iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 So I just got the 1996 hummingbird I ordered and well.....I have sort of an issue. The pick guard design is almost totally gone. Is it just me? But that kinda irks me a bit. The problem I'm having is....do I return it and get a refund or do I try and somehow find a new authentic hummingbird pick guard, which I'm sure is near impossible. The guitar sounds absolutely amazing, which is part of the issue I'm having. Your advice is much needed. Thanks
Danner Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 If it sounds and plays taht well, I'd look around for a replacement pick guard. Maybe Gibson can help you out?
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 If it sounds and plays taht well, I'd look around for a replacement pick guard. Maybe Gibson can help you out? I asked them already, they said they don't sell the pick guards.
BigKahune Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 . I might replace it. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=gibson+hummingbird+pickguard&_sacat=See-All-Categories .
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Here's a copy off ebay: H-bird Pick Guard Isn't that the cheaper one? Would I take off the old one and put that on? or just put the self adhesive one over top?
rar Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I asked them already, they said they don't sell the pick guards. That's the answer you get if you call Customer Service, and it's correct as far as it goes. However, ... Wait a bit to see whether Jeremy Morton responds in this thread. If he doesn't, call the plant in Bozeman to explain the problem and ask for help. -- Bob R
sboiir Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I'd say....if it got the sound your after, don't worry about cosmetics. There's a lot of pretty guitars that just don't play good at all. If you don't thrash your guitar with a pick, just remove the pick guard. No more concerns
Buc McMaster Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 So I just got the 1996 hummingbird I ordered and well.....I have sort of an issue. Did you order it sight unseen? Surely you saw photos with the faded p/g.....yes? If so, it shouldn't be an issue now that you have the guitar. It's a '96 model with some miles on it and a faded guard is par for the course on the Hummingbird. If you like the guitar otherwise, keep it and wear the rest of the image off! Montana will make new guards but they are very expensive. You'll have to go direct to the factory or through one of they're dealers that will take the time and effort to order it for you.
ponty Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 This seems to be a fairly common problem with the HBird guard. Would it bother me? Probably, but a whole lot less than it would have years ago. I am much more tolerant of guitar blemishes these day. The question is - would replacing it with an 'ebay knock off' be any better? Would replacing it with an original Gibson be any better? After all the same thing could happen. Check with Gibson and see if you can get one, at a reasonable price. If not, leave it. I am on record as saying I do not like the Hummingbird (More so the Dove) Yet recently I am strangely drawn to it!! There is no doubt it is a classic and an icon. Everyone I have played as been great.
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Did you order it sight unseen? Surely you saw photos with the faded p/g.....yes? If so, it shouldn't be an issue now that you have the guitar. It's a '96 model with some miles on it and a faded guard is par for the course on the Hummingbird. If you like the guitar otherwise, keep it and wear the rest of the image off! Montana will make new guards but they are very expensive. You'll have to go direct to the factory or through one of they're dealers that will take the time and effort to order it for you. I did see a picture and I also talked to the guy at the store. From the picture I could not tell it was that worn out. And when I spoke to the guy from the store I asked him specifically if it was in bad or worn out shape and he said "it's a little faded, but nothing major". So, I'm guessing he works on commission. I take a bit of the responsibility but I figured (my fault) that I could trust the gentleman on the phone.
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Put on this guard: Yeah, I wish I could. I'm sure that was a pretty penny. Looks gorgeous though, I'm completely jealous :(
Jeremy Morton Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 Contact your local gibson dealer and ask them to order a PG for you. They are not cheap but if it is a replacement guard the Dealer would be able to order a PG for the Hummingbird. JM
ryanfender Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 This is a common problem on H-birds and j-200s. It's a 15 year old guitar. The pickguard wear is part of its history. I would just own it if it were mine. My j-200 shows signs of the same wear.
E-minor7 Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I did see a picture and I also talked to the guy at the store. From the picture I could not tell it was that worn out. And when I spoke to the guy from the store I asked him specifically if it was in bad or worn out shape and he said "it's a little faded, but nothing major". So, I'm guessing he works on commission. I take a bit of the responsibility but I figured (my fault) that I could trust the gentleman on the phone. Given the facts and dialogue above, I think the seller pulled your leg. I know most Hummingbird fans want the flora/fauna motive on their guitar, it's a part of the charm. The seller should be aware of this, especially as your guard obviously is more than a little faded – I mean the bird itself has flown. You have a dilemma. Can you live with a seriously worn Hartford Snyder there or do you want a forlorn/cheaper version. I personally think the worn motive represents some Mojo and can look snappy, at the other hand the wildlife scenery makes me sing. No matter what you decide, you are on the edge of being a part of the does the thick Bird-guard inhibit/characterize the famous Hummingbird sound ? thread (hosted by EA). In other words : If you pull off the worn guard, don't forget to check if the sound of the guitar change. And please tell -
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Contact your local gibson dealer and ask them to order a PG for you. They are not cheap but if it is a replacement guard the Dealer would be able to order a PG for the Hummingbird. JM What's not cheap? How much are we talking here?
Jeremy Morton Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 What's not cheap? How much are we talking here? You would have to contact a dealer to get the pricing. I will happily put you in touch with someone if you like. All the best Jeremy
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Given the facts and dialogue above, I think the seller pulled your leg. I know most Hummingbird fans want the flora/fauna motive on their guitar, it's a part of the charm. The seller should be aware of this, especially as your guard obviously is more than a little faded – I mean the bird itself has flown. You have a dilemma. Can you live with a seriously worn Hartford Snyder there or do want a forlorn/cheaper version. I personally think the worn motive represents some Mojo and can look snappy, at the other hand the wildlife scenery makes me sing. No matter what you decide, you are on the edge of being a part of the does the thick Bird-guard inhibit/characterize the famous Hummingbird sound ? thread (hosted by EA). In other words : If you pull off the worn guard, don't forget to check if the sound of the guitar change. And please tell - Arghh!!!, the more I play this thing the more I'm starting not to care about the pick guard, but a part of me still does. I have to be honest she sounds better than my Martin d-35 and that's very hard for me to say. What to do, what to do.......
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 You would have to contact a dealer to get the pricing. I will happily put you in touch with someone if you like. All the best Jeremy I have made a call to one of the local dealers listed on the Gibson website. They said they are going to get back to me. Much appreciated, if he does not get back to me, I will get back to you. Thank You
vincentw Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 Just curious, who told you that Gibson does not sell these?
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Just curious, who told you that Gibson does not sell these? I emailed Gibson and received an email back telling me they don't sell the pick guards. I don't remember the guys name though but it was late last week or earlier this week that they got back to me.
vincentw Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 Ok, if you can locate the name of the person feel free to PM me so we can make sure everyone on the CS team is aware that these can be purchased.
EuroAussie Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I just bought this HB guard off ebay and applied it to my guitar formerly known as a country western. Does the job, not as thick as original but perfect to be placed on top with the self adhesive. This is how it looks now. Here's a copy off ebay: H-bird Pick Guard
iwalktheline Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Did you order it sight unseen? Surely you saw photos with the faded p/g.....yes? If so, it shouldn't be an issue now that you have the guitar. It's a '96 model with some miles on it and a faded guard is par for the course on the Hummingbird. If you like the guitar otherwise, keep it and wear the rest of the image off! Montana will make new guards but they are very expensive. You'll have to go direct to the factory or through one of they're dealers that will take the time and effort to order it for you. Nobody will tell me what expensive is, are we talking hundreds of dollars or something else?
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