1963 Gibson Hummingbird Cherryburst

Here we have a 1963 Gibson Hummingbird that’s a very special guitar. It’s gone through some changes in its life (who hasn’t?) and come out the other side better than before. The guitar was re-topped and given a new fingerboard, we think in the 1970s. The workmanship suggests the work was done by the Gibson factory. Instead of the traditional split parallelogram inlays, it was given block inlays which lend a distinctive look. Recently the original bridge and ceramic saddle were replaced with an Ebony bridge and compensated Bone saddle. A bone nut was also installed as well as a K&K Pure Mini internal pickup. All the recent work was performed by Ryan Lynn, one of Portland’s finest luthiers. The result is a gorgeous Hummingbird which is perfectly dialed in for live performance or recording.

Basic Specs: Gold Kluson Deluxe tuners. 1 11/16 inch Bone nut. Mahogany neck with a 25.5 inch scale length. Neck depth measures .82 inches at the first fret and .98 inches at the twelfth fret. Bound Rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets and a 12 inch radius. K&K Pure Mini internal pickup with end pin jack. Ebony bridge with compensated Bone saddle. Engraved Hummingbird tortoise style pickguard. Spruce top with a beautiful Cherry Sunburst finish. Mahogany back and sides. Comes with a period hardshell case.

This is not the loudest Hummingbird we’ve heard, but quite possibly the most balanced. A perfect recording guitar, but an equally wonderful performance instrument as well. Live through the board this guitar sounds like the perfect definition of acoustic guitar. Take this guitar home and you’ll have a playing partner that will definitely make you sound your best. It’s a good ‘un.

DETAILS
Year: 1963

Make: Gibson

Model: Hummingbird

Serial: 125747

Finish: Cherryburst

Case: Period Hardshell Case

Weight: 4 pounds 10 ounces

Condition: Excellent (with fairly light playwear)

Modifications: Re-topped (in the 70s we think); new fingerboard with block inlays; new bridge and compensated Bone saddle; new Bone nut; added K&K pickup

Comments: A truly remarkable guitar made more affordable by a few modifications during its lifetime.