GIbson Hummingbird
 

Looking for an idea of used value on a 1991 model, few finish checks and a ding. Just trying to see what would be considered a good deal and what would be just an OK price

I don't know. But where you live will be a factor - USA?

oh, yeah, USA

For a 1991 you may not have any finish cracks yet unless it's been in and out of the cold weather. But for a Bozeman 1991 in 8+ condition it could go for around $1500-1700...mint could fetch 1700-1900.

ok, thanks its got a few finish checks and a ding on the side.

Guys asking $1500 , didnt know if that was a good deal or just ok. Seems like its just ok, nothing great?

GIbson Hummingbird
 

Yes. Just ok. But it depends on how it sounds and plays.

The main thing is sound & play not price..unless you are buying it to sell it?
If it sounds nice its a good price.

IMO, Hummingbirds are one the best sounding acoustics.
Though the price is a big turn-off. Don't miss the chance if you can get one at a good price.

Here's a teaser of my birds......:D

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7...g8bo1_1280.jpg

Dang!!!!!!!

Dang!

Nice Hummingbird collection. All you need to complete the set is an original early 60's in both cherry burst and natural and a Hummingbird Custom Koa.

beautiful collection! What would you consider to be a good price? I have paid too much for a couple guitars in the past and would like to avoid that again.

Is there anything that makes certain years sounds/play better than others. ANything else to look for in particular on these? thanks

In my opinion, the early '90s Hummingbirds were nothing great tonally. Mind you, that's based on a very limited sampling, of course, but the examples I tried were generally 'meh'.

My sense was that they (Hummingbirds, and Gibson in general) turned a tonal corner after about 1996, and then REALLY started improving in the 2000s.

Try before you buy.

Fred

okay thanks I appreciate that I'll probably keep looking .do you know if and when they went to a wider nut width on the hummingbird. I noticed it look s like it now has a wider nut width

GIbson Hummingbird
 

The best Hummingbirds other than the original early 60's models are the ones being made today in Bozeman.

Now there are some gems to be found from different periods between now and then but the ones being made today are consistently better .

I've auditioned several different Hummingbirds.
Depending upon your budget, here would be my preference in order.

True Vintage
Custom Koa
Custom Walnut
Modern Classic
Custom Quilted Maple.

Used models do come up from time to time .
Before my True Vintage, I owned a great 2011 Modern Classic. I would have kept it but I desired the more responsive True Vintage tone.
The Modern Classic sounded superb with a heavy hand and under a pick . I normally play with a lighter touch and strum with my fingers so the lighter braced True Vintage was a better fit for my personal playing style.

Pretty much any Bozeman Hummingbird should have been made with standard single X braced with scalloped tone bars, solid sitka tops, solid woods B&S.

The ones you want to avoid are the Norlin era acoustics. They were double X and sounded pretty dead. I owned a Norlin era 'Bird and it was my main player for 30 years. But when I learned about the double X brace pattern...It explained a lot of things. Bozeman from the start have been pretty good guitars. I've never played a Bozeman dud. A lot of variance, yes, and many sound livelier than others, but good guitars. Here's my '64 just for kicks:
http://edharp.smugmug.com/Music/Humm..._001web-XL.jpg