Jazz754 Posted January 9, 2011 Posted January 9, 2011 I'm going to be purchasing a Gibson Hummingbird in the near future. I've been playing the one at my local guitar center for almost a year, trying to pass the time until I can buy one of my own. I just have one question about the sound. I know the Gibson Hummingbird has a deeper, more mellow sound in comparison with Martins or Taylor guitars; the one at my local guitar center seems like it's been there for a long time and is need of a tuning and some new strings because when I play barre chords on it, especially an f, it sounds a little more muted than it should. So my question is, when I buy a new one will it sound a little brigter or less muted than the one on the wall at the guitar center?
retrorod Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 If you are serious about it, I would ask them to install a new set of strings, so that you can tell more about the tone. It could be that what you here, is what you get. If you are going to put your money down, get what makes you happy. Rod
eds111 Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 Sounds like the strings are bad. My bird has a nice thumpy base. Great guitar...
EuroAussie Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 Exactly. Ask them to put a fresh set of strings to see how it sounds. The bass should be thumpy but not too mellow. If anything the Hummingbird should be a relatively bright guitar, listen to Wild Horses, Angie which is played on a Bird by Keith Richards and you'll hear its quite a bright guitar. Although having said that the brand new birds to sound more mellow than the vintage ones. If you are serious about it, I would ask them to install a new set of strings, so that you can tell more about the tone. It could be that what you here, is what you get. If you are going to put your money down, get what makes you happy. Rod
albertjohn Posted January 10, 2011 Posted January 10, 2011 This is a common issue with new guitars. We all ask ourselves "will it sound sweeter with new strings?" The answer is yes, usually, but a great guitar will still sound great, even with old strings. If you search this forum you'll see that we regularly debate the pros and cons of different brands, guages etc. It's all a matter of personal taste but you will eventually settle on the "right" combo for you. It takes time and don't be afraid of having your new guitar sound crap just after you restring it! Go with what your ears , eyes and heart tell you. Having said that, a decent shop will oblige with a new set of strings to try. I'd suggest nothing lighter than 12s for comparison as this is what most new Gibsons come with. (I think!) You barre chord issue could easily be a setup issue. I always have new purchases set up properly to my liking and I'm always surprised how much the tone can vary (always for the better) after a good setup. If you can, have a friend play it and you listen from the front. Essential if you really want to hear what it will sound like to your audience. Hummingbirds are beautiful things and I would like to own one myself one day. Good luck with the hunt and please let us know what you decide. If you pull the trigger, we want lots of pictures please. Cheers
Jazz754 Posted January 10, 2011 Author Posted January 10, 2011 This is a common issue with new guitars. We all ask ourselves "will it sound sweeter with new strings?" The answer is yes, usually, but a great guitar will still sound great, even with old strings. If you search this forum you'll see that we regularly debate the pros and cons of different brands, guages etc. It's all a matter of personal taste but you will eventually settle on the "right" combo for you. It takes time and don't be afraid of having your new guitar sound crap just after you restring it! Go with what your ears , eyes and heart tell you. Having said that, a decent shop will oblige with a new set of strings to try. I'd suggest nothing lighter than 12s for comparison as this is what most new Gibsons come with. (I think!) You barre chord issue could easily be a setup issue. I always have new purchases set up properly to my liking and I'm always surprised how much the tone can vary (always for the better) after a good setup. If you can, have a friend play it and you listen from the front. Essential if you really want to hear what it will sound like to your audience. Hummingbirds are beautiful things and I would like to own one myself one day. Good luck with the hunt and please let us know what you decide. If you pull the trigger, we want lots of pictures please. Cheers Thank you!
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