The Gibson Hummingbird, introduced in 1960, was Gibson’s first square-shoulder dreadnought acoustic guitar, designed to compete with Martin’s dreadnoughts. Initially, it featured a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides (some laminated), and distinct decorative elements like a hummingbird-engraved pickguard and double parallelogram inlays. Early models had adjustable rosewood or ceramic saddles, and a cherry sunburst finish.
Over time, changes were made to the design, such as the introduction of maple backs in 1962, reduced pickguard size in 1963, and narrower nut width in 1965. From 1971 to the mid-80s, double X-bracing was used, and adjustable saddles were discontinued in 1970.
