1968 Gibson Hummingbird Sunburst acoustic vintage guitar for sale

Stunning Gibson Hummingbird from 1968 in fantastically clean condition with no fading and minimal checking to the strong Cherry Sunburst finish.

Introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird was Gibsons first square shouldered dreadnought and thanks to its iconic Hummingbird motif pickguard it has became one of the most recognizable instruments Gibson produces. Featuring a 16.25” wide body with Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. A Honduras Mahogany neck topped with a bound Rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram inlays. A belly above Rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle. Appointments included Pearl Gibson logo and Crown inlays, a multi-ply bound top, gold individual tuners and the engraved Hummingbird pickguard that gives the model its name. On release the Hummingbird sat behind only the flagship J-200. A natural finish option, the Hummingbird N was introduced in 1963. 1968 would see the bridge rotate to the belly below style adopted by Gibson on many flattop guitars, is was also the last year of manufacture before the bracing changed to a much chunkier style before the model became double X-braced in the 1970s.

This example dating to 1968 is in fantastic condition, the finish is bright and glossy with no fading and minimal checking to the Cherry Sunburst. The Mahogany back, sides and neck likewise has minimal checking and retains its cherry finish. The Hummingbird pickguard is wear free and the gold plated Kluson tuners are in excellent condition. The dark Rosewood fingerboard and bridge have pleasant figuring with next to no inlay shrinkage. Frets and nut are original with fingerboard binding nibs still in place. This one has the typical later 60’s nut width but doesn’t feel at all cramped unlike other examples can. The neck has a decent rounded profile measuring 22.12 at the 1st fret. The guitar plays well and has the sound that square shoulder Gibsons are known for. A great accompaniment guitar it strums well with a balanced ring, bass that is present but not booming and a top that is detailed but not dominant.

The guitar comes with its original plush lined Faultless case in equally good condition. A superb investment grade example.