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2023 Gibson Hummingbird, Montana Heritage Cherry
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status of this instrument, please check here.
If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments
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SN#: 22493050, Gibson Montana Custom Shop label
Body size at lower bout: 15 3/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .88 /.93 String spacing at bridge: 2 1/4"
Materials: Solid Sitka spruce top; solid figured mahogany back, sides, and neck; solid rosewood fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle; aged 5-ply binding.
Hardware: All original hardware includes engraved red tortoise pickguard, gold Kluson Deluxe tuners, LR Baggs VTC active under-saddle piezo pickup, with soundhole thumbwheel volume and tone controls and endpin jack, adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Reissues of classic vintage models have been the mainstay of the major American guitar manufacturers for decades, with varying degrees of success. At best, one might hope to recapture a glimmer of the tone and quality of the beloved postwar prizes. But a reissue that actually exceeds the quality of a coveted original? Hold the phone.
Gibson's famous aviary began in 1960, with the introduction of their ever-popular Hummingbird flat top. Though the firm had hitherto disdained Martin's signature dreadnought, Gibson finally bent to demand for the square shoulder body, and this fabled model has ruled the roost now for over six decades and counting.
While striking in appearance, it's widely observed that the older Hummingbirds had a few design issues that were less than optimal. For over a decade, the guitars were fitted with an adjustable saddle mechanism that muted the acoustic voice. The original Hummers had a short 24 3/4" scale, which limited their volume and projection as well. The Norlin years saw the model suffer screwed down pickguards, cramped nut widths, and increasingly beefed-up construction, to keep warranty claims at bay. By the end of the 70's, the nimble Hummingbird was ungainly as an ostrich. Cue the Flatiron boys.
In 1987, Gibson, Inc. purchased that small Montana luthier shop, who's mandolins had been eating the corporate giant's lunch. It was the smartest move the venerable firm ever made. From their new Custom Shop in scenic Bozeman, Montana, former Flatiron luthiers began crafting Gibson's top end acoustic guitars as well, as they have to this day. All of which is to say that, without exaggeration, the Montana Gibson Hummingbird not only meets the quality of the best vintage examples, it unquestionably surpasses them in every respect. And this guitar is the proof of that pudding.
The first thing you notice is the weight. At barely 4lb 5oz, the Montana guitar simply floats out of the case, vastly lighter than any Hummers Kalamazoo built on its best day. And resonance follows mass: the precisely graduated braces and soundboard lend this guitar a lively responsiveness the older birds could only envy. Combining the dreadnought body with a calibrated X-braced Sitka spruce top, lightweight figured mahogany body, extended 25 1/2" scale, and generous 1 3/4" nut, the resulting instrument optimizes for volume and projection, with exceptionally vibrant bass response and sustain.
The action is smooth and low over vintage correct narrow fretwork, and a fresh high precision setup on a comfy light C profile neck. 100% original, the guitar has the vintage correct engraved floral pickguard, and is fitted with an LR Baggs VTC active under-saddle piezo pickup, with soundhole thumbwheel volume and tone controls, and 1/4" endpin jack. Even the peghead has been slimmed to the classic dimensions of Gibson's iconic flat tops of the 40's and 50's, with immaculate, filler-free inlay in lustrous mother of pearl.
In showroom condition, and free of playwear, the instrument has an exceptionally subtle faded Heritage Cherry lacquer finish, one of the most handsome we've seen on any postwar Gibson. Finally, this gleaming guitar is complete with its original brown Gibson logo hardshell case, and all factory paperwork and accessories. Kudos to Big Sky Country: they built a better bird. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings.
