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In the world of fine musical instruments, the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar is not the oldest in the company's line. It isn't the most expensive guitar available, electric or acoustic. But this classic design is more than popular with musicians and collectors. It's desirable and highly prized when it becomes part of a personal collection.

What's the real story behind the Hummingbird acoustic? How did it become not only one of the most popular guitars in the company's catalogue but also one of the most desirable instruments among both professionals and amateurs? The best place to start is at the beginning. The Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar was introduced in 1960, which means it is celebrating its 50th year of existence in 2010.

The original models were 16 inches wide, designed in the square-shoulder dreadnought fashion. This separated the Hummingbird guitar from the round-shoulder models and from the jumbo body design that is seen with the J-200. Key elements of the early Hummingbirds were: two distinct points on the pick guard, which of course featured the signature bird-and-flower motif; mahogany back and sides; bound rosewood fingerboard; gold-plated hardware; and a cherry sunburst finish.

Most historical information about the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar shows that some instruments were made with maple back and sides in 1962 and part of 1963. A natural finish option was offered in 1963 and at least two other color/finish designs were offered in the 1990s. The original line of Gibson Hummingbird acoustic was discontinued in 1995, after a 35-year run. But the name lives on to its 50th year with new models, including the Gibson Hummingbird True Vintage offered as a new guitar for around $3,900.

In the last 15 years this guitar model is simply known as Hummingbird. The guitar has been "tweaked" several times, with a 1963 re-issue model called the Century and a Montana Special offered in the mid-1990s. As you research and look for the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic, keep in mind that knowledgeable collectors and guitar historians feel the quality of many Gibson guitars dropped off around 1968 or 1969. The company introduced a number of new models, with names and features designed to capture public attention.

It wasn't until the mid-1980s that the company began to pay attention to quality first and moved away from trying a lot of new names and models. The later Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar (late '80s into the '90s) might actually be better instruments, in a general sense. Only buy playing one and looking at it closely can you really tell.

Julie-Ann Amos is a professional writer. She writes about vintage guitars, acoustic instruments and loves the Gibson guitar collection.Her experience leads her to recommend Guitar enthusiasts learn more about the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic.

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