1965 Gibson Hummingbird Natural

Natural, EX-, one piece mahogany neck, 1 9/16” nut width, no cracks. First, this guitar sounds great with that classic Gibson mahogany body sound, great bass and clean upper mids that make it so pleasing to the ear. Has classic Gibson features, logo with open O and open B, bound Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram inlays, crown peghead inlaid in pearl, seven layers of binding on the top, five layers on the back. The lacquered finish is gently aged. Of course it has the patented Hummingbird pickguard.

Nits: The gold hardware was changed to nickel with newer Kluson tuners and a nickel strap button. The screws are still gold. The adjustable bridge slot was filled and a new saddle slot was cut for better intonation (you’re welcome), because now it plays in tune. The original Brazilian bridge remains. Otherwise outside of normal wear it’s quite clean.

Post 1965 Hummingbirds are 25.5” scale (the better to hear you with my dear) for a stronger bass and arguably better intonation. 1968 was the last full year for Brazilian fretboards and bridges.

The Hummingbird was made for the performer and can be heard with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger (Street Fighting Man), Jimmy Page (Babe I’m gonna lose you). Sheryl Crow plays a ’68, Eric Church plays one (Hi Eric) and Tom Petty was often seen with Hummingbirds. They made 912 of these Natural Hummingbirds. While not really rare, they are not making these classics with old growth woods, Brazilian and finish without plasticizers anymore. Comes with a soft shell case.