Gibson J-200 or Gibson Hummingbird?

[UnGauGeD]

Hi,

 

I was thinking of getting another Gibson acoustic as I don't want to use my custom historic 60's J-200 too much. And I want something new but I'm just a sucker for J-200's. Maybe you guys can make me change my mind.

 

In your opinion, which is better? Gibson J-200 or a Gibson Hummingbird?

[John Lee Walker]

I have played both and like them both, but just acquired the SJ200 Modern Classic and it's pretty much the only acoustic I pick up anymore. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Can't go wrong with this guitar. Right out of the box it's a dream come true.

[UnGauGeD]

Maybe I should rephrase my question. I think most of us here would say the J-200/SJ-200 was sent from heaven.

 

What are the tonal differences between a J-200 and hummingbird?

[TommyK]

Maybe I should rephrase my question. I think most of us here would say the J-200/SJ-200 was sent from heaven.

 

What are the tonal differences between a J-200 and hummingbird?

B-b-b-b-b-'Bird is the word.

 

Actually, it depends on what you're usin' it for. For volume I'd go with an Advanced Jumbo. For absolutely the pefectest toned guit tar you ever played, the 'Bird has it hands down.

[Jinder]

the J200 is bold, bright, big and expansive sounding, it is a great accompaniment for a singer with a strong voice, but could drown a singer with a meeker vocal tone. It also is very distinctive sounding and doesn't blend exceptionally well with other acoustic guitars if you're doing ensemble work. As you have one, you'll know they are long scale which means more volume and snap in the tone.

 

The Hummingbird is warm, subtle, tender and velvety/honey toned in voice. It makes for an excellent vocal accompaniment for any singer, and behaves exceptionally well in ensemble work. It is shorter scale so has a mite less string tension, meaning it is easier on the chording hand and a little softer sounding, with a touch less overall volume.

 

I have both, and I wouldn't part with either. I use my SJ200 Modern Classic for solo work, and my Hummingbird Modern Classic for all my band work, I play in an acoustic trio and the Bird is a dream for that.

 

I would recommend you snaffle yourself a Hummingbird...but try a few before you but to see whether you like them in person. Also, try out a Dove, which is halfway inbetween a Bird and your beloved J200-dreadnought, but maple back and sides and long scale. We have one of them in the band too, which is lovely. The Sheryl Crow signature model is one to investigate too. Let us know how you get on!

[UnGauGeD]

You described the J-200 as bold, bright, big and expansive sounding and nailed it spot on. That's the sound of a J-200 alright. And I agree with you, it's not good for ensemble work as it usually covers the other acoustics if they aren't a J-200. Which happened at my recent gig as my lead guitarist used a Taylor 412CE and was drowned in the mix.

 

I'll be testing the Gibson Hummingbird tomorrow. I'll decide between the hummingbird and a Taylor K22 (full KOA body) and see the difference. Played the K22 today and boy did it sound sweet. Almost like a J-200 but more crisp with a lot of definition, and loud for a small bodied cutaway guitar. Tested it side by side with a J-200 Montana Gold Custom and sad to say the K22 won hands down. But I'm still a sucker for Gibson's.

[ballcorner]

Hi' date='

 

I don't want to use my custom historic 60's J-200 too much. [/quote']

 

 

Well, why did you buy it if you don't want to play it?

[Todd Wilson]

This was the predicament I was in back in January. It came down to these 2 guitars. I went with the Hummingbird.

 

The 200 is incredible, and their boom and punch is comparable, but at the end of the day the Hummingbird sounds warmer and sounds more how I expect an acoustic to sound.

 

Saying that, understand that my next guitar is going to be a J200, but I'm a Hummingbird fan.

[UnGauGeD]

 

 

Well' date=' why did you buy it if you don't want to play it?[/quote']

 

I've been playing it for 4 years now. I've decided to give it a break and get an alternate acoustic. I kinda wanna preserve the J-200 as it's one of my most prized possessions.

[Taylor Player]

I have played a couple of K22's and really loved the sound. Not to mention Koa guitars are just beautiful! My original #1 guitar is my 1993 Taylor 612C which due to the maple will still cut through a mix with a loud Gibson... (I should know, I have an Advanced Jumbo too and when playing with my buddy who loves my AJ as much as his Martin D28, my Taylor still shines.) I attribute it to it being a 15 year old guitar that has opened up beautifully. The Guitar Elves in the factory the day my Taylor was made were working overtime as it is the best Taylor I have ever played. Personally I really like having different guitars for different songs and tones. I wouldn't give up any of them, but I also would not want a 2nd guitar that sounded exactly like my original guitar. I say, Viva la difference'. By having other tonal choices, you won't be playing your J-200 all the time and still giving it a break.

[Hall]

UnGauGed:

 

Simplification: One or more of each.

 

Steve