Description
The Gibson Custom 1960 Hummingbird Murphy Light Aged models were released in 2023, replicating Gibson's first square-shoulder dreadnought. Still listed in the Gibson catalog, Murphy Labs Heavy Aging is now also offered. The sole finish offered is a faded, Heritage Cherry Sunburst.
This early example was built during 2023 at the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana. With its Murphy Lab light aging, it exhibits expected lacquer checking and a few small dings and dents. The guitar has been played - fret wear is light. Overall this instrument is in very good to excellent condition.
Not just a looker, this is a really great example of how good Gibson acoustics can be. It's very responsive and full sounding but not boomy, the action is comfortable and clean, and at under 4 pounds one could easily play for long periods without fatigue.
The original 1960 style hard shell case with COA (Certificate of Authenticity), case key, and sealed accessory bag are included.
Construction and Materials
The Gibson Custom 1960 Hummingbird pairs a scallop braced, thermally aged Sitka Spruce top with Mahogany for the sides, back, body blocks, linings and neck. The bridge and bound fingerboard are Indian Rosewood. That's one of the few departures from the original materials, which would have been Brazilian Rosewood into 1964. Another departure is the drop-in, non-adjustable saddle. At the 1960 launch, many Gibson models used an adjustable height saddle.
The neck joint is a traditional dovetail with the neck fitted to the body prior to finishing. Similarly, the fingerboard is inlaid, fretted and bound prior to being glued to the neck. The split-parallelogram position markers, Gibson logo and Crown inlay are all Mother of Pearl.
The finish is a faded Heritage Cherry Sunburst. This is where much of the Murphy Labs work is visible.
Hardware
The metal components are gold-plated. The tuners are Gotoh Kluson / Gibson Deluxe style models with plastic keystone buttons, and have no stamped text. The iconic hand-painted pickguard is in great shape.
The Gibson Custom 1960 Hummingbird is a purely acoustic model and there are no installed electronics.
Model History
The Gibson Hummingbird was introduced in 1960 in a departure from the company's classic round-shoulder dreadnoughts, intended to compete with Martin's square-shoulder D series models. It was about third from the top of the line - fourth after the 1962 introduction of the Dove, also a square-shoulder model. The top tier models were the J-200 and J-185. The Hummingbird has been in almost constant production, except for a period starting around 1981 and fully re-entering the line with the opening of the Bozeman plant in 1989.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: 1960 Hummingbird Murphy Light Aged
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument year: 2023
- Instrument Finish: Heritage Cherry Sunburst Murphy Aged
- Instrument Class: Steel String Acoustic Guitars
- Instrument serial number: 23063062, built during 2023 at Bozeman MT
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Very Good
- Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 3.96 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.8 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 24.65 in
- Scale Length Metric: 626 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.741 in
- Nut Width Metric: 44.23 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hard Shell 60's Style Gibson Branded
- Items in Case: COA, Key, Case Candy
- Consignment: No
- Product ID: 54363
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |