Gibson '60s Hummingbird Gallery
Hummingbird's history and specification changes

Advance Guitars Presents

~The History of Hummingbird~

In 1960, Gibson added square-shouldered guitars to its lineup, which had previously been dominated by round-shouldered models like the J-45.The Hummingbird was the first model to appear in this series.
While its shape resembles Martin's dreadnought models, its distinguishing feature is its larger body width of approximately 16 inches (compared to 15 and 5/8 inches for the Martin D-28). A large pickguard adorned with a hummingbird carving is fitted, and combined with pearl inlays and gold hardware, it creates a strikingly ornate design.

Furthermore, it incorporates essential Gibson elements such as a mahogany body and an adjustable saddle. Against the backdrop of the recent surge in vintage guitar prices, vintage flat-top models from Gibson/Martin and others are becoming increasingly scarce. However, the launch of Advance Guitars brings together vintage guitars in one place. This time, we will take a closer look at 1960s models, including the first year of the Hummingbird, which will likely never be gathered together again.

We used the measurements from this SJ-200 data collection as reference for this Hummingbird feature.

Gibson 1960 Hummingbird Honey Sunburst

Extremely rare! A specimen from the first year of Hummingbird's release.

The Hummingbird, introduced in 1960, was Gibson's first model with a square shoulder shape.
In its first year, only a mere 156 bottles were shipped.The following year, the number of units shipped increased to 595.Its flashy appearance appealed to rock musicians and made it popular, and within three years, the number of units shipped swelled to 1,364.This record alone shows just how rare the first year was, and now, more than 60 years later, it's a legendary specimen that you'll almost never see again.One of the defining characteristics of the first year is probably the cherry sunburst color scheme.

Similar to the Les Paul Standards manufactured between 1958 and 1960, known as "bursts," the sunburst color of that era faded in various ways over time.This is done after applying a pigment-based yellow paint.By using dye-based paints, we can give the rim a reddish tint.This reddish color has a tendency to fade easily, and each individual hair takes on a different appearance due to various influences over time.

In 1960, the Burst model saw a change to a red-based paint scheme, and many examples still retain their vibrant red sunburst finish today.Regarding this Hummingbird, the red color on the rim has faded.It has a light brown color, and the overall look is what is known as a "honey burst" finish.While there are individual differences, and it's hard to generalize, achieving such a beautiful finish is truly a miracle.

Gibson 1960 Hummingbird Tobacco Sunburst

A rare color in its first year.

This one is also a 1960 model, from the year it was first released.
The catalog at the time only listed the cherry sunburst finish,
This particular unit features an irregular tobacco sunburst finish.
This rare color scheme is something you don't see very often, and it has a distinct style that's different from the cherry color.

Gibson 1961 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

The original model that delivers the ultimate rock sound

And here is the piece that was shipped a year later. Compared to the first year, the reddish tint on the rim remains, revealing a vibrant cherry sunburst finish. You can see that the lacquer paint has thinned and blended well with the wood.

Another notable feature is its 25 1/2-inch long scale, similar to the Dove released the following year.

The sound produced from the long scale is breathtaking. Just playing the E on the 6th string might bring back memories of the rock scene of that era for some. The notes in the higher positions areWith a vibrant firmness,You can enjoy the rich tone unique to Brazilian rosewood. It's because it has been carefully maintained and played over many years that it can still produce such a beautiful sound today.

Gibson 1962 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

A rock-inspired album.

By 1962, only 1,254 Hummingbirds had been shipped, which is fewer than the total number produced in the entire year of 1963.
Early models of this guitar are extremely rare and hardly ever seen on the market today. The bridge saddle has a special design with a straight bone saddle mounted on a rosewood base. It's possible that this was a replacement part at the time, or that it was replaced for sound or practical reasons.

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Maple Cherry Sunburst

Legendary Maple Sideback

Released in 1960, the Hummingbird captivated musicians of the time with its innovative look and dynamic sound, garnering overwhelming support.

The explosive success of the Dove led to the release of the Dove (1962), which also featured a square shoulder. However, because the Dove was 35% more expensive than the Hummingbird, popularity remained focused on the Hummingbird even after 1962. There is an anecdote that Gibson, which was producing more Doves than it could sell, added Dove bodies to the Hummingbird line, which could not keep up with production, and in 1962 and 1963 they ended up making long-scale Hummingbirds with maple bodies.

This guitar is a Hummingbird with maple back and sides. It's in excellent condition and a truly premium instrument.

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

A rare early model with the plastic bridge still intact.

Gibson's plastic bridges were often used on smaller models like the LG-1 and B-25 from the 1960s, but this Hummingbird also had a plastic top-belly bridge, but only in 1963.RecruitIt features a ceramic, adjustable saddle. This combination produces a unique sound.

This particular instrument shows signs of having had its bridge replaced at one point, but it's clear that the person went to the trouble of putting the plastic bridge back on. Instruments with plastic bridges like this often have the bridge itself replaced, so it's truly rare to find one that someone would want to put back on like this.

I absolutely love its uniquely bright and open tone.

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Maple Cherry Sunburst

This one also features maple for the sides and back.

Gibson 1964 Hummingbird Natural

In 1963, a natural finish was added to the Hummingbird lineup.
This is a 1964 model. The cherry-colored finish on the neck and sides/back is absolutely beautiful.

Gibson 1965 Hummingbird Natural

1965 was the year the clubhead angle changed from 17 degrees to 14 degrees.
This particular club has a 14-degree head angle. It's also a model from the final year of the regular grip era.
The white trim around the truss rod cover also becomes thinner from this period onwards.

Gibson 1966 Hummingbird Natural

The regular grip, which had a nut width of approximately 42mm to 43mm, became slimmer from 1965 onwards.
This guitar has a narrow neck with a nut width of 40.3mm. It was made in 1966.
You can see that the width is getting narrower, while the neck is slightly thicker.

Gibson 1967 Hummingbird Natural

From this point onward, the position of the crown inlay on the headstock will be slightly lower.

Gibson 1967 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

This is also a 1967 model. From this year onwards, the reddish hue of the cherry sunburst finish becomes more pronounced.The difference from the previous natural finish model is that the pickguard has a two-tone design of yellow and white.

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Natural

The pickguard has a two-tone design of yellow and white. A distinctive feature is the five screws securing it to the edge.

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Natural

Individuals like this one, from Downbury Bridge, began to be seen around 1968.
This film can be considered a prelude to a new era, the 1970s.

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

A cherry sunburst and downbelly specimen.
SJ-200 document collectionHowever, the transparent image system used allows for verification of the bracing pattern.

Gibson 1969 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

A distinctive feature of this model is the Gibson logo without the "i" dot, which can be seen from this year onward.

Gibson Hummingbird Natural

Very unique and stylishOne.
The serial number ranges from 1968, but it has a 3-piece mahogany neck, Schaller tuners, and a down-belly bridge.Features such as the "Hummingbird" lettering on the truss rod cover are characteristic of the 1970s.
Furthermore, the nut width is approximately 43mm, which is a regular neck that is occasionally seen around this time of year.
There is no crack stopper in the center of the body bag, and the body bag itself has a stylish back strip.The endpin area has a cell embedded in it, and it's a lovely design.

Major specification changes and episodes by decade

*Please consider this data as statistical information only.If you have seen or own any irregular or specially modified items, please share the information with us at the email address below.
email address:aco@tcgakki.com
To: Inoue, Advance Guitars

 

1960

Released as Gibson's first square-shoulder model.
156 units were shipped in the first year.
Initially, only the Cherry-red finish (Cherry Sunburst) was listed in the catalog,
We have also observed specimens with Honey Sunburst and Tobacco Sunburst colors, as shown in this article.

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
[Bridge]: Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda)
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Small Size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

【Saddle】: Adjustable ceramic saddle (glossy finish)
[Tegs]: Kluson Deluxe Gold
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern is solid yellow

【scale】:Approximately 645mm (long scale)
Nut width: Approximately 43mm (regular neck)
[Head Angle]: 17 degrees

What we want to draw attention to here is the long scaleRecruitThat's the point.
Regarding this, the previous model had a medium scale.RecruitI have also seen explanations that say this is the case,
All of the 1960s Hummingbird guitars we have received in our store to date, as far as we can record, are long-scale models; we have not been able to confirm any medium-scale models.
Probably, long scale was the standard specification back then, and the term "medium scale" came into use later.
Since Gibson's 1962 catalog lists it as having a 24 3/4 scale, I believe that some of this primary information may have become mainstream.

1963

Natural colors will be released.
The previous year, the Dove, a model with the same square shoulder design, was released.
Dove's natural color line has also been around since 1963.
The number of Hummingbird units shipped that year was 1,364, representing a significant leap forward for the model.
The natural color is extremely rare, with only 97 bottles available.
It's easy to imagine that Gibson staked its reputation on developing these two square-shoulder models.

Changes have also been observed in the specifications.

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]:Honduran Mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【bridge】:Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda)
[Bridge Plate]:Maple (medium size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

【Saddle】: Adjustable ceramic saddle (glossy finish)
[Tegs]: Kluson Deluxe Gold
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern is solid yellow

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
Nut width: Approximately 43mm (regular neck)
[Head Angle]: 17 degrees

One finding from this investigation is that the size of the bridge plate increased slightly between 1962 and 1963. This trend can also be seen in Martin guitars in 1969.
The changes this year are minor, but it's possible they wanted to improve the bridge and top wood reinforcement.

1962 Hummingbird

1963 Hummingbird

Furthermore, some guitars, like the one featured here, have been found to have maple back and sides, as well as plastic bridges.

 

1965

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
[Bridge]: Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda)
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

【saddle】:Adjustable ceramic saddle (matte finish)
[Pegs]:Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern is solid yellow

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
[Nut width]:A mix of approximately 43mm (regular neck) and approximately 40mm (narrow neck) necks are available.
[Head angle]:14 degrees

The most notable Gibson specification changes of this year were the 14-degree headstock angle and the narrow neck.
Hummingbird has also undergone changes, as is typical.
Additionally, adjustable saddles have been observed in both matte ceramic and wooden finishes, which is another specification change from the mid-1960s.

 

The pegs were also changed to double lines.

Other changes include the white trim on the truss rod cover becoming thinner,I noticed that the bridge plate has become even larger.

 

1964 Hummingbird

1965 Hummingbird

1965 Hummingbird

1966

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
[Bridge]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

【Saddle】: Adjustable ceramic saddle (matte finish) / Wood saddle
[Tegs]: Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern is solid yellow

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
[Nut width]:Approximately 40mm (narrow neck)
[Head Angle]: 14 degrees

The nut width will be narrower, but the neck thickness tends to be thicker.
This applies not only to the Hummingbird, but to all Gibson flat-top guitars, in my experience.
Even though the width is narrower, it might still be surprisingly thick and easy to grip, so you can choose according to your preference. The necks of the 1967-1968 models tend to be thinner compared to the 1966 models.
While we haven't collected a vast amount of data, we hope this will be helpful when choosing a Gibson from the 1960s.

Furthermore, some guitars feature a faded cherry sunburst finish that might initially be mistaken for a "natural color." While many in Japan associate this with the J-45 guitar used by Motohiro Hata, this finish is also seen in the Hummingbird model. This particular model is commonly seen between 1963 and 1966.

 

*The photo shows a 1966 J-45.

1967

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
[Bridge]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

[Saddle]: Wooden saddle
[Tegs]: Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold
[Pickguard]:Available in two colors: resin/transparent/with a single yellow handle, resin/transparent/with a yellow and white handle, and with or without screws.

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
Nut width: Approximately 40mm (narrow neck)
[Head Angle]: 14 degrees

Changes can be seen in the appearance, such as the pickguard and finish.
Pickguards have evolved from being a single yellow color to also appearing in two colors, yellow and white.
Screw fastenings can also be seen around this time. Screw-fastened pickguards were also used on the J-45 custom colors.
Custom colors first appeared in 1967, and in the same year, screw-on pickguards were introduced for the Hummingbird.RecruitI remember it as something that was just beginning to happen.

1967 Hummingbird

1968 Hummingbird

1967 Hummingbird

1968 J-45 Ebony Black

 

The finish will have a very strong reddish tint on the rim of the cherry sunburst.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there is color applied to both sides of the fretboard end, which really gives me a sense of its age.

 

1967 Hummingbird

*The photo shows a 1967 J-45.

Another characteristic is that the crown inlay on the headstock is positioned slightly lower.

1966 Hummingbird

1967 Hummingbird

1968

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
[Fretboard]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
【bridge】:Rosewood, Upper Berry or Down Berry *Includes jacaranda
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】: Non-scalloped X-bracing

[Saddle]: Wooden saddle
[Tegs]: Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern comes in two colors, yellow and white, with and without screws.

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
Nut width: Approximately 40mm (narrow neck)
[Head Angle]: 14 degrees

As 1968 approaches, the signs of the 1970s begin to draw closer.
The "downbelly" shape, where the bridge-shaped bulge is directed downwards, also began to appear around this time.
While the image of "Downbury" is often associated with 1969,
When comparing numerous units by serial number, you'll find that there are surprisingly many from 1968.
Would it be fair to say that the Hummingbird has moved a little closer to Martin's style...?

1969

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body sides and back]: Honduran mahogany
【neck】:Honduran Mahogany (mix of 1-piece and 3-piece constructions)
[Fretboard]: Rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood mixed in)
[Bridge]: Rosewood, Downberry *Includes some Brazilian rosewood
[Bridge Plate]: Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】:Non-scalloped X-bracing (Double X-bracing may be present)

[Saddle]: Wooden saddle
[Pegs]:Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold or Schaller (with Gibson logo)
[Pickguard]: Made of resin / Transparent / Pattern comes in two colors, yellow and white, with and without screws.

[Scale]: Approximately 645mm (long scale)
[Nut width]:Approximately 40mm (narrow neck) or approximately 43mm (regular neck)
[Head Angle]: 14 degrees

In 1969, the influence of the 1970s becomes even stronger.
In the 1970s, Gibson's management changed, and the double X bracing...RecruitChanges can be seen in guitar making and the models that are released.
While it's generally considered an "unpopular" era, some people might find it endearing and lovable when they look at Gibson's history from a broader perspective.

One of the main features of 1969 was that the down-belly bridge became the mainstream design.
Additionally, some units exhibit irregular specifications, such as a nut width of approximately 42mm to 43mm.
Some units lack the center crack stopper on the inside of the body back.
The back of the body features a stylish backstrip, and the endpin area has a cell embedded in it.

 

It was around this time that the truss rod cover began to have the word "Hummingbird" on it, and it seems that this type of cover was mixed in with covers that did not have the model name.

 

It was around this time that we started seeing guitars with the headstock logo missing the dot on the "i" and with a three-piece mahogany neck.

 

Furthermore, it features double X-bracing, block position markers, and Schaller tuners with the Gibson logo,We have also confirmed instances of vehicles retaining the specifications from the 1970s.

 

About neck material

I looked into several primary sources to find out how long Honduran mahogany will continue to be used.
First, regarding electric guitars, the Les Paul Custom was re-released in 1968,
Referring to the catalogs from that time, we can see that the Les Paul Standard (the reissued Gold Top P-90 Type) is described as having a maple top with a mahogany body, while the Les Paul Custom is described as having a solid Honduras mahogany body.
It's very interesting to see how clearly these terms are being used differently.
In the 1970 catalog, the flat-top Hummingbird was described as being made of Honduran mahogany.
The B-25 is described as being made of mahogany, suggesting that different materials were used for different purposes.
Based on this information, this article lists all Hummingbirds from the 1960s as being Honduras Mahogany.

 

About bracing

Until 1969, non-scalloped X-bracing was consistently used.RecruitIt is being done.
In 1969, some models featured double X-bracing as part of the 1970s specifications.
As you can see from the image, when you line them up, you can see that the thickness increases with each passing year.
The bracing from 1960 has a more angular shape, but from 1963 onwards it becomes slightly more rounded.
By 1965, it had become even thicker.

 

About bridge plates

As mentioned earlier, the bridge plate gets larger as the years go by,
Looking more closely, we noticed that the number of plates increases from 1 piece to 2 pieces to 3 pieces.
1963 marked a transitional period, after which the band became a three-piece.RecruitIt is believed that this is the case.

Artists who use Hummingbird guitars and their classic albums

Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
"Angie"

Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
"Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"

Recommended numbers

As I was putting this article together, I listened to Hummingbird's music again and realized just how cool their rock-infused sound really is.You can really appreciate this honey tone in The Rolling Stones' music, in particular."Exile On Main Street / The Rolling Stones"

Store manager Inoue talks about the true value of Hummingbird

It just looks and sounds incredibly cool.
I think Gibson has a knack for making acoustic guitars look cool, starting with the SJ-200 in 1937. The Hummingbird, with its ornate pickguard, became immensely popular and well-received by band frontmen and rock guitarists.

In Japan, it's famous for being used by Kiyoshiro Imawano. When you think about it that way, I think the Hummingbird is a rock-oriented acoustic guitar.

Showcasing the ultimate honey tone

Of all the guitars I've introduced today, the one that really caught my eye was the 1961 model. Once you hear that bass tone, you'll be hooked on the Hummingbird.

 

What kind of players would I recommend Hummingbird to?

This is a rare model that's hard to come by, so if you've ever longed for that classic rock sound, you should definitely get your hands on one! Wouldn't it be amazing to experience the sound you heard on records right before your eyes?

 

one thing: "When you think of the Hummingbird, you think of its iconic look and the tone described as 'honey tone,' a model beloved by top musicians. It's deeply moving to see that the concept of this instrument, born in 1960 as a 'guitar for singing,' remains unchanged and alive and well. While there are clear differences in specifications such as scale length between vintage and current models, I believe it will undoubtedly continue to make history in the music scene."

Author of this article:Advance Guitars Store Manager Inoue - Vintage Guitar Researcher

Having been involved with musical instruments since childhood, he is an expert who has been involved in the appraisal and sale of thousands of vintage guitars. He has strong connections with collectors and dealers overseas. Believing that "the history of a guitar changes with even a single color or stamp," he strives to provide detailed and passionate explanations.

Qualifications and experience: Eight years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, contributing articles and supervision to Guitar Magazine and other publications.

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