1968 (?) Gibson Hummingbird value

[73deluxe]

Hi.

I live in Norway and this guitar was just put out for sale.

Gibson Hummingbird 1968 - FINN Torget

 

The seller says it has two marks from a pickup system that once was installed but later removed (as you can see in the photos)

He also says the orignal rosewood bridge has been replaced to a "normal" bridge.

It's also refretted

And I asked how he knew it was a '68 and he said he had contacted gibson and they said that the serial number indicated that it was a 68.

 

I think the price seems really good, he is asking aprox. $2185

What do you guys think of the guitar and what is worth.

And do you think it is from 1968? The serial number is 811299

[zombywoof]

The SSN indicates 1968 and the thick screwed down pickguard is certainly correct for '67 or '68. I would also expect the guitar to to have the narrow 1 9/16" nut. The guitar is also likely to have the heavier top bracing that Gibson started using in that year.

 

The price is about as low as I have seen for a '68 HB assuming it does not have any issues.

 

And the guy playing the guitar in the video brought a big old grin to my face. Alot of angst for three chords.

[73deluxe]

Thanks for the info.

Haha, it's not the same guitar that's being played in the video though;)

The serialnumber for the guitar is 811299 btw

[EuroAussie]

Thanks for the info.

Haha, it's not the same guitar that's being played in the video though;)

The serialnumber for the guitar is 811299 btw

 

Great price, especially for Norway me thinks ... but that tone, not particularly inspiring. But then you said its a different guitar than the one being played.

[Smurfbird]

I have a Hummingbird that could be anywhere from 66-69. It has a screwed down guard, though it looks to me as if someone decided to do this after reglueing didn't hold. It has the narrow nut, which I don't mind and have gotten surprisingly used to (I have small hands and do NOT like the 1.75 that many people prefer). Mine had an adj bridge which I had removed for a solid rosewood bridge and now it's my favorite guitar.

 

At that price, assuming it doesn't need several expensive repairs, I would go for it.

[E-minor7]

Listen to Zomb here - the guitar is probably heavier braced than the norm (a huge difference in sound, feel and nature) and it might have the longer scale too.

Could very well be a 1 11/16 nut though.

 

You must understand that Hummingbirds are many things - they have different incarnations and this one is from the second, some would say third wave.

If you have contemporary models in comparing mind, it'll be nothing like the Standard or True Vintage, which both more or less refers to the first-wave Birds.

 

Yes, , , there will be a similarity, , , but they'll be more like cousins than siblings.

 

Exciting situation - tell us what happens.

 

 

 

 

 

[zombywoof]

Great price, especially for Norway me thinks ... but that tone, not particularly inspiring. But then you said its a different guitar than the one being played.

 

I think it was pretty much the player who was not terribly inspiring. Hard to tell what the guitar is capable of.

[E-minor7]

I think it was pretty much the player who was not terribly inspiring. Hard to tell what the guitar is capable of.

 

As I get it, the Bird in the clip is not the Bird available. . .

[iwalktheline]

Even though the guitar in the video is not the one for sale, I think it sounds pretty good. To each his own I guess...

[onewilyfool]

Here's a guy trying to get $2500 for a mid 70's on local CL….I don't think he will get it:

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/4475569973.html

 

I'd much rather have this Bozeman one:

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/4486228018.html

[E-minor7]

Even though the guitar in the video is not the one for sale, I think it sounds pretty good. To each his own I guess...

 

I follow you - just listened in the cans. . .

[73deluxe]

Listen to Zomb here - the guitar is probably heavier braced than the norm (a huge difference in sound, feel and nature) and it might have the longer scale too.

Could very well be a 1 11/16 nut though.

 

You must understand that Hummingbirds are many things - they have different incarnations and this one is from the second, some would say third wave.

If you have contemporary models in comparing mind, it'll be nothing like the Standard or True Vintage, which both more or less refers to the first-wave Birds.

 

Yes, , , there will be a similarity, , , but they'll be more like cousins than siblings.

 

Exciting situation - tell us what happens.

 

So does heavier braced mean worse?

Are hummingbirds from the late 60's considered good?

 

I probably won't buy it, as I can't really justify spending that kind of money right now. I am tempted though.

[E-minor7]

So does heavier braced mean worse?

Are hummingbirds from the late 60's considered good?

 

I probably won't buy it, as I can't really justify spending that kind of money right now. I am tempted though.

 

'Worse' is a strong expression, but the bulkier under-top-wood means a different type of projection (thus sound) and a somewhat stiffer feel.

There is an almost fragile dimension to the lighter first-60's vintage squares (and light built guitars in general) that is very attractive to many people.

This doesn't mean you can't find splendid post-1967 Gibsons.

Even the dark so called Norlin period from 1970 and 15 years forward left some acoustics that would be a thrill to own now.

 

Besides not paying too much for the wrong item, only one thing counts - the way you and the instrument connects.

[Guitar12345]

cool!

[Smurfbird]

If the '68 felt right to you and sounded right to you, then it should be a go, regardless of what the build is.

 

For example, many people have never played the lighter build guitars of the '30s, '40s,'50s and early '60s, so are going on legend. And among those who have played the older models, not everyone likes what they hear.

 

In other words, I wouldn't get too caught up in looking for a model from a particular era and enjoy what comes your way and evaluate as such.