Gibson Hummingbird Custom KOA vs "standard" Hummingbird

[oasiskenneth]

Hi.

 

My question is regarding Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa.

 

My local musicstore had ordered one for a customer, but when it arrived he didnt want because it was the "wrong model" (the one with "big" birds fret inlay, rosewood fretboard and only one bird and flower inlay on head stock).

He wanted the "newest" model instead (the one which has three birds as inlay on headstock, ebony pickboard etc.)

 

So now i have an opportunity to buy this guitar to a really good price, because the store doesn`t want to be stuck with it.

 

Have you ever tried one of these guitars, and what do you think of it?

 

So I am wondering if you know if there is a big difference between this KOA model and a standard Gibson Hummingbird.

Is it a better guitar and worth the extra money?

Even though I get a really good price for the guitar (the same price as the shop purchased it for), it`s a bit more expensive than a standard HB.

 

What do you think, go for the KOA or the standard.

(The shop don`t have a standard, so i can`t compare them to each other)

 

I use acoustic guitar to play pop/rock songs (mostly strumming and a little bit of picking).

[DanvillRob]

Hi.

 

My question is regarding Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa.

 

My local musicstore had ordered one for a customer, but when it arrived he didnt want because it was the "wrong model" (the one with "big" birds fret inlay, rosewood fretboard and only one bird and flower inlay on head stock).

He wanted the "newest" model instead (the one which has three birds as inlay on headstock, ebony pickboard etc.)

 

So now i have an opportunity to buy this guitar to a really good price, because the store doesn`t want to be stuck with it.

 

Have you ever tried one of these guitars, and what do you think of it?

 

So I am wondering if you know if there is a big difference between this KOA model and a standard Gibson Hummingbird.

Is it a better guitar and worth the extra money?

Even though I get a really good price for the guitar (the same price as the shop purchased it for), it`s a bit more expensive than a standard HB.

 

What do you think, go for the KOA or the standard.

(The shop don`t have a standard, so i can`t compare them to each other)

 

I use acoustic guitar to play pop/rock songs (mostly strumming and a little bit of picking).

 

I own a 'Bird Koa. I absolutely LOVE it! It's totally different from the couple of Doves I own.

 

If I could justify it, I'd have a standard 'Bird too.... but I can only play one guitar at a time!

 

Don't know what the shop is asking for it....but I don't think you'd be unhappy.

 

Have you played it?

[Denis57]

Well have you played it and if so , did it sang to you ? Then this bird's for you

[onewilyfool]

If it's anything like my Koa J-200, it will most likely be BRIGHTER than a maple or mahogany version.....which I kinda like....

[oasiskenneth]

Yes I have played it, and it sounds really good. But then again I haven't played a standard HB. I don't plan on having two acoustic guitars, so this will be my main one. So i want it to be an really good allround guitar (For use in studio, live and strumming on my own). Is the HB Koa more a second guitar (for different/special things)? Or will it work to my purpose? If you look away from the price, which one would you prefer?

[DanvillRob]

Yes I have played it, and it sounds really good. But then again I haven't played a standard HB. I don't plan on having two acoustic guitars, so this will be my main one. So i want it to be an really good allround guitar (For use in studio, live and strumming on my own). Is the HB Koa more a second guitar (for different/special things)? Or will it work to my purpose? If you look away from the price, which one would you prefer?

 

It can be your allround guitar if you want it to be.

 

Like Wily, I find the Koa to be brighter than my Maple Doves, it's meant to be better for accompanying human voices, (although I doesn't seem to help my voice at all).

[seanp33]

If you're set on a Hummingbird it may be a good idea to try out a Hummingbird True Vintage.

[simon_e]

I recently bought a Hummingbird 50th anniversary mahogany back... In the store I tried a koa (not a bird but another Gibson). The koa guitar had a slightly brighter janglier tone. The 50th anniv. was in turn brighter than the standard hummingbird.

 

Having played them all the 50th anniv model stood out for me. My friend who accompanied me to the store made me shut my eyes and handed each guitar to me in turn so I played them without knowing which was which. The "50" just stood out or "sang" as a previous poster put it.

 

I'd be tempted to do the same with your options - ie play them blind.

 

(also, call me shallow, but I associate the Hummingbird with the sunburst top - the plain top somehow looks wrong...)

[DanvillRob]

I recently bought a Hummingbird 50th anniversary mahogany back... In the store I tried a koa (not a bird but another Gibson). The koa guitar had a slightly brighter janglier tone. The 50th anniv. was in turn brighter than the standard hummingbird.

 

Having played them all the 50th anniv model stood out for me. My friend who accompanied me to the store made me shut my eyes and handed each guitar to me in turn so I played them without knowing which was which. The "50" just stood out or "sang" as a previous poster put it.

 

I'd be tempted to do the same with your options - ie play them blind.

 

(also, call me shallow, but I associate the Hummingbird with the sunburst top - the plain top somehow looks wrong...)

 

I like the idea of having someone hand me guitars while I was blindfolded..... good idea!

 

I LOVE the sunburst....but the natural top just confirms that the spruce board was as near perfect as it could be, (no paint to hide any flaws).

 

What I was never real fond of was the "red" burst on the 'Birds, (or the red back 'n sides on the Doves, for that matter).

 

If I had my druthers, and I was in the market for a 'Bird, I'd consider the honey burst.