Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic and coveted acoustic guitars in the world. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the Hummingbird has been associated with some of the biggest names in music like Keith Richards, Alex Lifeson, Emmylou Harris and countless others. But along with its storied history comes a hefty price tag that puts it out of reach for many players. So what makes the Gibson Hummingbird so expensive? There are several factors that contribute to its premium pricing.
Prestige and Brand Recognition
First and foremost is the prestige and recognition that comes with the Gibson name. Gibson is one of the oldest and most renowned guitar brands, with roots reaching back to the late 1800s. The company helped define the acoustic guitar market in the early 20th century and continues to be a leader in innovation and craftsmanship. Owning an instrument with such a storied legacy and reputation for quality comes at a cost. Gibson has built up goodwill and trust with generations of musicians, making customers willing to pay more for that history.
The Hummingbird model specifically was one of Gibson’s first square-shoulder dreadnought style acoustics. Upon its release in 1960, the Hummingbird stood out from other guitars of the time due to its elaborate appointment and visual flair. The Hummingbird was a statement piece that drew upon the popularity of folk music and resonated with artists. That unique, iconic style is still a major selling point today. It’s a very recognizable guitar with major name recognition in the music world, which boosts its value.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
Another contributor to the Hummingbird’s high price is the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into building each one. Gibson acoustics, including the Hummingbird, are hand-crafted in Bozeman, Montana using methods that have been refined over decades.
Some specifics that add value:
– The top is made from solid Sitka spruce meticulously chosen and matched for grain and stiffness. This helps produce a balanced, nuanced tonal response.
– The back and sides consist of mahogany, a dense tonewood prized for its warmth and richness. Multiple thin sheets are stacked and pressed together to form the body’s arched top and back.
– The neck is carved from premium grade mahogany for stability and feel. The hand-rolled fingerboard and dovetail neck joint create seamless playability.
– The bracing inside the body is hand-scalloped and tuned for optimized resonance and sustain.
– The elaborately decorated pickguard is made from high-quality cellulose nitrate.
– The fretboard and bridge feature intricate mother-of-pearl inlay designs.
– The guitars receive high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes that enhance vibrancy.
– The tuners utilize vintage-style tulip pegs with 17:1 gear ratios for enhanced accuracy and responsiveness.
Every component, from the materials to hardware to decorative touches, goes through meticulous selection and crafting processes. This results in a level of quality and aesthetic flair that commands a premium price.
Limited Availability and Production
Part of the reason Gibson can achieve such high levels of workmanship is that Hummingbirds are produced in relatively small numbers. The guitars are primarily hand-made by master craftspeople working closely together – this isn’t a mass-produced model. Gibson limits availability to maintain prestige, meaning dealers and buyers sometimes have to wait to get one. Limited runs combined with high demand drives up resale values.
Recent instability and changes in Gibson’s corporate structure also disrupted the manufacturing processes for a time. During the late 2010s, Gibson went through bankruptcy, ownership changes and restructuring efforts. Some of these struggles impacted Hummingbird supply. With fewer being produced at various points, yet ongoing interest from buyers, prices rose. Though production rates have stabilized in Gibson’s Memphis facility, supplies are still limited.
Premium Materials Drive Up Costs
As noted in the craftsmanship section, the Hummingbird utilizes premium materials, most notably solid Sitka spruce and mahogany. These tonewoods offer superior resonance, volume and tonal qualities – but do come at a higher cost. Sitka spruce in particular is becoming increasingly expensive and rare. The best cuts with ideal grain patterns for music applications fetch especially high prices. As material costs rise, this gets reflected in the guitar’s finished price.
Beyond the wood, materials like mother-of-pearl used for inlays and high-quality nitrocellulose lacquers also enhance the aesthetic beauty and durability while adding expense. The ornate appointments suit the Hummingbird’s personality, but exotic materials carry a cost. Even details like the vintage tuners come at a premium when sourcing parts on a limited production run. The costs add up with the goal of creating a fine musical instrument.
Significant Labor Inputs
As an instrument hand-crafted in the United States, the considerable labor required to build a Gibson Hummingbird also enhances the price. It takes skilled luthiers dozens of man hours to turn raw tonewoods into a finished guitar. Building a Hummingbird from scratch involves hundreds of steps. All of the cutting, carving, sanding, assembly, finishing, fretwork, electronics installation and setup gets done by trained professionals paid American wages and benefits.
The expertise required to properly voice the bracing, cut the perfect dovetail neck joint, apply delicate finishing layers or carve ornamental designs demands seasoned luthiers. There are far fewer automation and unskilled tasks compared to mass-produced imports. When you factor in overhead, administration, equipment maintenance and so forth that further increase labor costs, it is easy to see how high-wage skilled craftsmanship contributes significantly to pricing.
Brand Prestige and Positioning
Pricing doesn’t just reflect costs – it’s also a function of brand positioning and consumer perceptions. Gibson wants to be seen as a premium, aspirational brand synonymous with American craftsmanship and excellence. They set prices at a level associated with finely made instruments versus entry-level models. The expectation is that discerning customers will recognize the quality and heritage reflected in the higher cost.
Additionally, keeping street prices elevated enhances the resale value and long-term value retention of existing Gibson guitars. This benefits current Gibson owners. The brand aspires to be elite and price as such. Under-pricing could actually undermine desired perceptions and diminish its lustrous image built up over decades. The pricing is as much strategic as it is based on build costs.
Innovation and R&D Investment
Pricing takes into account investments Gibson has made into advancing guitar manufacturing techniques and technology. Innovation doesn’t come cheap. Gibson has their own Custom Shop focused on pushing guitar craftsmanship forward. Recent areas of research include things like:
– Experimenting with alternative tonewoods, like using thermally treated woods for improved stability and tonal properties.
– Advancing finishing methods such as high-pressure UV light curing.
– Modeling and simulation software to optimize bracing patterns digitally.
– Digitally scanning real instruments to generate design files and precisely replicate components.
– Sustainable wood sourcing and forestry partnerships.
– Robotics and automation to supplement hand craftsmanship.
Continuous improvement and innovation necessitates R&D spending that factors into pricing. Passed down know-how can only take luthiery so far. Gibson invests considerably in moving the art forward.
Summary – A Unique Instrument
The confluence of heritage, craftsmanship, prestige, limited production and innovation makes the Gibson Hummingbird a unique instrument with understandably higher pricing. For the right customer seeking a finely crafted work of functional art that summons iconic American elegance, the price reflects the guitar’s mystique and desirability. From discerning fingerstyle players to collectors looking for a storied conversation piece, the Hummingbird occupies a rarefied space in the guitar world.
Ultimately, a Gibson Hummingbird’s value depends on the buyer’s budget and needs. While not cheap, it follows the idea of getting what you pay for – this is no ordinary, mass-produced acoustic. The customer receives a skillfully built, visually stunning and great sounding guitar suitable for treasured lifelong use. For those who can afford it, the craftsmanship, heritage and tonal beauty help justify the investment. No other acoustic conveys the same spirit as this Gibson original.
