'64 Hummingbird bridge replaced

gibbyguy · #1 04-08-2011, 08:58 PM

I have a '64 Gibson Hummingbird and just got back from having the plastic adjustable bridge replaced. I've been playing "Angelina" by Tommy Emmanuel on it, it's bringing me to tears. I inherited the guitar from my father who passed away in '79. It has been in the case for many years with that old bridge on it, and I finally bit the bullet and had the bridge replaced with Rosewood with bone saddle; they refitted a new nut too. The Lutherie Shop in Des Moines, IA. Thanks Tim! Great work!

It is SO sweet sounding, I can't believe it. Here it here: Hummingbird Sounds

Just a word to some of the '60s Gibson acoustic owners. If you want an indescribably good sounding guitar replace that adjustable bridge. I know there's pros and cons as far as value. But many don't care about the plastic ones whether they're on or not.

Forgot to mention: They replaced the first four frets, Repaired a cracked upper top brace also. Very moderately priced repair job.

Kitchen Guitars · #2 04-09-2011, 03:07 AM

How about some photo's?

gibbyguy · #3 04-09-2011, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitchen Guitars

How about some photo's?

I'll post some photos today. Thanks, Ed

gibbyguy · #4 04-09-2011, 03:32 PM

Here's some pics. Love to receive comments. Thanks, Ed

clinchriver · #5 04-09-2011, 04:17 PM

Thats one nice guitar. Did they have a one piece back?

gibbyguy · #6 04-09-2011, 07:22 PM

I can't tell if it's joined in the middle or what. I believe it's a one piece back. It is very true with no cracks. It doesn't look book-matched. The back is immaculate for a 47 year old guitar. Been playing it again tonight. What a sweetie.

dave251 · #7 04-10-2011, 05:00 PM

Good looking job.

That's just about the best thing you can do for a 60's Gibby flattop. Many of them had wood bridges with the adjustable saddle. Fixes them too. HIGHLY recommended.

dotfret · #8 04-10-2011, 08:07 PM

The back on that guitar looks like a 3 piece with about a 4" centre board, from the picture.

Nice to know it is playing so well, Gibson accoustics from that time always seem to have a good balanced sound.

clinchriver · #9 04-11-2011, 03:56 PM

Now that I looked it is a three piece.

My first major repair was a J-45 that had been in a fire. A guy showed up at church and we invited him home for dinner. He was needing some money and had this trashed old Gibson, I think I paid him $50. I replaced the top and refinished the guitar it turned out pretty nice. Buddy of mine had to have so I sold it and have regretted it ever since.

sfden1 · #10 04-11-2011, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibbyguy

Just a word to some of the '60s Gibson acoustic owners. If you want an indescribably good sounding guitar replace that adjustable bridge. I know there's pros and cons as far as value. But many don't care about the plastic ones whether they're on or not.

Actually, replacing these adjustable bridges isn't controversial at all, except among a few folks who have heard that modifying a vintage guitar in any way is a no-no, but don't really know anything about vintage guitars.

These 60's Gibson's are far better players with the mod than without. Most people would pay a bit more for this guitar once the bridge has been replaced than in it's original condition, as long as it's done well. Why play a crappy sounding guitar when you can play a good one?

Beautiful guitar, by the way. Kudos to you for getting her playing again. May you enjoy it for many years to come

Dennis

gibbyguy · #11 04-26-2011, 08:36 AM

Here's a few sound samples of my Hummingbird. Hummingbird sounds