1991 Gibson Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

The iconic Gibson Hummingbird is essentially the same as the J-45 Deluxe except that the cherry sunburst finish (or, occasionally, natural finish), replaces the J-45’s darker sunburst finish. Like the J-45, it has a dreadnought body with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck. As of 1970, both had a non-adjustable rosewood belly-below bridge and double-X bracing, and a 14/20-fret rosewood finger board with a 25 ½” scale. The obvious distinctions between the two models were the Hummingbird’s pearl block fretboard inlay vs. the J-45’s pearl dot inlay, the dramatic embossed and painted Hummingbird motif pick guard vs the J-45 black teardrop pick guard, and the bound fingerboard vs. the J-45’s unbound ‘board—all visible upgrades. And of course it had the huge sound for which vintage Jumbo Gibsons have been famous for decades.

This guitar is serial number 90141007 (legible in my picture of the back of the headstock), which with the specs dates it as 1991—twenty-nine years of making music. As might be expected, there are a few cosmetic concerns, including a bit of finish crazing. There are, of course, also a few dings, most of which are visible in the pictures, and a slight belly behind the bridge. And finally, there is a barely visible repaired crack from the bridge to the end binding; the visible top seam has been checked and is not a crack.

There is very little fret or fretboard wear, even in the first three positions, and no buzzing or other negative effects. The gold Gibson Deluxe tulip button tuners work well, the action is currently set up at a hair over 3/32” at the 12th fret low E, and it plays comfortably and sounds huge. However, for your gigs in Yankee Stadium, an under-saddle pickup has been added—accessed through the end pin jack—which works very effectively.

This is truly a great Gibson guitar which has been playing the hard-driving music for which it was made. And, of course, playing that music for almost thirty years has made that Gibson sound even better, more resonant, and more powerful. This guitar has got impressive credentials, but hopefully it will never be just enshrined in a “collection.” This is a player’s guitar, and I sincerely hope that its next owner is someone who will play it hard, well, and often. This guitar will reward such a player with great performances, and this guitar deserves no less.

The brown deluxe hard shell case is obviously original and in overall very good condition. The interior is the dramatic pink fuzz, complete with the fuzzy pink shroud, all clean and intact. There are the usual few dings and peelings along the edges of the exterior, but the hinges and latches all work perfectly (the combination locking latch works fine, but unfortunately I don’t know the combination). It provides very good protection and is an excellent vintage complement to this fine vintage Gibson Hummingbird guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower forty-eight states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage instrument. Therefore, its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this excellent Gibson guitar.