Gibson 1960 Hummingbird, Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Full Description

Historic reissue of an iconic model

The Gibson 1960 Hummingbird is a faithful revival of one of the most iconic acoustic guitars in history. First introduced in 1960, the original Hummingbird marked a significant turning point for Gibson, launching their first square-shouldered dreadnought. Quickly adopted by legendary songwriters and performers throughout the 1960s and beyond, it became synonymous with warmth, character, and style. This historic reissue meticulously replicates the look, feel, and tone of those early models, offering a compelling blend of vintage charm and modern reliability. Every detail, from the profile of the neck to the vintage-correct pickguard, reflects Gibson’s commitment to honouring its legacy.

Thermally aged top for a seasoned sound

At the heart of this Hummingbird’s voice is a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, which delivers the rich, open sound of a vintage instrument that has been played in over decades. Thermal ageing, also known as torrefaction, is a process that carefully removes moisture and organic impurities from the wood, simulating the natural ageing process. The result is a top that responds with increased resonance, improved clarity, and a broken-in tonal character typically reserved for well-worn instruments. This makes the 1960 Hummingbird sound exceptional right out of the case and ensures it will continue to develop even more depth and warmth over time.

Thin nitro finish with VOS treatment

Adding to its vintage credentials, the 1960 Hummingbird features Gibson’s new Thin Finish – a delicate nitrocellulose lacquer that allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely than thicker, modern coatings. This ultra-thin finish is complemented by a hand-applied VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment that gives the guitar a gently aged look and feel. The subtle patina and soft sheen replicate the aesthetic of a well-cared-for instrument from decades past, adding authentic visual appeal without relying on heavy relicing. This finish not only enhances the guitar’s tone but also improves tactile feedback, making it a joy to play and admire in equal measure.

Crafted for tone and playability

The attention to detail in the construction of the 1960 Hummingbird goes well beyond the finish and materials. A rounded mahogany neck offers a comfortable, vintage-correct feel that suits everything from bold strumming to intricate fingerpicking. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays, is smooth under the fingers and adds to the classic aesthetic. The compound dovetail neck joint ensures tight contact between neck and body for maximum transfer of resonance, while the traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing allows the top to vibrate with freedom and balance. These features make the guitar highly responsive to changes in touch and dynamics, producing nuanced tones across a wide range of styles.

Premium hardware and traditional aesthetics

Every detail of the Gibson 1960 Hummingbird is designed to enhance tone, reliability, and period authenticity. A traditional belly-up rosewood bridge is paired with a bone saddle and bone bridge pins, optimising string vibration transfer and sustain. The nut is also bone, further improving tonal definition and clarity. Gotoh Keystone tuners offer vintage styling along with smooth, accurate tuning stability. The casted Hummingbird pickguard features intricate artwork that is instantly recognisable and historically accurate, reinforcing the instrument’s visual identity. Delivered in a period-correct case with a Gibson accessory kit, this Hummingbird offers outstanding tone, exceptional playability, and a complete vintage experience that reflects Gibson’s unmatched heritage in acoustic craftsmanship.

Specifications

• Product Name: Gibson 1960 Hummingbird, Heritage Cherry Sunburst
• Product Code: CSSSHB60FBHCS

Body

• Body Style: Square Shoulder
• Body Shape: Hummingbird
• Top: Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
• Back: Mahogany
• Sides: Mahogany
• Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
• Binding: Multi-ply Top, Multi-ply Back
• Body Finish: Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS

Neck & Fretboard

• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Rounded
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
• Fret Count: 20
• Frets: Standard
• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl Parallelograms
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 43.81 mm / 1.724 in
• Neck Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint

Hardware

• Bridge: Traditional belly up
• Saddle Material: Bone
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Tuning Machines: Gotoh Keystone
• Pickguard: Casted Hummingbird
• Truss Rod Cover: 2-ply Bell; Black
• Under Saddle Pickup: None
• Strings Gauge: 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
• Case: Period Correct Case
• Accessories: Includes Gibson Accessory Kit