BigYellowOne

Everybody’s body chemistry is a little different, you can see that played out with string life discussions. Some folks kill uncoated strings really fast. It’s unfortunate that you’ve got that much wear- but the good news is it’s only going to wear so much and then it’ll be as “bad” as it’s going to get. There’s also at least 3 kinds of hummingbird pickguards in the wild- the flubber guards, engraved and painted, and then the painted ones like yours. I think the painted and non engraved versions are the most likely to wear the paint off and you could try to get Gibson to sell you an engraved one. Not sure how likely they are to entertain that.

If it were me? A used J-15, Songwriter or CL, or LG-2 American Eagle. All of these tempt me daily.

Kind of a funny anecdote RE: Gibson factory electronics. I have a Hummingbird Historic that has hide glue, long scale, and some other features that were special back in 04/05 and fit with the idea that they made it “like they used to”. When I bought it, I wanted to lightly sand the saddle to lower the action so I pulled the saddle during a string change and found two surprises- 1) the bridge was drilled for an under saddle pickup even though it didn’t have one- and 2) the saddle was shimmed up with a strip of plastic about the thickness of a pickup. My guitar was a run of 48 guitars that cost about $5k new and they didn’t bother to buy taller stock saddles for them. I mention that because for the price they’re paying for these basic pickups, they’d probably have to charge extra to sell one without it due to the production process changes required (though they seem minimal). Some folks would pay extra for the same guitar without the pickup, but probably a very small minority.

Yikes- I’m glad you all chimed in on that point. I haven’t done a Gibson removal and would have never guess they glued it.

Appreciate the discussion- next time I have my gear set up I’ll do some recording. By the way, I heard your tunes on SoundCloud in another thread- sounded great!

I use Martin SP (or whatever they call them now) PB 12.5s on all 3 of my acoustics. I chose 1 month because I change one of them every month, depends on which one gets more play time. I play in a church band 2-3 sundays a month so between rehearsal, practice at home, and services I estimate about 10 hrs of playing those weeks. But it’s spread between 2-3 guitars. I have a preference for newish strings I suppose.

I’ve taken a few pickups out and if you have an under saddle pickup, it’s normally simple to remove but there’s a couple things to think about. (The volume/tone control is likely just stuck on with double sided 3m foam tape.) 1- You’ll probably need a new saddle cut to compensate for the missing height. 2- Some under saddle pickups drop in from the top and some feed up from the bottom. Easier is if it feeds up from the bottom then everything just slips out the end pin. If the transducer feeds from the top you have to separate it from the preamp/control/whatever. No big deal, just keep future plans in mind (in other words, don’t just chop the wire an inch from the pickup if you want to use it again)

I don’t disagree with anyone who describes guitars with words like “sweet” but I just don’t hear them that way so I’m not always sure what is meant. I’m sure I use words that others don’t relate to as well- maybe “dry” is just as vague to others but it makes perfect sense to me. I guess saying that I didn’t like that description makes it sound like I disagree with it- it’s more so that I don’t relate to it or understand what “it” is. As an example/aside I would describe the difference between the J45 sound and the Bird sound as primarily a change in EQ, but I don’t hear one of them as sweeter than the other. It’s hard to describe sounds/feelings about sounds without comparison and that makes this a fun/challenging thing to discuss with written word. What’s the best way to upload audio? I can put something here- I’ll do some research on how the forum handles files. I’m curious to get your opinion on whether it has the DNA of the classic Hummingbirds. Here’s a photo of mine- it’ll be my #1 til I’m in the ground.

My 2 cents- I’m not a ‘Bird expert but I own one (Historic from 04/05) and have played a handful, though never the pleasure of a bone fide 60s vintage. I think they both sound like Hummingbirds- they are woody, direct, and dry is a word I’ve grown fond of. I don’t really like the “sweet” description (I haven’t heard a satisfying description of what sweetness is) of the classic ‘Bird sound but I think it’s a measure of the midrange. I think especially recording #2 is going to push your ear to hear the classic sound because it sounds like it has brand new, rather bright strings on it. So it’s a bit more metallic. The mic choice and placement also play a role as well obviously. Small diaphragm condensers are known to be accurate but are often sterile as well. I would also suspect that #2 may have the mids scooped out a bit too as I’m also guilty of doing.

I have one of the 1:48 (I think) historic birds from 05 or 06 and it’s my favorite bird. Long scale probably has something to do with it but back then it was the only subdued burst bird I had ever seen and I still think it’s my favorite sounding one. Haven’t played any of the torrified ones though but I am hoping to someday.

My bird is a long scale Historic collection and I’ve found 80/20s to be too bright/harsh. So PBs for me (Martin 12.5s specifically).

I’d like to see a RW B/S LG sized guitar with a cedar top and no pickguard. I’d settle for hog B/S though. I’d like to see it with very little adornment on the neck and headstock. Oh and it could satin finish as well as a bonus.

Hey long time lurker and long time Gibson acoustic enjoyer. I’ve only owned one however, though that is bound to become 2 in the next couple of years. My main acoustic is a ~2004 Hummingbird Historic Collection (the first(?) run of 48 historics that are long scale for whatever reason.) It was my dream guitar and I’ve owned it since sometime in 05 though I’m at least the second owner. I love the sound and vibe and it has been a perfect songwriting companion. My next will be something from the J45 family, and probably will be old. I am in grad school and putting money away to buy myself a graduation gift. Don’t mind the knife, I took this for another forum to feature two “forever” buys I’ve made.