Should I buy a Hummingbird?

[ricfreak]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

The answer seems simple - buy the D-18 and swap the pick-guard.

LOL!!!

[ricfreak]

Yes. You should buy a Hummingbird

[TiffanyGuitar]

Here is my J-30. It is basically a stripped down hummingbird. Same specs, scale length, etc. They are on reverb used. It's an awesome guitar. It's an old friend - had it since new. Many people don't know the scale length on a J45 is different than a Hummingbird. The two models sound different, one is not better than the other, just different.

[Slim Zooms]

Originally Posted by ricfreak

Yes. You should buy a Hummingbird

I never get tired of this great photo!
Great stuff.
Cheers
Slim

[DBW]

Yes- If you want a Hummingbird, you should buy a Hummingbird. They are beautiful guitars.

[thomasinaz]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

There are Hummingbirds and there are Hummingbirds.

Gibson currently list 9 versions on there site.

- Original
- Standard
- Studio
- Studio Rosewood
- Erich Church Dark
- Deluxe
- Custom
- 1960 Adjustable Bridge
- 1960 Fixed Bridge - as the owner of a Custom Shop Historic Gibson myself , this is the one I'd like to try.

It would be rash to write them all off after just playing one.

The 1960 Fixed bridge is a spectacular Bird. I had a Standard Bird for a few years and it sounded good. Got the 1960 and it sounds so much better, really a giant step up. I'd highly recommend the OP try and find one of the new 1960 Fixed Bridge Birds to try.

[sakar12]

I have a J-45 and a D-18GE. I love the D-18GE and thought the J-45 was too thumpy ... For a week or so. Now I "get" that Gibson sound and love it more than I ever expected to.

So yeah, you need a Hummingbird.

[N+1]

Originally Posted by ricfreak

Yes. You should buy a Hummingbird

I didn't want a hummingbird before, but I do now.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bill

In my opinion, it is not the best sounding Gibson model, and by a long shot. I will take a great J45 or Advanced Jumbo every time.

I wouldn't even bother with trying to find a good-sounding J45. All those I have played have been disappointing. The AJ, however, is a sensational instrument and, in my humble opinion, Gibson's finest acoustic guitar. Why it isn't a constant in Gibson's catalogue is a mystery to me.

[Golffishny]

I've only played a few Hummingbirds. Several were ok, 1 was outstanding. I thought this is what the hype is about. Keep trying until you find the one. It's out there.

[HogsNRoses]

My suggestion: Try Hummingbirds until you find one that plays for you like a D18.

IMHO, music is more heart than head, so it's important to pick an instrument that you connect with at an emotional level. Reading your descriptions, it sounds like your head says D18 and your heart says Hummingbird.

A couple years ago I said in ignorance that Martins and Gibsons had a similar sound. The reason I had that opinion is that I sound like me on either a Martin or a Gibson.

Another reason to go with your heart: maybe it will stave off GAS. I'm as susceptible to GAS as the next person, but I've had the same bass since 1983 and that will probably never change. In 1982, I saw my first 12 string Rickenbacker, and if I had bought one early on I'd have saved myself a lot of trouble later.

P.S. to your reasons for getting a D18: 1) what does scale length matter? 2) you might like the tone of a D18, but if you find the right Hummingbird, you'll like its tone also. 3) if you really want a standard scale - would a Dove be just as good? How about a Songwriter?

[NowhereMan33]

Originally Posted by AndrewG

I wouldn't even bother with trying to find a good-sounding J45. All those I have played have been disappointing. The AJ, however, is a sensational instrument and, in my humble opinion, Gibson's finest acoustic guitar. Why it isn't a constant in Gibson's catalogue is a mystery to me.

A great sounding J45 can be found, and I have one. It’s the rosewood version, so some would say it’s not a real J45. But I’ve heard some great standard mahogany and even walnut versions.

[azjohn]

My Hummingbird is my "forever" guitar. I also wanted a Martin and so a D28 is part of my guitar family now and I could not be happier. I'm lucky to have both.

[Arapaho G]

Get them both. It's only money and you only live once. You'd have no problem selling either one.

[DrunkUncles]

Originally Posted by catdaddy

The truth is, you'll never be sated and satisfied until you have both...and maybe not then.

I love the way you think! My wife and bank account would disagree...