Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird Custom –Custom Ordered, Sunburst 1999

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Tony Elder / Steve Jackson
Black Dot Music
Est 1985

Just arrived in Store!

Fab condition, zero breaks, cracks, repairs.

A legend among guitars! The Gibson Hummingbird was the first square-shoulder dreadnought in the Gibson range and has been one of Gibson Acoustic’s most popular Custom Shop models since its introduction. This example was handmade in Bozeman, Montana, and is based on the original Hummingbird, which was first launched in 1960. The headstock and bridge were inlaid with flying hummingbirds made of mother-of-pearl. The top of the Hummingbird Custom is made of solid Sitka spruce while the back and sides are made of hand-picked super-quilt. Beautiful abalone binding, characteristic pickguard with engraved hummingbirds and the elegant Orpheum-style inlays of colourful abalone provide an attractive contrast to the deep dark African ebony fingerboard.

In addition each Hummingbird Custom is fitted with elaborate gold tuners, personally engraved by Gibson’s master luthiers. The neck is made of solid mahogany with a pleasant medium profile that should be very comfortable for the hands of most musicians. And the excellent sound of this enchanting acoustic is extremely well balanced. Warm, rich tone, very open and direct with pearly highs and a super response. Also ideal for fingerpickers. We are delighted to be able to offer you this dream dreadnought.

This Custom Hummingbird from 1999 is much harder to find in a Sunburst finish. The finish is in excellent condition given its 25+ years. There is some very cool lacquer checking on the top. The usual lacquer bubble in front of the bridge on nearly all these earlier Gibson is evident. Most of these Custom Shop Custom Hummingbirds were made with Koa Wood Back and sides. However, this rare Custom Hummingbird was Custom Ordered with fabulous “quilted mahogany” back and sides. The original frets are showing some wear, mainly low on the B & E strings and there would be still around 85% of fret left.

The sound of the guitar is warm and mature as expected, deep and colourful. The action is med-low with plenty of saddle left. Overall, this Custom Hummingbird is a rare treasure from the magnificent Ren Ferguson Gibson Montana era!