egoidealmusic

Yup, I'd guess 1000-1500 as well. I got one about two years ago in mint (had literally never been played--just sat in the case) and paid 1300.

So here's the issue with terms like "boomy" or "thump" or "growl" as has been pointed out (and I've used them too, so no high horse here) is that they're all subjective. However, I think when most folks talk about the sound of a J45 there's a lot of bass and low mid punch (there's another subjective word), but that most think of this sound it's seems to be sort of universal despite the term. When I think of the great Huminbirds I've heard I don't think of those terms. They're brighter and, I think, really more balanced than a J45. But that has to be what you want. Songwriters love a J45 because it is more low/mid and is less intrusive on a vocal (unless you sing real low I guess). That being said, if one expects a J45 sound out of a Hummingbird (or the other way around) then it's not going to happen. That's why moany of us have multiple. 🙂

As I've mentioned in other threads, I don't actually lean it up against a speaker like some folks used to. I've got a small radio (maybe 3 pounds tops) that I set right on the bridge, dial in a rock station and the volume is not very high. You can feel the top vibrate when it's loud enough, which really isn't that loud at all. I left it the first time for 2 full days. Amazing difference. Played it for a few days, then did it again for another couple of days. My lady, who's not a big guiar person, noticed the difference at each stage. It's basically the tonerite (or whatever it's called) but a whole lot cheaper.

Many here will disagree about strings, but I love the Sunbeams (tried them off of a rec here and have never looked back). The bigger issue you hint at is the opening up. Bang on it a bunch, but as I've said elsewhere, the speaker trick really does work--the more vibrations going through the top the more it will open up. Give it two days like this and if you don't hear a difference it's possible you got a dud, but I'm guessing you're right that it sat in the case and never got to open up.

So glad to hear that it gigged well! I'm sure the tuners are cheaper but that's great about the pickup. Can't remember what was in my bird but it did not work for me at all--glad it did for you! Can't wait to hear a sound clip if you have one.

The comparison video makes me wonder how much of the difference is in the thickness of the top and braces. My IBG is pretty darn heavy--which would also speak to it taking longer to open up. As for the Indonesia vs. China, I was only sharing what I read. I've only got one from Indonesia and have been super thrilled with it.

I could be wrong, but I feel like I'd read that while the original line up of IBG Epis is now made in China this new series is made in Indonesia. Can't see the serial number in that pic, but that would tell you where it's coming from.

Yup, my IBG bird has the orange label. I think that all of the IBG ones do.

Very nice! Can't wait to hear how it gigs.

I've not played the new IBG Banner but I have the IBG Hummingbird made in Indonesia and I absolutley love it. I've mentioned elsewhere that it took a bit longer to open up but I did the speaker trick for a number of days and it's made a massive difference. Also yanked out the USP and gave it a new bone saddle and a soundhole pickup--another tone improvement. I'm a big fan of these and will be curious as to what you think if you make the trade.

You want a pickguard for looks or protection? I couldn't own a guitar without a pickguard as I'm a pretty aggressive strummer. My concern here would be that the soundhole is placed differently on the Keb Mo because it's a 12 fret so would the batwing work?

Ceptorman I thought that as well but I saw a video somewhere that was talking about that these IBG at least have a thinner finish but it's still poly. Of course that's going to impact tone as well I assume. I really think it's the actually thickness of the top that's more the issue which is why it took so much more vibration to get it to open up. Aesthetically, though, I do hate that it will never relic on its own though (unlike discussions on another thread) I'm not going to do anything to fake that look.

As a follow up, I think the only problem with the IBG series (from my example, at least) is that they are overbuilt. The tops are thicker (you can tell just by feeling) so I'm assuming this is also true of the sides and the back, and likely the braces, which also means that they're about a pound heavier (you can see this on Sweetwater). I get why--shipping overseas this protects them a good bit more. The result is that they are harder to break in. I have to admit, though, that the neck on this IBG Hummingbird is really nice--not as thin as my LG-2 which is too thin for my preference but not as chunky as the 50s J-45. I like that thicker neck, but what's on this IBG bird is the nicest shape neck I've felt. The pickup wasn't good and I've swaped it out for a soundhole pickup, but I don't like USPs generally anyways.

Well, technically it's a small little box radio I got as a gift years ago and I just set it right on top of the bridge, but you can feel the vibrations moving the top, so same basic idea. I really was amazed at the change as was my lady who now actually prefers it over my LG-2. Of course, even she'll admit that the 50s J45 is still #1, and I agree. But I also agree with her that the IBG Hummingbrid is now #2 in the house.

I'm not sure I'd agree with this. I got an Inspired by Gibson Humminbird (made in Indonesia before they started building them in China) and it opened up considerably after doing the old speaer vibrations trick for a couple of weeks--a totally different, and far better, sounding guitar.

I love the look of double guards on a J-200, so I think it would look fantastic!

Personally, I'd polish and leave exactly as it is. That's what they're supposed to end up looking like after being well played. 🙂

That's what they're supposed to end up looking like. Unless you plan to sell it soon, play the snot out of it and let it become what it is. 🙂

E-minor I use just the smallest amount on the front side in the middle against the end grain--have never had any issue when removing for adjustments, etc. But that's just me. 🙂

I do just the smallest drop of super glue, but as Sal said, it happens.

Thanks for the input, all. I've come to really like the DiMarzio Black Angel soundhole pickups (decent cost friendly alternative to a Sunrise) so I'm going to likely go in that direction. Will definitely need a new saddle. Went with a cheaper one for the Epiphone (which I'm actually really happy with in terms of tone and intonation) but will splurge a bit on a Colosi for the Gibson. I've done this kind of work a dozen times before on cheaper guitars so I guess there's really not much difference--just some paranoia that I've gotten over.

That's a good looking set of square dreds there, Rob. My inspired by Gibson Hummingbird has confirmed that my next Gibson will definitely be a square!

Personally I think that firestripe looks great!

Yeah, I've never heard a UST that sounded good, at least not without a ton of processing. I've got a drawer with about 5 USTs that I've been meaning to sell.

You are a lucky soul. 🙂