TomPhx

Intentions are to change my strings about every 6 to 9 months.... When I get around to checking the date on the string pack in the case, it's usually a year or more that's somehow lapsed. Time goes much faster as I get older, so reality means strings get changed after more than a year at my house. Bonus question: I use different brands and types of strings but they're usually coated strings, except the Monels.

It's the "1960 Hummingbird Fixed Bridge", as shown in the OP videos. 2020 model year.

The one I am delighted to own came to me secondhand, from a guy in the city about an hour away. It does sound similar to the first recording, maybe with a little less bass. Could be I hear mine differently because I'm behind it, not in front of it's projecting sound. I don't know what a vintage Bird should sound like, only from some of the 60's-70's recordings, which were laid down with much different technology. I do know that my Bird always makes me smile with the musical sound it makes.

I have the 60s Fixed Bridge Hummingbird. Bought it used about 2 years ago, and am very happy with it. I had a Standard HBird but sold it prior to moving several years ago. I missed it almost immediately. Luckily I found the 60s Bird and brought it home. It sounds much better than the Standard bird I had previously, and plays really well. I don't know if it's my #1, but I enjoy playing it regularly, along with a couple other acoustics I'm privileged to have in the house. Hope this helps some with your search.

No, never did. I lived in Phx from 1991 to 2020.

Several years ago I was in the Scottsdale, Az GC, looking for a J200. they had one in the back, and the sales guy got it for me. It had many deep scratches on the top... The sales guy said they loaned it out to some sort of high end, artsy play house for a "performer" to use as a prop. The actor wailed on the poor guitar for who knows how long, during several performances. Looked like he used a garden shovel for a pick. It sounded wonderful though, and tried to make a deal. They would only move a very little on the price, so I passed. They had it for over a year, but it finally sold to someone. Looking at these new pre-scratched Gibsons, I guess they were marketing that one all wrong, maybe should have said it was "professionally reliced" and asked for more $. 😄

2019 L-00 in my home. I bought it "used" near the end of 2019, but it appeared as new. No issues at all with finish, or anything else. Pics of the OP's trouble would be a big help...

Congrats on finding a guitar to scratch that itch. The D35 should be a great strummer!

Congrats on the nice looking Dove! I'm still looking for the right one to come along. Hope it gives you years of enjoyable playing.

I'd glue the chip back in if it were mine. As has been said earlier, the unprotected area could be the scene of further damage, if not filled back in.

Not too early in my opinion, after Thanksgiving it's all good. Nice song, sounding extra good with your 12 string.

The 1960 has a depth to the sound I haven't found on any other mahogany backed guitar. I have a hard time describing guitar sounds but here goes: Deep and resonant sounding, not like rosewood, but nice rich mahogany. Sounds wonderful strummed and with single notes picked out. It has a nice smooth playing feel, maybe due to it being my only short scale guitar at the moment.

Big congrats on your new 185! Hope it gives you years of playing pleasure.

I can recommend the 1960 HBird Fixed Bridge model. I currently have one, which replaced my HBird Standard. The 1960 is much better sounding. I don't know if it's because of the thermally aged top or thin VOS finish or what, but it sounds beautiful, so much better than the Standard. Mine came to me as a used instrument so not nearly as pricey as a new one. Well worth the extra cost over any other Bird I've played. I have no experience with the TV Bird, so can't compare it to one of them. Best of luck on your search and welcome to the Forum!

I enjoyed these videos a lot. What a talented, and patient, young guitar-smith! It must have taken many, many hours to complete. Glad to see all that went on bringing this old family treasure back to playing status again. Imagine what that old Gibson has been through in Great Grandpa's hands. Absolutely wonderful work! Thanks for finding and posting the videos.