Gibson Vintage J-45 & Vintage Hummingbird Acoustics demo

Reviewed in Guitarist 403
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[@luciustitius]

I bought one of these Hummingbirds in 2016 as my only guitar. She still is. Best purchase of my life.

[@scottslater7704]

I bought a hummingbird this year. Yes, best thing I've ever owned love it to bits!

[@WS-bk7uu]

I just got my first Hummingbird on Monday. Will hopefully be my 'forever' guitar.

[@kxrvaBOYYYY]

How much did it cost

[@markola]

@@kxrvaBOYYYY $4.999 before taxes, and no pickup too. So it’ll be an investment lol

[@markola]

@@kxrvaBOYYYY $4,999 before taxes… yup, it’ll be an investment.

[@bobaldo2339]

They both sound great. Really fine audio on this video! This is one of the best guitar demos I ever heard.

[@tylerdod9838]

These are the most beautiful acoustics i have ever heard!!!

[@davidlgarnier]

what a wonderfull look and sound of the hummingbird !

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

I have played the J-45 Vintage and it is now my dream... but I'd like to say that "David from Guitarist" I am impressed with your playing and blown away at how well you recorded these two and managed to upload it and keep the quality of your recording so beautiful! I am listening to this thru an old MacBook Pro but with Beyer DT 770 Pro Headphones and I feel like I can smell the guitars the recordings are so well done! Great job!

[@coolman4202]

Really enjoyed the playing, now I know how the guitar will sound when I play it, as opposed to one of those insane fingerpicking-tapping-slapping guys!

[@THE8-BITROAD]

So true....

[@Piedscooter1]

+Micah Berlow All I can tell you is that through my speakers the Hummingbird sounds amazingly accurate to my best friend' s 'Bird circa 1974 .

[@hdpropertyvids2518]

Bluegrass licks for the 30's or whatever the style is. Sounds awful anyway. Guitarist really do great demos.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

So true. The hipster guitar slapping style is so overbearing and nauseating. Go master a drum set or whatever, or learn how to play guitar properly.

[@noahitman985]

YES!

[@harveysanchez6993]

That was seriously inspiring tones Gibson really nailed it with some great guitars and tone. Also the guy playing he did a very great job playing.

[@steverok67]

This recording is fantastic ... one of the best !

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Wow! You play so clean and so well!

[@sashatrees4055]

Just beautiful sounds

[@chrisfox6065]

Dude, I love your playing! That second one was amazing and in the style I like to try and play. Great listen on all the tunes.

[@9Sheep]

Amazing guitars, amazing playing, amazing video. Thank you.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

J45 is a "singers guitar" and the hummingbird with probably cut through better in a mix. Both just beautiful

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Spot on

[@groundleaf865]

They are both great sounding guitars, J45 has a dark sound and a little bit mellow, it's a workhorse guitar, but the Hummingbird has more presence, focus , sweet sounding guitar, I'm leaning towards the Hummingbird.

[@user-nh6qd3fv1b]

My j45 vintage doesn't have the bass that this one has

[@billbarhorst8369]

Great playing, David, and nice comparison!

[@baindon719]

Two beautiful sounding guitars enjoyed Thanks for sharing

[@bohma7519]

Assuming all other things are equal - strings etc. - the Hummingbird sounds better.

[@MemoUlloah]

Honestly I would buy both of them. I like the J-45 for certain type of songs while the Hummingbird for others. Both are great looking and great sounding guitars, specially the Hummingbird.

[@lpjbird]

I’d be interested in you demoing the two EPI “inspired by Gibson” guitars of these models to get a real perspective of their tone. Great video & playing..thanks

[@everettclunie3525]

By far the best Gibson's made in Bozeman today. They stand with the best of them

[@cian_jacob]

Finger style: J-45 - 0:51 Hummingbird - 1:53 Strumming: J-45 - 2:52 Hummingbird - 3:33 Soft strumming: J-45 - 4:15 Hummingbird - 5:34

[@maxwellfan55]

Now this is how to review guitars, Gibsons particularly. Sweet, sweet sounds to make hearts flutter.

[@jkmorrison1013]

I have an Early J-45, great and easy for fingerpicking, has a woody "dead" sound, but not dead in a bad way. never owned a Hummingbird, but it sound a little brighter and sharper

[@julianslosse]

Amazing review!

[@johnswisshelm1872]

I have the J45 Banner, worth every penny. Love the short scale neck. Now i want that Hummingbird !!

[@ycoz5814]

I have a 71-ish hummingbird I've been playing for over 20 years and I cherish it, but have considering a second guitar. It's the J-45 or Martin D28... I'm liking the Gibson

[@chansouvannarath3789]

Totally subjective for which one is better. For what I play it's the J45, I would buy both if I could.

[@RRW276]

Great demo and finger picking!

[@virgilrw]

Both of them sound like dream guitars! Thanks!!! Excellent Analysis! ☆☆☆☆☆ But I'm leaning toward the richer sound of the Hummingbird... 😀😀😀

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

great, now I feel compelled to buy one

[@misha1d1]

Thanks for the demo. If I had the coin, I'd take one of each. I can't tell which one I like better, they both have lovely and unique voices. The hummingbird's eye candy sure is purdy though.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

My two dream guitars...

[@robstrange]

Both great acoustics!

[@groundleaf865]

Hummingbird is the one and only.

[@ralex3697]

Agree

[@gair1944]

Incredibly great comparison Demo!! Best I've seen or heard. Thank you. I am not sure which I prefer because they depict best in their respective class. I thought the J45 has a bit deeper sounding low end, but the Hummingbird Low end was just a little more articulate and defined perhaps? I heard a bit more upper midrange detail from the Hummingbird and it reminded me of a Martin in ways. I would love either of those. Hard pressed to pick a favorite! SUPERB Playing and great demo. The Mic did a great job capturing the true voice. I played a Hummingbird Vintage a couple days ago and that is "the voice" I heard in person too! Great guitars.

[@mxpoly1]

I’m looking to buy the exact hummingbird here. Gibson needs to make this color option available on more models.

[@jessehagen8977]

I really like the deep red color of this particular model of Hummingbird.

[@javieralexanderarias7060]

The two guitarra are amazing!!

[@jimmy5634]

The J45 really has that blues grunt and takes being driven harder like a duck to water.

[@applicapartnersconsultants867]

Great demo as usual from Guitarist. I'm surprised I liked more the J45. Was more prone toward the HB. Just left to try them personally. :-)

[@kennygardner5041]

I like the Hummingbird better for what I do; more versatile but for just fingerpicking to like delta blues swampy stuff the J-45. I owned a 61 Southern Jumbo with the wide thin neck sounded like a blend of both.

[@ekspresija101]

both great, but I would really like to own j 45, just perfect tone and very clean, simple design.

[@jordic2074]

Gorgeous guitars :)

[@giangvu7902]

Nice playing!

[@beasheerhan4482]

Usually The J-45 sounds edgier and more crisp, but, in this case it is the opposite. That so, I prefer The Hummingbird - particularly in light of how dark, warm, and cloaked you like to make the sound.

[@SMAWA9]

I’ve got a j45 50’s OG soooo good 😊

[@stevec.1802]

Perception is everything. Both sound excellent depending on what material you’ll be playing. Therefore both of these guitars are necessary have. The HB sounds more balanced to my ears. 🎧

[@gaztaylor9682]

Simply beautiful instruments in every way. I love the deep richness of that classic J45 and the more modern attack of the Hummingbird would sit perfectly in a mix. Just a dream for a cash strapped full time geetar picker like me though im afraid. Thanks to the Guitarist guys for the demo and the chance to dream though :)

[@richardburt9812]

Great vid! thanks Wish I could one of those. Nice tune too.

[@keithbertschin1213]

Hummingbird all day, think I’m gonna go for it

[@Oldpigsass]

Here the J45 more woody and mellow; the Hummingbird more bell-like and slightly more projecting. Which is surprising. Back in the late '70s I remember being disappointed with the Hummingbird's lack of volume, not much more than the Gibson Blue Ridge, but they did make a wonderful Gibson Heritage dreadnought which outperformed all their flat top range.

[@maxwellfan55]

I own this Hummingbird, and you're right, it's not or ever was a loud dread, but that's one of it's redeeming advantages, as a backing for vocal. Possibly one of the best guitars for this. Very, vey balanced, exceptionally smooth and complimentary.

[@Blkojo]

@@maxwellfan55indeed, very complementary for vocals.

[@frankroger1551]

sure sounds sweet!

[@mk00918]

the J45 sounds solid and honest: earth, wood and foliage. The Hummingbird sounds complex and as beautiful as the sun and the stars . I like them both

[@dominadoralegado1135]

the sound of soul is in vintage.

[@titusalabat5173]

What brand of strings did you use and what gauge? Thank you.

[@thomasdybdahl1673]

Do you have tabs for the "songs" you are playing?

[@birmingham77]

I’m a big fan of the J45 but the HB is sounding sweet

[@user-go8lm3xu7f]

Hummingbird❤️

[@SiggyMe]

If all the new vintage J-45 sound like that then I can use one of those.

[@guitarman5560]

Sure would have like to hear what it sounds like with a pick.

[@elenacostagli3370]

How to amplify them in a band ? Probably a microphone would be the best choice but not so perfect for its feedbacks. Would it be possibile or innatural to install a piezo or a magnetic pick up ?

[@marin4311]

Very good demo. The essence of each guitar is revealed. As a songwriter, I prefer the J-45. But I have to admit the Hummingbird has more definition and clarity, maybe better for fingerpicking or soloing. The J-45 can be a killer for Rock & Roll tunes.

[@kevinkendall3122]

The recorded guitar ever,definitely a reason for that

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

I do wish in your review/playing that you "dug-in" a bit and played some hard and fast strumming to see what they sound like when you push the top's vibration to the edge. Otherwise sooo well done I will be listening to more from Guitarist!

[@jackykuang9998]

The demo piece sounds a lot like The Sound Of Someone You Love Whos Going Away by Penguin Cafe Orchestra

[@nicholasbattaile1247]

Knew it sounded familiar!

[@danejames7098]

Oh that bird ❤

[@glenmacneill6935]

Great sound engineering !

[@gibsonj45hu]

Hi ! It show me that the Humingbird custom a little better. But If you put 0.11-0.52 Gibson masterbuild PH strings on the J 45 TV, it vill be a higher level, and different sound.

[@bobaldo2339]

I wouldn't put anything lighter than 12.5's (light/mediums) on any acoustic guitar. Any dread actually sounds best with 13's (uncoated).

[@guitarman3396]

I’ve played both and in person, the Hummingbird just sings. A bit uhm....”fruity” for my liking, but the Hummingbird really shines.

[@TheLusaso]

Both amazing but there is just something about the tone of that vintage J-45.... 🥰

[@cmoreno12345]

Agree. J45 sounded sweeter

[@HIGHHOPES]

Buy both, pan one hard left and one hard right.

[@gibsonj45hu]

Hello everybody! Not is the question wich is the better, but how and in which different the too master pices ?

[@listairgin]

Brilliant demo! Thank you. Just be aware that if you buy one of these guitars without hearing it first ( Mail order) be prepared that it very possibly won’t sound as good as any of these two. Gibson acoustics are a lottery in the sound department in my opinion and experiences .

[@SiggyMe]

J-45 is a killer, more note separation and clarity, especially strumming, The Humming bird has tad more bass. Both would work for me, got a 1964 LG-0, love it. Needs a big brother.........soon.......sooner......ok, gas....

[@elaineboyington213]

I need to know what type of Gibson guitar I have.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

mic and recording setup??? Purty Please?

[@gregorycarpenter]

The J-45 has more complex tone to work with. The Hummingbird lacks tonal character compared to the J-45. I owned a Hummingbird but switched to the J-45 for this and other reasons.

[@flinchey6962]

Hope to someday own a Gibson hummingbird for now my Epiphone will do great sounding acoustic for the price

[@wenzelli]

j45 sounds better imo. i like the darker tone

[@michaelalbro6856]

I miss my Hummingbird 😭

[@maxwellfan55]

Michael. Got to get another, I wouldn't part with mine. But I know how you'd feel, symptoms of getting a divorce.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

If you could just play each one for a couple hours more it would should help me decide between the two ;-) Your playing and these guitars sounds so phenomenal that I listen to this regularly just for your playing!

[@kevwilliams1]

Whitehawkvisionfilms Hummingbird vintage hands down is the best sounding guitar I've played after testing dozens of various models from Gibson and Martin. The thermally aged Sitka spruce top has made the bird sound stunning

[@FattyThaishroom]

What strings come on the J45tv? I'm thinking of changing to those from my elixir nanoweb custom lights (don't really like how they sound on my J45 standard)

[@DLcine]

It isnt a tv but a vintage in the video. Strings coming with these might be gibson masterbuild 80/20

[@corky1548]

FattyThaishroom what string would you use on a j45 size 11 custom lights ????

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

Try Thomastic plectrum strings beautiful

[@pisatel7845]

what microphone did you use to record ?

[@cameron9643]

I’ve got that exact j-45. I’m going to tell anyone that at first I didn’t think it would be much different than the standard but oh was I wrong. It’s my top 2 or 3 guitars in my collection of 26. Sound wise it’s probably the best. Playability on the neck is an easy number 1. Tuners not my favorite but that’s nothing. So go vintage all the way.

[@maxwellfan55]

26 acoustics? That's got me drooling. Care to put a name on the guitars you have?

[@cameron9643]

@@maxwellfan55 Taylor 814, Taylor Gs6, Martin Clapton model, j-45, j-200, songwritermdeluxe, 4 les Paul’s, Gibson dove translucent blue back, Gretch white falcon, 3 fender American strats, prs 513 blue Mateo , etc. still need Martin d-35, d-18, Gibson hummingbird, prs McCarty 594

[@maxwellfan55]

@@cameron9643 Thanks, a wonderful collection. I would recommend the D35, but I preferred the HD35 when I owned one. Best to compare side by side if poss, but normally the HD would have slightly less rosewood brashness. Great guitars, really great guitars. These days mine are mainly acoustics and include Hummingbird TV, Martin D28-12stg, Patrick Eggle Saluda (Maple), 4 x slide resonators, Raimundo flamenco, a very cool Godin Jazz maple arch-top, PRS Santana, Epi 339, Martin DX. 8 x Faith acoustics of different top/b&side tone-wood combinations incl 3 x parlours, 4 dreadnoughts, 1 x spruce/rosewood jumbo. There's probably more, I've sold/exchanged many. My fav all-round acoustic is a Faith slope shouldered cedar/mahogany dread but each one has its own sound and application. I also have many banjos, percussion and woodwind. All played and adored, some more frequently than others.

[@StevieStirrup]

Mic please fellas? Pretty sure it's a condenser but what's the brand? Great sound!!

[@remshegmedia8133]

+Steve Anger I am guessing it's a Neumann TLM67

[@StevieStirrup]

Yeah I would have guessed Neumann but I had no idea what model. Thanks I'll check that out.

[@bentyreman5769]

looks like a neumann U87ai to me

[@hugomejia7810]

Second guitar brigthter Harmonix sound's better, the guitar of muy dreams, but an Epiphone hummingbird is good enough for me today

[@MusicMonkeyStudio]

What is the mic use?

[@na23dude]

+MusicMonkeyStudio +1, would love to know what mic this is, what preamp was used, and any processing. It sounds amazing!

[@KaneGregory]

What color would you call that hummingbird just baked hummingbird?🎸🤯🔫

[@startreker8591]

Love Guildson😅

[@keithkaufman2999]

both sound incredible... but... the bird is one of the few guitars capable of inverted string bends....

[@rockandrollrabbit]

How do you mean? Like . . . in Top Gun?

[@pepsimaru]

The HB is better for fingerpicking, the J45 is better for strumming

[@mcdee56]

Excellent demo! No jive!

[@fosta95]

anybody know the names of songs he was playing??

[@fosta95]

preferably the first and second ones?

[@ricktennock7049]

2nd one sounded like stephen stills.

[@seurinfrancois2232]

funny but l have d 28 1973 l never like the martin sound clear sharp but l love and my favorite sound its gibson sound

[@ralex3697]

Hummingbird

[@oviedo5554]

How the hummingbird action feels at the high frets????

[@alessandromonteiro3765]

Hummingbird is better for pick...It is more percussive...

[@takumifujitsu3980]

Is there any Gibson that is cheap like super cheap? But great sound ?

[@amazingme1408]

no.

[@amazingme1408]

when u say cheap u mean yamaha seagull alvarez cheap...But a decent gibson is at 2k and worth it...used maybe 1300 ....but thats not cheap

[@stephenleblanc2227]

The Gibson j 15 is $1999. in Canada. It’s about $1500 in the USA. Great sounding guitars, but try more than one. Gibson is starting to screw up, it’s hit or miss with the new models. The j 15 came out in 2014.

[@v32finish]

@@stephenleblanc2227 Yep. Again, totally late on reply, but in response to OP's question... if you want CHEAP cheap, then you don't look at Gibson. That being said ,a walnut J15 for $1k flat used (in early 2019 at multiple retailers) will shine right alongside 2-3k acoustics from other makers. I personall own a '18 J45 Vintage and really would love a Hummingbird Vintage, but I think it's time to move to other builders....

[@keestoft250]

Gibson G-45 studio, L-00 studio

[@eversomborges600]

😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️

[@stephenweathersby1054]

I am the cornrow duckslinger

[@adamfstewart81]

For once I just wish someone would give me more ado. MORE ADO, DAMMIT.