Sessiondrums Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Hey everybody! I'm new to the forum and I just wanted to say hey, . . and ask a quick question. When searching for new Hummingbirds online, I noticed that one of the 'Big Box' (MF) stores gives you an option to pick your Hummingbird by weight and serial number-- So, my question is if you needed to purchase a Hummingbird online without playing it, what would be the best or optimum weight for a good quality Hummingbird, .. or does it really matter? I'm sure that it sounds like a silly question, . .But, as a new acoustic guitar player I was wondering what the weight of a guitar, in partcilar a Hummingbird' is supposed to tell you about the quality or sound of a guitar?? Thanks in advance guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Hi and welcome! I have never heard of that option before. I am not sure what the serial number would disclose(if they are all new)so I would opt for weight. I had three Hummingbirds. A '95 weighed 4.61, my '93 weighs 4.62, and a '91 weighs 4.56. Those are all without electronics, which would surely complicate the equation. When played against one another (A-B-C comparison) there was virtually no difference, maybe a slight edge to the '91. Oddly enough I have a'92 AJ (rosewood of course) that weighs 4.56 lb. same as the '91 'bird. I am "up in the air" about the weight factor determining sound quality. I decided to weigh mine after reading an old thread on this forum, plus I had a digital fish scale handy. I'm not sure that I've cleared anything up for you' but wish you luck on your intended acquisition. If I were you I would just pick one based on the color of the 'burst or something eye pleasing, sit on the porch every night and pound the tar out of it and rest assured it will be a good one. That said, it would not hurt to check your retailers return policy. You just never know- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissouriPicker Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 I'm the same. Don't know much about the weight factor. I suspect a guitar that weighs 15.5 pounds (might be a banjo) is not going to vibrate enough and get the sound out. On the other side of the coin, I've played guitars that are so light that I'm almost hesitant to rest the weight of my arm on them. There are extremes in both directions. I guess if the top can vibrate enough to transfer the sound up the neck, etc., then it's okay.........Don't know why Musicians Friend offers that option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smurfbird Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 Sweetwater offers that option, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 During a conversation with a master violin maker (about archtop guitars), he mentioned that the finest violins were very lightweight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stubee Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 I like light flattops but would never choose one on-line just because it weighed a few ounces less than another. Ask for an in-hand tone description from the seller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sessiondrums Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hey Guys! Thanks so much for all the input. . . I'm glad that I'm not the only one that doesnt know the reason for offering a specific weight as an option for purchasing a new guitar! Thanks again! Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hey Guys! Thanks so much for all the input. . . I'm glad that I'm not the only one that doesnt know the reason for offering a specific weight as an option for purchasing a new guitar! Thanks again! Ray Happy to have not helped!<g> I understand the serial number option even less!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Guitars by the pound!!!??? BRILLIANT!!!! That 2013 J-35 I played last week was the lightest modern Gibby I've ever played! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 The weight thing was on another thread a while back and I weighed my acoustics. They were all within 4oz and I'll be damned if I can tell a difference. Now the LP Custom I just sold was 10lb 6oz. I could tell the difference there. It was breaking my shoulder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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