Gibson Acoustic Comparison | Hummingbird vs. Dove
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- As we welcome the Dove back into Gibson's lineup, here's a comparison between these two legendary bird-themed acoustic guitars. Both square-shoulder dreadnoughts, these two have a few differences outside of their avian counterparts; we're comparing the tonewood combinations of spruce-mahogany and spruce-maple. Do you prefer one over the other? Do you agree with McKee that mahogany is like a warm s'more-- ooey gooey and messy, but great? Or do you prefer the more pronounced bass and treble EQing of maple? These are both incredible instruments, and we're happy to have them back in our hands at Alamo Music.
Demo starts at 8:10
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#gibsonacoustic #gibsonguitars #gibsonhummingbird #gibsondove
Dove has a richer and fatter sound, so Dove for me.
I love the Dove! My favorite guitar right next to the D-28.
I have a Gibson Hummingbird but I still want a Dove for the tight sweet crisp sound : )
I think the Dove beat the little Hummingbird too for actual quality . prolly cost more also . I will stick with the Hummingbird though .
I have always favored the Dove over the hummingbird as I love the transparency of the Maple in combination with the Dreadnought platform and full scale. When you strum it just has this grind to it that is rare to find in other guitars. Bass response is full and clear and never muddy. If you find a good one it's a keeper. There is a reason that Dave Grohl Plays an Elvis Presley dove onstage.
I'm glad the Dove doesn't have the old tune-o-matic saddle! Both are awesome, but I've wanted a Dove for 50 years!
Watching this. It's amazing how smooth you play the hummingbird and the dove sounds clunky. You're a great player but I could hear the longer scale and higher tension come through in you playing. I love the sound of the dove but I also see why the hummingbird has sold more.
my takeaways from this video: 1) Mahogany sounds very different than mahogany 2) I'm not the only one that appreciates the necks on acoustics
I own a 1976 Gibson Dove (cherry sunburst) that was my late father's. Elvis had one exactly like it except his was a 1975 I believe.
I have owned both, and I sold them but then really wanted a dove back...so I got it! Maple is better than mahogany to me in acoustics
I think I prefer the Hummingbird. It just has that perfect tonal balance and crisp sound that I find doesn't even beat the dove. Though the Dove is louder, I can give it that.
The first time I ever played / listened to a high end guitar was in 1973. My friend had just bought a Hummingbird for $500. Hooked me on guitar right then, and I have never stopped.
Tell your friend I’ll buy that $500 Gibson Hummingbird from them today!!
Being a forever blues(wo)man, the Hummingbird is for me (although I love the MOP inlaid work on the Dove.)
And I must say, Chris, that your playing has come along and is sounding amazing; keep up the good work!!
Also, I'm glad to see ... ah, hear, that you are still playing that song. You've heard of comfort food, well, that
song is genuine comfort music. When working around the house, I'll find myself humming it to myself.
Thanks for everything, Chris. Always glad to hear from you, and Alamo Music. :)
Thanks! That means a lot to us!
Chris, a great review as always. To my ear, you were spot on regarding the tone of the guitars. I particularly enjoyed this review because it brought back some incredible memories. Many moons ago (mid 1980s) my wife and I sung in our 9:30 church folk choir. The leader of the group was Frank F. who was an amazing musician. He had played professionally for many years, both in the U.S. and in Europe. For a time, he was in a band that opened for the Beatles. Anyway, Frank played a Hummingbird. It was the first personal experience I had with a guitar and it was beautiful. One of my fondest memories was one day we showed up at church at the appointed time, about an hour prior to the service, to practice. The church basement was locked. We decided to warm up out in the parking lot. I lived in a climate where it was cold and it was winter. Frank broke a string while trying to tune up and the bridge pin popped out and landed in some snow. We couldn't find it. Finally, Frank broke off a little branch and used it as a bridge pin. I'll never forget standing next to him singing and looking at this small tree sticking out the the bridge of his guitar. Frank has since passed but thanks for triggering some cherished memories.
Agreed Micheal this really is a great story! Thanks Bill!
I had a Hummingbird back in the Seventies and without committing suicide I sold it because of Bills. I wished I would have robbed a Bank. I have had Beautiful Martins D-35, D-28, D-18 and they were all Beautiful. I can still play at 72 just like I did in the Seventies and on and on and on. If you are interested when you're young work your Ass for one or have rich mommy and daddy for it. Just get it and learn how to play and you will never regret the great times of beautiful sound.
hummingbird shorter scale lenght ?
An important and fundamental difference I think.
Excellent review. I ordered a new Dove on the very first day they became available again. I had been waiting for them to build them again. It took awhile for it to arrive. Serial number 009. But it looks and sounds incredible.
If only it was 007
I have the Epiphone Dove Pro and it sounds pretty good. But the Gibson Dove is one of the most beautiful looking and sounding guitar out there. Hope to get one someday
The dove always feels like it’s Christmas themed to me.
LOL
Great comment! That red does the same to me! Makes me happy
The Dove and the Songwriter would be an interesting comparison since both are 25.5” scale length.
Man do I love the sound of a maple back and sides acoustic. I would have to go with the Dove overall.
@Johnny Testinator absolutely. The chimey tone 😁
@Johnny Testinator SJ bodies are a bit big for me. But all to you for that boom! I probably will get a Dove eventually. I'm currently on a Strat hunt.
I owned a beautiful older Dove in flight and a more recent Hummingbird - and sold the Hummingbird, preferring - besides the beauty of the instrument - the transparent, clear sound of the Dove. But in this comparison, I went with the accommodating sound of the Hummingbird. I, however, do not play this big type of instrument much any more. I, today, prefer smaller body sizes and more intimate sounds. Maybe my age... ;-)
Amen, Don. I'm learning guitar at last, and though one daughter offered her Yamaha FG730S (which I bought for her during a 4-H music camp years ago) that dreadnought is fine for her still, but a battleship to me, so I'm using a Taylor Academy 12 and 12e grand concert and a Breedlove Pursuit Concert, all great deals during this stay-at-home year. Nerding out on guitars with Taylor Guitars Primetime on Tuesdays has been helpful with maintenance, too.
Hummingbird has a warmer sound over the dove. I would play the hummingbird in the blues. And the dove in country or rock. Just me..
Dove has a 25.5" scale length and the Hummingbird has a 24.75" scale length.
At 06:53 you misspeak and describe the Dove as having Mahogany back and sides, but it's maple.
Haha! I caught that too!! I was like.... wait.... both are Mahogany?! And was like.... should sound the same than.... but the sound was way different.
A production failure by smarty pants Alamo.
I have a Epiphone Dove Pro plays just as good you should compare them Epiphone and Gibson hummingbird and Dove Pro
I can re-scallop an Epiphone to make it sound like a Gibson. It’ll void the warranty, but who cares with a $300 guitar. Plus, I’m a luthier, so I’ll fix it myself anyways.
I had an epiphone hummingbird and traded it for a Gibson’s one. I’m sure everything is different with everyone but my Gibson is better than my epiphone was. The sound was good but it’s better now. And it doesn’t make sense but it’s easier on the left hand. Smooth and frets easy. Action is like an electric. It’s a ‘97, got it used for 1500 and there is not a scratch on it anywhere and I mean anywhere except the timers and pick guard. I also have a D41 and my bird sounds just as good as it (just half as loud, noticeably). I also have ‘37 Gibson L00. It sounds prettty crappy compared to the others to be truthful. But it’s a cool piece. Great video
Ken Allen Yeah, I agree. I'm mainly an Electric player. Gibo Sg and black beauty stuff. So I didn't want to pay top dollar for an acoustic. I've had the odd nice one in the past so I know what's good and bad. Decided to pay a couple of hundred pounds on an Epiphone Humingbird Pro. I wasn't expecting much. The thing that turned up was beautifully made, set up very well, and sounded lovely to my ear. I don't really like to criticise guitars because I think it's all about personal taste. This epi was the first guitar I've ever bought without playin first. It's really decent! I had a Gibson Dove for a while and I just didn't get along with it. My Epi Hum feels better to me. But as I say. All subjective. Don't think the higher the price, the better the instrument. That's just marketing nonsense I'm sure you'll agree lol
3 Card Monty The Epiphone ones are great anyway. I wouldn't mess with them. They don't sound bad. They just sound different.
James I have the same guitar and I agree 100 percent. It is fantastic at twice the price ! let alone 10X which is what this GIBSON costs
I think it's time for Gibson to make a new bird model. 'The Eagle'. Rosewood back and sides, adi spruce top, standard scale, 13/4 but width, forward scalloped bracing. Classy retro eagle pickguard.
It would be an instant buy for me
they tried that one year. It was called the sparrow but whoever drew the art on the pickguard didnt capture the appropriate aesthetic.
The new acoustic bird on the block is the Gibson Firebird. Short scale, Spruce and Quilted Maple, beautiful appointments.
@@Artytype1 do u like those pickguards?? I think those flames on the FB looks tacky, like some 6th grader drew it. To me dosent come close to the beauty of either the Dove or HB
I am all in on the maple. The Dove is the one I would take home today. I have a Gibson Cascade with Maple. Love it!
I'd like to see a comparison of the hummingbird Dove and Songbird all together
Played a Dove today before I saw this video. Loved it. The Dove playing and tonality makes it lean more toward the ballsey-er side for rock, blues and things with a punch. It had an extremely comfortable and playable neck. Best balance of definition, punch and clarity on the bass notes that I've heard on any acoustic I've played and very nice all the way up the neck for picking and fingerpicking. Very fun to play.
I played a copy of a dove today. it had to be a lawsuit era instrument. I never held a real one though. But this was an alverez and the top had a crazy dip in it . I thought it was supposed to be like that because it had that wild bridge on there and the playability and action was nice. Do the original doves have a real flat top or are they kinda dipped in?
Beautiful playing and review. I think one needs both.
Neither of these guitars are for the shy, that's for sure! Both have nice classic tones. I'm surprised you didn't mention the difference in scale length. No pricing yet for the Dove on your website. That's scary, considering the price of the Hummingbird.
You know we actually had to shot this review twice because the footage was lost. The first time I did mention the scale length. Oh well.
They're both beautiful works of art but I cannot afford the real thing so I bought an Epiphone Dove Pro which is 10% of the price and is just splendid. I was amazed how big they sound for such little money. Although I prefer it unplugged it's still got that acoustic electric power if you need it. I will keep it forever, even if I get round to buying a Gibson Dove, the Epiphone is still brilliant and always will be.
You already got the dove which has more top and bottom. Something with mahagoney, humming bird or d 18, will be better for recording.
I like the Dove over the Hummingbird, but my God that Red tint on the Maple is such a WASTE of Beautiful Wood!
I absolutely HATE that colouring. Just leave it as a Natural Finish and you'd sell those Doves like hotcakes in the morning!
Wow, this is an outstanding comparison. As close to "apples to apples" as one can reasonably get. Because of this, I was able to hear the difference between Mahogany and Maple. This illustrated to me why I have gravitated towards Maple over Mahogany consistently. It also demonstrated that Sitka Spruce is a wonderful tonewood.
apples to oranges
@@soofitnsexy Thank you, you're right.
@@uvp5000 the scale length makes all the difference also of course maple and Hog
IMO - Hummingbird all the way. I like the thunderous lows of a Hog.
Holy JEEZUS that ending! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?!?!?!?!
Dude, WTF!
That had better have been an all laminate guitar!
It was CGI... CGI: Cooper Greenberg's Image... I love that outro, you nailed it!
Charles Branch so you’re saying that guitar, which almost looked like a Yamaha FG820, was purely CGI?
And he smashed an invisible guitar into the ground?
I hope you’re right. I really do.
A forklift at ups ran into and we couldn't repair it lol. They destroyed the back.
You're the best Charles!
I can’t bear to watch - even a broken guitar - be broken. It’s upsetting. Guitars are sacred to me, so, it’s not funny.
9.38 this section on the Hummingbird is just bliss. My ears love it. Sounds amazing and well played 👏👌
Thanks!
@@AlamoMusic what is the song you played at 9:38? Beautiful guitars, and superb playing!!
I could not agree more. That tune, playing style and Hummingbird is a perfect match and made me replay it over and over again. Beautifully played!
I like birds that kill other birds. So, I ll go for the White Falcon. Love and Peace! Very good performance btw :)
LOL thanks!
Also different scale length. Both great guitars. To me, very retro sixties style. I have a custom shop Dove in heritage cherry burst. I love the acoustical dynamics of maple (think SJ200) and the aesthetics of the Dove.
I love maple jumbos, but have always preferred the mahogany Hummingbird over the Dove. Because of my hearing loss, glassy highs annoy me and my ears crave mids. I do like the Dove bridge better, though. Incidentally, the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is a superb value.
Thanks for the video. I didn't realize the Dove was so different from the other Gibsons. Both guitars sound great! I'll take one of each!
Great comparison! This was very useful. I was thinking the Hummingbird would clearly win my favor. I love mahogany guitars as a rule. But the Dove had a richness and substance. Loved your playing on the fingerstyle tune in "G" on the Dove. Beautifully played! What is that song? I am now more open to considering a Dove.
I've always noticed that the Hummingbird has a velvet hum overtone that the dove doesn't. The Dove a bit more transparent and has a clearer heavy bass. That is what I hear.
That was some beautiful playing...
I was so excited to hear the dove, but it sounds like there’s a pillow over the sound when he’s playing..sooo disappointed 😟
My uncle has a 1979 Dove. It's gorgeous.
I love my ‘97 bird. My favorite of all my tool!
Lucky guy!
PLEASE COMPARE AND REVIEW THE PRS PARLOR P20 &
P20E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT ANYMORE
ARRRGRGRGRGRGRGHHHRHHHHHHHHH
I wish i am rich to buy a acoustic guitar on my birthday 🙏🙏
It looks like the quality of the top woods on both guitars is horrible. Considering the high-end price Gibson has valued these at, I'd say every one of their competitors offer better quality and sounding guitars for a similar or lower price point. Since it's 2020, they should've held off on both the Hummingbird and Dove, built a Gibson "Bat" with Bat inlays, the same low quality top woods, and then blamed their crappy sounding guitars on the Pandemic. It's sad when the Chinese Chibson knockoffs have higher quality top woods and sound about the same for a fraction of the price.
I have yet to play a Gibson acoustic I like. I also have never HEARD a Gibson acoustic I like.
Overpriced and overrated IMHO. 🐰❤️🎸🎶🤝✌️
What makes you say that about the wood? Not being a smartass, I just honestly don’t know what to look for to judge the top. I’m sure the grain of the wood is something? Thanks
@@no1fibersplicer525 both are AAA spruce. Nothing wrong with the tops! Some people think they have be loyal to a certain brand, & hate everything else. I have several brands though my personal favorite is Gibson. Doesn’t mean I hate everything else.
That's some great playing and recording equipment right there. They both sound amazing. I'm a bit biased towards the Hummingbird, though.
Hummingbird sounds better. I like s’mores, I guess? But both are too ostentatious-looking for me. I’m not fancy.
Very nice comparison!! (Not sure if you forgot to mention that the Dove is a 25-1/2" scale, while the Hummingbird is a 24-3/4" scale).
The Hummingbird sounds a bit more open, the Dove more intimate at present. Time will tell on both. I know what you mean about overtones. I do like the way maple accentuates the fundamental. I have a jumbo maple Guild - from the early 70's. I love it for that reason, but it now needs a neck reset. I have been playing dreads with mahogany B & S for a while now, waiting out the pandemic to get the blond jumbo fixed. I miss it. By the way, the Dove has a 25.5" scale length; the Hummingbird a 24.75".
I closed my eyes listened. I think Hummingbird is more balanced between bass and trebble and it sounds more confident. but that's just me...
I agree with you as well. I've been wanting a Gibson Hummingbird since high school. I'm going to try and get back into work this summer. I'm going to work towards saving up for 1. Problem with me is I'm left-handed. And to get a left-handed guitar sometimes and cost more.
@Jacobe Williamson I bought one recently and I very much recommend it. Its the most well balanced guitar I've ever heard. It has a nice crispness to each note played, and a sort of orchestral sound together.
I am so waiting for a comparison between (are you ready?) the Gibson J45 vs. the New Epiphone J45! Can you do this?
Beautiful and informative playing demos. Thank you. Wish I could buy a Dove.
The biggest difference is the scale length, the Dove is 25.5", the Hummingbird is 24.75". This gives the Dove a brighter snappy sound and the hummingbird a warmer sound.
actually no.....the maple back and sides
Agree, which is why I want a Hummingbird. Too much string tension on a 25.5" acoustic.
You kept confusing Maple and Mohogany while talking, very confusing
Two slightly different sounds, but both unique and beautiful, it's like choosing ice cream, one day your in the mood for strawberry one day vanilla 😂
Do you have a Gibson Dove with nut with 1.575..or SJ 200.. or can I order one with that correct size ..? Thank you..
I recently played both models & my feeling was that the Hummingbird sounded like a beefed up J45 while the Dove sounded very similar to a J200.
great video - but you didn't compare stairway to heaven - just joking.....excellent guitars both of them and you articulated well the differences.
Curious to know if you took lessons or are self-taught...? (PS - Can't wait to have a Dove!)
Would be love to hear a comparison between a Dove and a faded hummingbird since the faded version is a little louder and brighter-sounding.
This & your other, similar vids are extremely helpful
I love the aesthetics of the Dove but the Hummingbird sounds perfect to me.
Thank you for your great work and comparisons! You do great demos. Would you consider please adding just picking each string slowly at the start and letting the sustain play out? I particularly want to hear the low E and A. Thank you, in advance, for your kind consideration of this request.
Passed that on to Chris!
I prefer the pickguard design of the dove simply for the more visible bird that stands out more
I want both damnit, but the hummingbird wins for me overall.
The fact that the when playing it, the actual dove on the pick guard is holding on to a branch while horizontal, kills the dove for me!😅
the Dove sounds like its a bit to aggressive, you hear the maple .. I think mapel works better on j200 style
Hummingbird would kick a doves butt! 😂 great video i just bought a HB, salivating as i wait for it to get to the shop!
The split parallelograms look horrible on both. They aren't level. The lines aren't straight. The spacing is off on some of them.
Of the two the dove sounds better to my ears, but neither sounds like a D35 and 3 pieces of rosewood on the back and that’s why my money is on a Martin.
My brother owned a dove a friend of mine a hummingbird they were both very unique in sound both great guitars.
I’m shocked at the difference. Love the hummingbird!
Hummingbird wins this by far.
Dove all day long
The hummingbird takes it
I owned a Dove. It didn't sound that good. Someone broke into my house and stole it 🙁
I have played everything...but a Dove. And ever since I saw trey Hensley use one a lot playing bluegrass I been dying to try one. Had no idea the Dove sounded so good and powerful flatpicking bluegrass!! If your not familiar look up trey hensely and the black guitar he plays a lot is a Dove
Amazing guitars, but way overpriced.
I’m not a fan of the hummingbird I like the Dove over the hummingbird neither of them turn my crank overall. Exceptional guitars but Not my favorites. On top of that to much over the top flash. Great run down Chris thank you sir.
Thanks for watching!
I had to watch this twice because I thought I missed it, but you didn't mention a major difference is the Dove has a longer scale length than the Hummingbird. Both iconic guitars that sound great but for some odd reason I don't like playing either.
We actually had to shoot this review twice because the footage was lost. The first time I did mention the scale length. Oh well.
The Dove and The Gibsons (And most guitars) show you where the harmonics and the tones are by the 3 rings on the inlays around the sound hole and the sweep of the strrum pattern points on the pick guard. This allows you to use the harmonics to create the grace notes that make the melody worrk and be more fun to play. Thinlk of it as triplets in or out if a given finger position. The Dove lets you do that because of the fiddle like tone of the maple back and sides, in my opinion.
Dang???????? I WANTED TO SEE THE BACK OF THE HEADSTOCK OF THE DOVE!!
The hummingbird sounds thin compared to dove
Dove, sorry Keef the hummingbird great too
Great review. How does a gibson firebird acoustic compare to the traditional dove since both are maple back and side?
It's damn sure uglier lol I do not like those pickguard designs on the FB at all
9:47 what song is that, i need to learn it OoO
I had a 76 Dove Custom and gave it to my 18 year old nephew on the condition he would never sell it. It was given to me by my dad. Well, you know teenagers. It's still in the family, just someone' else's family...I deserved that. SMH
Anyway, I'm back on the market and was curious about the Hummingbird. I just had a cochlear implant in June 2023 and was going to get back to playing. I currently have a mint Martin 000-15M that's been played maybe twice. It is my 2nd. Sold the 1st, missed it so much much, that I bought a new one.
GIBSON
As far as sound, the tone of the two, the Dove still produces a wide tone, with sharp finishes and bluesy smacks, but played softly, can sound crystalizing , almost angelic. The tone finishes like a sustained piano chord in fading.
The Hummingbird like you said. Sort of cozied up with high and low tones that bottom and top out with a soft, gentle, and somewhat dull landing. Easy on the ears in a mellow inclusive setting.
My style and voice sill compliments the Dove best.
I still have the Martin for those other times. It's solid mahogany and delivers closer to the Hummingbird.
Very helpful Demo! Thanks!
Ngl the end made me cringeeeee, that was painful to watch
The tops appear very low grade.
Hummingbird don't fly away fly away.
The hummingbird would win in a fight for my heart
I blame Keith Richards.
So difficult to decide which is best - of course they're different each in their own way. To my ears the Dove probably has the edge on articulation, but that iconic Hummingbird top makes it so appealing.
My God I am pooping myself listening to this Dove. Although you misspeak a couple of times calling it mahogany rather than maple, I LOVE your videos. Great job.
I have a 1964 Gibson, and it sounds just as good, if not better, than these newer models.
Man the bridge on the Dove is atrocious
Wow. This is about the hardest decision of my life. The Dove does have more treble . But the Dove does have the warmth . Both articulate instruments! My answer is I need both.
Compare a Gibson dove to the Epiphone dove compare a Gibson hummingbird to a Epiphone hummingbird
Dove has more character, beautiful