The Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic guitars ever built. Introduced in 1960, it was the first square-shoulder dreadnought acoustic model Gibson produced. Built by Gibson Custom the Hummingbird Custom Koa is a top-of-the-line Hummingbird with exceptional beauty and tone. This rare model from Gibson Custom features hand-inlaid and hand-engraved hummingbirds on the headstock, fretboard, pickguard, and bridge.
The back and sides are beautifully figured and book-matched solid koa wood. The two-piece back features a centre marquetry strip and is framed by multi-ply binding. The solid Sitka spruce top is reinforced with the traditional Gibson scalloped X-bracing and framed by multi-ply abalone binding. The combination of koa and Sitka spruce produces a bright but balanced sound that should continue to warm up and improve with each passing year.
The mahogany neck attaches to the body with a dovetail joint, using hot hide glue. The ebony fretboard is adorned with these stunning intricately engraved mother-of-pearl and abalone hummingbird and flower inlays. The bound headstock has gold-plated Grover machine heads with engraved buttons. It also features a beautiful mother-of-pearl and abalone hummingbird inlay, along with a mother-of-pearl Gibson logo. The luxury detail continues with a richly detailed pickguard with mother-of-pearl and abalone inlays, along with an abalone rosette. The traditional belly-up ebony bridge also features two mother-of-pearl hummingbird inlays with engraved detailing. The nut, saddle and bridge pins are all bone.
The guitar came into the shop with a very slight opening of the seam in the spruce top – we have repaired this with a couple of small cleats in behind the seam, while filling and buffing the seam. Other than this small repair the guitar is in fabulous condition. This handcrafted instrument is a true custom piece and comes complete with its Gibson Custom hard shell case, COA and some case candy.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
