Who plays a Hummingbird guitar? Hummingbird guitars are acoustic guitars made by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. Some famous musicians who play or have played Hummingbird guitars include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Keith Richards, and more. In this detailed article, we will dive into the history of the Hummingbird guitar, examine its unique features, and explore the many iconic musicians who have used Hummingbirds over the decades.
What is a Gibson Hummingbird Guitar?
The Gibson Hummingbird is a square-shouldered dreadnought acoustic guitar made by Gibson Guitar Corporation. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird was Gibson’s first square-shouldered dreadnought, similar to the style of acoustic guitars made by Martin Guitars. The Hummingbird guitar has a very full sound with lots of bass and volume, great for rhythm playing as well as fingerpicking. Some key features of the Gibson Hummingbird include:
- Square, dreadnought style body shape
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- “Mustache” style bridge
- Decorative pickguard with mother-of-pearl engraving
The most iconic feature of the Gibson Hummingbird is the decorated pickguard featuring a hummingbird motif, surrounded by vines and flowers. This decorative pickguard was designed by artist Ike Webb and helps give the Hummingbird its name. The elaborate pickguard decoration sets it apart from other Gibson acoustic guitars.
History of the Gibson Hummingbird Guitar
Here is a brief history of how the Gibson Hummingbird model came to be:
- 1960 – Gibson introduces the Hummingbird as an upgrade over previous Gibson square-shouldered dreadnoughts like the Gibson Dove. It featured a wider nut width and broader fretboard for improved playability.
- 1962 – Hummingbird is first used on stage by folk musician Bob Gibson, increasing its popularity.
- 1964 – The Hummingbird acoustic guitar is an integral part of Bob Dylan’s legendary performance at the Newport Folk Festival, boosting its profile.
- 1966 – Gibson begins making Hummingbird guitars with solid maple backs rather than mahogany for increased brightness and volume.
- 1969 – Hummingbird guitars start incorporating Gibson’s new adjustable truss rod in the neck for better accuracy.
- 1976 – Hummingbird 1976 Natural model is released, with an unpainted wood grain finish.
- Today – The Gibson Hummingbird remains in production as an iconic square-shouldered dreadnought prized by musicians.
The Hummingbird guitar quickly became popular with folk and rock musicians in the 1960s for its full acoustic voice. The model has remained largely unchanged since its introduction over 50 years ago.
Famous Musicians Who Play the Gibson Hummingbird Guitar
Here is an overview of some of the most famous musicians who have played Gibson Hummingbird guitars over the decades:
Bob Dylan
Folk icon Bob Dylan helped bring the Gibson Hummingbird into the mainstream when he famously played the guitar at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival. Dylan used his 1960 Hummingbird on early seminal albums like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Dylan tended to play a Gibson J-50 rather than the Hummingbird later in his career.
Keith Richards
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has used Gibson Hummingbird guitars both in the studio and on tour since the late 1960s. His 1969 Hummingbird decorated with colorful stickers was used on classic Stones albums including Exile on Main St. Richards still plays Gibson Hummingbirds today while touring with the Rolling Stones.
Sheryl Crow
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow has long been associated with the Gibson Hummingbird, which features prominently on many of her hit albums starting in the 1990s. Her customized Hummingbirds include a floral-patterned pickguard and her name fretboard inlay. Crow has said of the Hummingbird, “It’s part of my voice and what people identify with me.”
Emm Gryner
Canadian indie artist Emm Gryner often composes songs on her Gibson Hummingbird, calling it her “security blanket.” She has highlighted the guitar’s warm, bold tone on albums like The Original Leap Year and 21st Century Ballads. Gryner toured for years with her customized Hummingbird guitar featuring a unique soundhole pattern.
Levon Helm
As drummer and vocalist for The Band, Levon Helm played a 1960 Gibson Hummingbird on classic Americana albums like Music From Big Pink. Helm favored the Hummingbird for its “big throaty sound” both in the studio and on tour right up until his death in 2012.
Other Notable Hummingbird Players
Many other major music artists across genres have played Hummingbird guitars over the decades, including:
- Chris Hillman (The Byrds)
- Noel Gallagher (Oasis)
- Kacey Musgraves
- Nikki Lane
- Erik Hokkanen (Blue Rodeo)
- Cory Hanson (Wand)
The Hummingbird’s full-bodied tone has appealed to musicians from folk and country to indie rock.
Unique Sound and Specs of the Gibson Hummingbird Guitar
The Gibson Hummingbird stands out from other acoustic guitars thanks to some specialized design elements that give it a unique sound:
Square Shoulder Dreadnought Body Style
Unlike round-shoulder dreadnoughts, the Hummingbird has a wider waist and square shoulders more like a Martin Dreadnought guitar. This expanded lower bout adds projection and volume.
Solid Sitka Spruce Top
The Hummingbird’s solid spruce top is key to its full, rich tone. Spruce provides complex overtones and excellent resonance. Other dreadnoughts sometimes use laminate tops.
Mahogany Back and Sides
Mahogany adds warmth and sweetness to the Hummingbird’s sound. More recent models use maple for increased volume and crispness.
Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
Rosewood adds depth and definition to the Hummingbird’s tone. Rosewood is prized as a tonewood for its complex harmonics.
Decorative Pickguard
The Hummingbird’s iconic pickguard decorated with an Ike Webb hummingbird design gives the guitar a unique look and enhanced high-end tones.
Wide Nut Width
With a nut width of 1.725″, the Hummingbird provides room for fingerpicking and helps produce a expansive, full-spectrum sound.
The combination of a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides allows the Hummingbird to deliver a bold, balanced acoustic voice both strummed and picked. Its specs make this square-shouldered dreadnought one of the most resonant, articulate-sounding acoustics.
Gibson Hummingbird Models Over the Years
While the Hummingbird’s core design has remained relatively stable, Gibson has released special edition and limited run Hummingbirds over the decades with some unique specs. Here are some highlights:
Natural (1976)
One of the most famous Hummingbirds is the 1976 Natural model with no paint or lacquer on the body. This lets the wood grain show through for a beautiful, organic look.
Ebony Fretboard (1984-87)
During this period in the 1980s, Gibson made Hummingbirds with ebony rather than rosewood fretboards for a tighter low end.
Flower and Vine (2006)
In 2006 Gibson launched a Limited Edition Hummingbird with an intricate flower and vine motif hand-painted on the pickguard.
| Model | Unique Features |
|---|---|
| Bill Nash 1960 Hummingbird | Commemorative model with custom Nash pickguard design |
| Don Johnson Signature (2010) | Custom model made for actor Don Johnson with a mother-of-pearl scorpion inlay |
| Dove Wing (2012-13) | Limited run with dove wing and floral engraved pickguard |
These special Hummingbird models pay tribute to the guitar’s heritage while offering something unique for collectors and enthusiasts.
Buying a Gibson Hummingbird Today
The Gibson Hummingbird remains an icon of acoustic guitar tone and style. Here’s what you need to know about buying a Hummingbird guitar today:
Where to Buy
Hummingbirds can be purchased new or used from:
- Online retailers like Sweetwater or Reverb
- Local music stores
- Gibson’s website
- eBay or other auction sites
Vintage Hummingbirds will mainly be found on auction sites or vintage guitar stores.
Price Range
As a USA-made acoustic guitar, the Hummingbird commands a higher price:
- New Hummingbirds range from $2,699 – $4,499.
- Used Hummingbirds generally range from $1,500 – $3,500 depending on age and condition.
- Vintage 1960s Hummingbirds can sell for $4,000 and up.
Pricing depends on factors like wood quality, electronics, and ornamentation. Limited edition models demand a premium.
Models to Consider
When shopping for a Hummingbird, popular options include:
- Heritage Cherry Sunburst – classic “cherry” finish
- Vintage Natural – unpainted tonewoods
- Hummingbird Modern – L.R. Baggs pickup installed
- Hummingbird Standard – affordable version with laminate back and sides
Trying out different Hummingbird models in person is recommended to find your perfect fit based on look, feel, and voice.
The Gibson Hummingbird’s alluring appearance and unmatched resonance make this square-shouldered dreadnought one of the most coveted acoustic guitars. Strumming a Hummingbird provides access to the same warm, vintage voice used by musical greats like Bob Dylan and Keith Richards. Anyone looking for a lush acoustic tone paired with graceful style would do well to get their hands on this classic American guitar.
Conclusion
For over 60 years, the Gibson Hummingbird guitar has captivated musicians with its full acoustic sound, stylish aesthetic and famous users like Bob Dylan. This iconic square-shouldered dreadnought has become a legend thanks to its solid spruce and mahogany tonewoods, beautiful pickguard inlay and easy playability. While the core design remains unchanged, new models offer modern updates along with vintage appointments. Players continue to be drawn to the unrivaled warmth, resonance and depth produced by the Gibson Hummingbird. This American-made acoustic guitar remains a prized possession for any guitarist or collector.
