Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa - Antique Natural Review

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

I have the 12 string version (disclosure: not purchased from Sweetwater). I have owned many high end acoustics; nothing compares. The pricy price is of course partly for the "bling", which is not usually important to me but this is some of the most elegant, tasteful "bling" I've seen. The playability is the best I've ever experienced in a 12 string. There is a precision to the set… read more up and action which has got to be as close to ideal as possible - surprisingly easy to play and with intonation about as close to perfect as you can get with an even-tempered instrument. The sound IMO, is as described on the page. Everyone uses terms like "balanced". "chiming", "focused", but in this case, boy can I hear these qualities. Every string is exactly the right relative volume and tone to my ear, with outstanding definition/clarity. It stays in tune very well, can be played soft or aggressive and puts out a lot of volume. Does a "standard" version Hummingbird sound as good? Afraid I couldn't tell you but I can say this is the best I've heard. Neither can I say if the koa wood back and sides is the main magic ingredient but whatever they did - it worked. Finally, the pick up system sounds very, very good. Plugged straight into a Fishman Loudbox and loved the natural acoustic sound. I think Taylors' on board electronics sound great but this is at least as good. Also, these guitars are somewhat rare. Yeah, you can buy a new one (at the moment) but I currently can find only two used ones for sale on the internet and I can't find a single used 12 string version. These guitars are something special and easy to sell if you ever needed to. I am 55 years old, been playing all my life and IMHO, this is as good as it gets. An Heirloom quality instrument. I will never sell mine.

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