides – Japan or Korea factory
- Sapele laminate back/sides – China or Indonesia factory
- Bone nut and saddle – Japan or Korea factory
- Synthetic nut and saddle – China or Indonesia factory
These spec details provide a good indication if a given model is a higher-end Hummingbird from Japan/Korea or a budget model from China/Indonesia.
Factory Tour Video
Here is an embedded factory tour video showcasing Epiphone’s production facilities in China and the United States:
Price Ranges by Origin
The manufacturing origin generally correlates to the price range of Epiphone Hummingbird models:
| Factory | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Japan | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Korea | $500 – $1,000 |
| China | $200 – $500 |
| Indonesia | $100 – $250 |
As you go up in price, Epiphone shifts production from China/Indonesia to Korea and Japan. The Japanese factory produces premium pro level Hummingbirds, while the Chinese and Indonesian factories make budget friendly models.
Resale Value by Origin
Since Japanese and American-made Hummingbirds are considered higher quality, they tend to hold their value better on the used market. Here are resale value retention percentages by manufacturing origin:
- Japanese Models: 70-80% value retention
- Korean Models: 60-70% value retention
- Chinese Models: 50-60% value retention
- Indonesian Models: 40-50% value retention
The Japanese Hummingbirds retain value the best, while the Indonesian models depreciate rapidly. This correlates to the relative build quality and materials from each factory.
Quality Control by Location
Epiphone implements strict quality control and assurance testing at all its factories. However, the Japanese facility in particular is known for its meticulous inspection process.
Here are defect/return rates by manufacturing origin:
- Japanese Models: 0.5% defect rate
- Korean Models: 1.0% defect rate
- Chinese Models: 1.5% defect rate
- Indonesian Models: 2.0% defect rate
The Japanese models ship with the lowest factory defects thanks to the highly skilled luthiers and rigorous QC process.
Tonewood Sources by Location
The tonewoods used in Epiphone Hummingbirds varies based on where the guitar is built. Here are some typical tonewoods by factory location:
| Factory | Tonewood Source |
|---|---|
| Japan | Solid Sitka Spruce top, Solid Mahogany back/sides |
| Korea | Solid Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back/sides |
| China | Laminate Spruce top, Laminate Sapele back/sides |
| Indonesia | Laminate Spruce top, Okoume back/sides |
The Japanese models use premium solid tonewoods, while the Chinese and Indonesian factories opt for more affordable laminates.
Factory Output Capacity
In terms of production capacity, here is how many Hummingbird guitars each factory can produce annually:
- Japan Factory: 5,000 units per year
- Korea Factory: 15,000 units per year
- China Factories: 100,000 units per year
- Indonesia Factory: 25,000 units per year
The Chinese factories have by far the greatest output, followed by Indonesia and Korea. The small boutique Japanese facility has relatively limited capacity in comparison.
Summary of Manufacturing Origins
In summary, here are some general guidelines when determining where an Epiphone Hummingbird was manufactured:
- Japanese models are premium pro level build quality with solid tonewoods
- Korean models are mid-range instruments with excellent quality
- Chinese models are budget friendly options with laminate woods
- Indonesian models are very low priced with cheaper materials
There are always exceptions, but this covers the typical manufacturing origins. The serial number usually provides the definitive answer on where a particular Epiphone Hummingbird was built.
Conclusion
Epiphone Hummingbirds are produced in several factories across Asia. Higher-end models are made in Japan and Korea, while more budget friendly versions are built in China and Indonesia. Examining the serial number, specifications, materials, and pricing can help determine the country of origin. In general, the Japanese Hummingbirds are premium pro level instruments, while the Chinese and Indonesian models cater more to entry level players or those on a budget.
