Explanation
We’re revealing all the details on Gibson Hummingbirds from 1960 to 1969—the model’s debut years!
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Gibson / 1963 Hummingbird Maple
“A rare model produced in limited quantities over a two-year period”
The Hummingbird, a legendary model representing Gibson’s square-shoulder guitars, has been beloved by numerous artists—including Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones—for its iconic look since its debut in 1960.
Its popularity far exceeded production numbers, and it’s said that demand outstripped supply.
This particular instrument embodies that history and is a Hummingbird featuring rare specifications.
—Beautifully rippling figured maple
While mahogany is typically used for the sides and back, this guitar features maple with a beautiful figured grain. The use of
maple can be traced back to the explosive success of the Dove—another square-shouldered model—which was introduced in 1962.However, since the Dove was 35% more expensive than the Hummingbird, popularity remained concentrated on the Hummingbird even after 1962. There is an anecdote that Gibson, which had been producing more Dove models than it could actually sell, added Dove bodies to the Hummingbird line—which they could no longer keep up with—and ended up manufacturing long-scale Hummingbirds with maple bodies in 1962 and 1963.
The square-shouldered body, crafted from spruce, is finished in a cherry sunburst color that radiates a vivid hue.
Even after more than 60 years, it is extremely rare to find a guitar that has retained such a vibrant cherry color, and it is not something you come across very often.
Furthermore, the tone produced by this body size and the long scale—a feature no longer found in current models—is the secret behind its dynamic and substantial bass response.
The pickguard features a carved design depicting a hummingbird—the symbol of the Hummingbird—sipping nectar from a flower, with the carved details filled in with yellow ink.
The fingerboard is made of rosewood, and the double parallelogram inlays sparkle beautifully.
These inlays are typically found on top-of-the-line models and are crafted from mother-of-pearl.
Like the fingerboard, the bridge is made of rosewood, and the slightly angular design of the upper belly is a characteristic feature of models from around 1963.
Additionally, while an adjustable ceramic saddle is typically installed, this instrument has been fitted with a wooden adjustable saddle, and the bridge pin holes have been grooved to match the string gauge—presumably to adjust the string angle.
The neck is made of mahogany and features the relatively slim neck profile characteristic of models from the 1960s onward.
With a nut width of approximately 42 mm, it offers a natural grip.
The headstock is adorned with a pearl “Modern” logo and a crown inlay. Just seeing
this gives you the sense that you’re owning a high-end model.
The tuning machines feature gold KULUSON DELUXE keystone knobs.
Although the button on the 2nd string is slightly dented due to heat over the years, tuning remains problem-free.
It’s rare to come across a Hummingbird that still retains its vibrant reddish hue, and a Hummingbird made with maple is an even rarer find. With very few
major damages, it’s sure to continue delighting you with its bright, powerful tone.
We invite you to experience this rare instrument for yourself.
[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Maple
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42mm
SCALE: 643mm
CASE: Non-original hard shell case
[Condition]
—There are two repaired cracks: one in the upper right corner of the soundhole and one in the lower right corner of the top. Aside from these, the natural reddish hue remains well-preserved, and the guitar is in beautiful condition.
- There is no buzzing or muffled sound, and it plays well.
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.1 mm
on the 1st string side. - The adjustable bridge is currently set at its lowest position, so it will be difficult to lower the string action any further; however, please feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
- The saddle has been replaced from ceramic to wood.
- Grooves have been cut into the bridge pin holes to adjust the angle of the strings.
- The 2nd string peg button has a dent due to age.
- The 2nd and 3rd string pegs are a bit stiff, but tuning is possible without any issues.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]
[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer you the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchase when selling by mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after delivery. Please take your time to try out the product
at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *You are responsible for
round-trip shipping costs.
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Warranty for Used Products
Please click here for detailed warranty terms.
Electric Guitars / Electric Basses / Effectors / Amplifiers (Adjustment Warranty: Up to 5 years)
If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will provide service free of charge. The warranty period varies by product.
Acoustic Guitars (Peace of Mind Warranty: Up to 6 months)
For defects arising from normal use, we will provide free service for either 1 month or 6 months after purchase.
Wind Instruments (Up to 1 Year)
Upon arrival, we clean the interior of the instrument, replace consumables as needed, and perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. If the instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound during normal use, we will repair it free of charge.
◯ There is no warranty on junk items.