Collection: Gibson Hummingbird
Gibson Hummingbird
Introduced in 1960, the Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever made. With its square-shoulder dreadnought body, ornate pickguard, and warm, vocal midrange, the Hummingbird has become a favorite for rock, country, folk, and singer-songwriters worldwide.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock one of the widest selections of Hummingbird acoustic guitars in the U.S., including new Gibson Montana/USA models, Custom Shop reissues, Epiphone and Inspired by Gibson versions, and a carefully curated collection of used and vintage pieces.
The CME Hummingbird Collection
Our Hummingbird lineup covers every era, price point, and playing style, offering options for collectors, working musicians, and first-time buyers alike. CME’s selection includes:
- New Gibson Hummingbird Montana/USA models
- Gibson Custom Shop and Historic reissues
- Epiphone and Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird guitars
- Used and vintage Gibson Hummingbirds
Whether you’re searching for a modern Standard, a Studio or Original, a Custom Shop Historic reissue, or a vintage ’60s square-shoulder, CME carries one of the most complete Hummingbird inventories available.
Why Guitarists Love the Gibson Hummingbird
Players choose the Hummingbird because it offers a unique blend of tone, comfort, and unmistakable style:
- Square-shoulder dreadnought punch with focused, present mids
- Clear, articulate top end that matches beautifully with vocals
- Short 24.75" scale for a smooth, forgiving feel
- Iconic cherry sunburst finishes, multi-ply binding, and engraved pickguards
- Versatility for strumming, light flatpicking, worship sets, and singer-songwriter styles
The Hummingbird shines both in the studio and on stage, offering lush rhythm textures that sit perfectly in the mix.
Epiphone & Inspired by Gibson Hummingbirds
CME also offers Epiphone and Inspired by Gibson models—ideal for players seeking Hummingbird style and tone at a more accessible price point. Common models include:
- Epiphone Hummingbird
- Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
- Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird
These guitars provide classic Hummingbird aesthetics, comfortable playability, and excellent value.
Gibson Montana / USA Hummingbird Models
Built in Bozeman, Montana, Gibson’s USA-made Hummingbirds represent modern craftsmanship rooted in vintage tradition. CME regularly stocks:
- Gibson Hummingbird Standard
- Gibson Hummingbird Original and Vintage-styled variants
- Gibson Hummingbird Studio and Studio Walnut/Rosewood versions
- Special tonewood and Sustainable Series models
- Limited-color and small-run editions
Gibson Custom Shop & Historic Hummingbirds
For players seeking golden-era tone and build details, our Custom Shop and Historic Hummingbirds offer premium craftsmanship and vintage accuracy:
- Early-’60s-style Historic Hummingbird reissues
- Custom Shop models with Adirondack spruce, hide glue, and vintage neck profiles
- Lightly aged, VOS, and limited-edition finishes
- Artist-inspired or signature-style Hummingbirds
Used & Vintage Gibson Hummingbirds
Chicago Music Exchange is also a destination for used and vintage Hummingbirds. Our rotating inventory may include:
- 1960s Gibson Hummingbirds
- 1970s and 1980s variations
- Historic reissues from previous decades
- Well-played workhorse square-shoulders
Every used and vintage guitar is carefully inspected, photographed, and described by our expert team.
Artists Known for the Hummingbird
The Hummingbird has been played on iconic stages and recordings by artists including:
- Keith Richards
- Mick Jagger
- Sheryl Crow
- Chris Cornell
- Thom Yorke
- Noel Gallagher
Why Buy Your Hummingbird from Chicago Music Exchange?
- One of the top Gibson Hummingbird dealers in the U.S.
- Deep inventory of new, used, and vintage Hummingbirds
- Options from Epiphone through Gibson USA and Custom Shop
- Carefully selected woods, finishes, and variations
- Professional setups on every guitar
- Expert staff, detailed photos, and accurate descriptions
- Trusted by collectors, studios, touring pros, and songwriters
If you’re searching for a Gibson Hummingbird, CME offers one of the most complete and carefully curated selections available.
Gibson Hummingbird FAQ
Q: Is a Gibson Hummingbird good for singer-songwriters?
A: Yes. Its focused mids and clear top end complement vocals exceptionally well.
Q: What’s the difference between Epiphone and Gibson Hummingbirds?
A: Epiphone models are more affordable and built overseas, while Gibson models are crafted in the USA or Custom Shop with higher-grade woods, nitrocellulose finishes, and premium construction.
Q: What’s the difference between the Hummingbird Standard and Studio?
A: The Standard is the full-featured, classic version. The Studio is more streamlined, lighter, and more affordable, while retaining core Hummingbird character.
Q: How does a Hummingbird compare to a J-45?
A: The Hummingbird offers a brighter, more focused square-shoulder voice, while the J-45 has a rounder, warmer slope-shoulder tone.
Q: Does CME carry vintage Hummingbirds?
A: Yes. We regularly stock used and vintage Gibson Hummingbirds alongside new Gibson USA and Custom Shop models.
Vintage & Used Gibson Hummingbirds
Instruments in our exclusive collection of vintage and used Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitars have been meticulously selected for their exceptional quality and historical significance. Unlike modern reproductions, each pre-owned Gibson Hummingbird in our inventory carries the authentic character and seasoned tone that only decades of playing can cultivate.
We proudly feature iconic examples, including highly sought-after early 1960s Gibson Hummingbirds, such as the inaugural 1960 Hummingbird models, known for their distinct square-shoulder dreadnought design and the vibrant, often-faded Cherry Sunburst finish. Discover the subtle nuances of 1960s Hummingbird finishes, from the radiant cherry to the "Honey Burst" and "Iced Tea Burst" variations that developed over time. We also occasionally showcase 1963 Hummingbirds, some of which famously featured a unique plastic bridge or the rarer Natural finish.
For collectors and players alike, our collectible Gibson Hummingbird guitars offer a tangible connection to music history. Look for key vintage features such as the original Hummingbird pickguard with its elaborate engraving, mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays, and period-correct tuners. Our selection emphasizes well-preserved Gibson Hummingbirds, ensuring that you acquire an instrument that not only looks stunning but also delivers that signature rich, balanced, and resonant vintage Gibson acoustic sound.
Whether you're searching for a rare Gibson Hummingbird from its pivotal early years or a used Hummingbird with road-worn charm, our collection provides a unique opportunity to own a piece of acoustic guitar legend. Experience the unparalleled playability and inspiring voice of these extraordinary instruments – an investment in both sound and legacy.
Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbirds
Chicago Music Exchange is home to an ever-changing collection of Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird guitars. These are not merely guitars; they are a testament to Gibson's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, meticulously built by skilled artisans in Nashville to capture the essence of the iconic Hummingbird while offering modern precision and playability.
Each new Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird embodies the spirit of legendary instruments, often drawing inspiration from highly sought-after reissue years like the 1960 Hummingbird Reissue. These models faithfully recreate the cherished features of their vintage counterparts, including the distinct square-shoulder dreadnought body and the famously ornate Hummingbird pickguard.
Explore a range of exquisite, vibrant Custom Shop finishes, from the classic and deep Heritage Cherry Sunburst to the subtle nuances of Vintage Cherry Sunburst and occasional limited-edition custom colors. Many of these guitars feature thermally aged Sitka spruce tops, a specialized treatment that mimics the natural aging process of vintage wood, resulting in enhanced resonance and a "played-in" tone right out of the case.
Experience the superior build quality, including hand-scalloped X-bracing, premium solid mahogany back and sides, and often upgraded appointments like bone nuts and saddles for optimal sustain and clarity. While honoring tradition, these high-end acoustic guitars often incorporate modern amenities such as discreetly integrated LR Baggs VTC electronics, making them ready for studio recording or live performance.
For players seeking the vintage Hummingbird sound with the reliability and pristine condition of a new Gibson acoustic guitar, our Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird selection offers the pinnacle of acoustic artistry. Invest in an instrument that combines historical accuracy with contemporary performance – a true masterpiece from the heart of Gibson's Custom Shop.