“Uninspired”by Gibson Epiphone Hummingbird
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Welcome and thank you for stopping by today. I typically don’t like to badmouth companies or products on my channel and I am a small and very humble channel. I do this for fun and to share what I learned with others. That being said, I need to warn everyone that the quality or lack of quality on these new Epiphone acoustics, its staggering. I don’t mean to badmouth any of the literal hundreds if not thousands of UA-camrs that rave about how great these guitars are. And that may have been the case when they first released them but since making this video, I have gone to three local music stores that sell these instruments and all three stores were shocked when I pointed out all the problems their inventory had. One store that will remain nameless, didn’t care, they were the big box store. Another local store was in very embarrassed and immediately pulled all of these instruments off the shelf. I’m sure it is going to be financially. Devastating for them to have to try to recoup their funds again shame on you Epiphone and Gibson. 

This guys bad attitude came out long before the guitar did.
Yeah! You can see right away he's gonna' insult them. "I wouldn't even use it for firewood"!
You lost me when you said you will have to cancel some gigs you had lined up because you are unhappy with a new guitar you just recieved? Just think about that...
🤣 that's what l thought, a pro musician with only the one "piece of junk" from Epi and then he shows us his "real" Gibbo Hummingbird. Hilarious.
Ask a Guitar dealer about American built SJ200 Gibsons. Most stopped ordering them because of the horrible quality. This Hummingbird is flawless compared to the American built SJ200s
I love my hummingbird no issues. This guy sucks had to cancel his gig cause no one likes him with this shit attitude haha
In the last couple of years, Epiphone has blown Gibson out the water in regards to QC.
You got a lemon man, trust me mine is an absolute delight to play and hear and absolutely beautiful, the reason why people would say it happens with Gibsons too is because it does.. every single guitar manufacturer on this planet lets one or two slip past from time to time. Send it back and go find one in a shop somewhere, never buy anything on the internet no matter who makes it because things can happen during shipping, humidity changes can effect it, all sorts of things…
You missed none of this was shown on the video. Just constant put downs but nothing on video.
My wife was listening to me play some guitars at a music store and she fell in love with the Epiphone Hummingbird. To both of our ears, it sounded better than all the much more expensive Taylors, Martins, and Guilds there, on that day.
The only other 6 string that I played on that day that sounded nearly so good was the Epiphone inspired by Gibson Dove.
That said, I still wound up doing 150 hours of work on our Epiphone Hummingbird, over the next two months - changing the saddle, adjusting the power points under the bridge, doing endless experiments with different tunings and pitches, after which I did have to adjust the truss rod plenty to get the neck to have the optimum angle - which is always a bit of a bow between the 6th and 10th frets.
The guitar sounds so fantastic now, beyond the charm it had in the first place, when it was extremely charming, long sustaining, and moderately loud.
Now it is not only all that, but, as well, extremely loud, and plays well for my hands everywhere, it tuned to 6Fb-5Gb-4Db-3ab-2db-1f.
And yes, we got this new guitar at a 15% discount, because it had a repaired crack that ran the length of the heel block.
That said, in my experience, every guitar takes a lot of effort until it understands what you want out of it and you understand what it refuses to do.
For me, I'll put up with all sorts of problems, both aesthetically and mechanically, IF there is a kind of enchantment in the sound.
I am sorry you were so put off by your buy.
In my experience buying by mail is like Russian roulette. One 12 string I got that way took like 400 hours of work, but, in the end, it sounded and played great.
What a hassle, however!
To be honest I don’t have the knowledge,time or patience to do what you’ve done but I wouldn’t buy a Guitar online anymore.
@@andyg6967 I understand, Dear Andy. So, you are right. In your case you have to buy directly from a store, so that you know exactly what you are getting, and, as well, hopefully there is a guitar tech nearby you trust, because, in my experience, playing seriously since 1974, I have never met a new guitar in a store which has been perfectly adjusted. They all need work, to sound their absolute best, even the 5-10K models.
In fairness, the factory personnel cannot guess how you play, what pitch or tuning you use, so they give it a decent starting point for you to modify and build on.
A case in point is string size, because, if you buy a guitar that has been factory set to use a 54 string on the 6th string, and you want to use a 62 size string to tune it lower and still have wallop, you immediately throw out the intonation, because the way the heavier string comes down on the fret makes for a different pitch than the lighter strings.
Also, I never met a guitar which sounds best at standard tuning and standard E-328 pitch. They all prefer different pitches - some preferring a slight tweak at E-331 or E-324, or in many cases, retuning the guitar to F, Eb, D, or F#.
Wound strings are a pain that way.
The Epiphone Hummingbird, of which I spoke, sounded best at at a Db major pitch - much, much better than the standard tuning, and standard pitch, which lacked comparable sustain, harmonic overringing, and charm.
All the best to you and yours!
I think it’s fantastic that you got an amazing instrument. And I would completely agree with you. Every instrument is different. And I think you hit the nail right on the head as far as having an understanding of what a particular piece of wood or neck or heal joints, or whatever part of the guitar might not be perfect needs or doesn’t need to be part of an inspiring solution, I think the real take away is that I was such a fan of Epiphone for a long time and after trying so many places to find one that would work for me. But that doesn’t mean there are not amazing instruments out there. I found two Norman guitars that aren’t necessarily the best in the industry but they’re working well for me.
@@6stringlounge813 Thank you, Sir, for all the kind words and concurrences! Every guitar that comes into your life is like a romance - some blow up in your face, others you can work through, maybe one of two, in a life, can go very long distances.
The byword is always work, if you are willing to work on it, and that comes down to whether you are inspired.
For me, personally, I do not care about aesthetics - wood with odd grain, worm holes, finish checking, worn off stain, or whatever. The question is - is there something quite fetching in the sound?
If, yes, then I will go through what I went through with the cheap Epiphone DR-212 12 string - and put hundreds of hours into it, until, as was the case, I could make it again playable, and then, from there, make some adjustments in the tone so that what was an interestingly mysterious good sounding guitar, with some weakness in the 1st string response, to a great sounding guitar with no weak 1st string.
That guitar wound up sounding best tuned at 6Bb-5Eb-4G-3Eb-2Bb-1D
The tuning is a bit irrational, and yet the sound of the guitar literally drove me to that, over the long hours of experimentation.
One thing I always do with a guitar - and that is to let it guide me to how it sounds best. I make no presumptions about how that might be.
The lower pitch on this Epiphone 12 string guitar just makes magic out of the sound - much more so than the same tuning just a half step higher or lower - both of which I tried several times, just to make sure.
I am glad you have those guitars you like.
I hope you will continue to play the Epiphone Hummingbirds, Doves, Excellentes, and Texans, in the music stores, until you find your match, because, in my experience, most of what they are making in that series, during this time in history, is outstanding.
They kind of strike a balance between Martins and Gibsons.
Wasnt aware they had an inspired by Gibson Dove
I guess you ended up with a lemon. I ordered one from Zzounds and it was perfect for me right out of the box with the exception of my replacing the strings with Elixirs. My frets are well finished and I did the nylon stocking test without any issues. She holds tune extremely well, sounds fantastic and plays like a dream.
Thank you for the video. You make some great points and follow them up with the facts from the video you shot.
I fell for an ‘Inspired by Gibson’ Epiphone J45 that Sweetwater had on sale for Black Friday last year. It was their custom aged wine red color, and the price was right at $550. After letting it sit in the box a couple of days, I let it out, and there was some fret sprout along with some intonation issues., aside from the horrific strings as you so eloquently put.
After letting it season a couple of months in my living room, I took it for a proper set up/string change, and now I cannot put this guitar down. I absolutely love it.
Mine was made in 07/2021 and I got it around the 1st week of December 2022. I’m not sure if that puts it in the ‘first batch’ or not, but it doesn’t feel like it will only last a couple of years.
As for my other acoustic guitars, I have a $600 (when I bought it new ) Yamaha LD10e, that I had to replace the pickup.
I have a $750 (when I bought it new) Yamaha A3R that I’ve had to replace the battery compartment, and that has a wood split in the rosewood side where the electronics go into the body.
I have an $800 (when I bought it new) Yamaha LS500 that now has a crack in the solid spruce top.
And I have a $2,600 (when I bought it new) Martin 2020 limited edition D-18 that is still in great shape.
Of all these, the J45 is the most fun to play. Or maybe, it’s just the newest :-)
But I know that eventually, something will go wrong with it.
Acoustic instruments are tricky. The best thing we can do is just put them in the case when we’re done with a decent humidification system. I play mandolin and violin as well and if you thought acoustic guitars were expensive.
Epiphone moved production of Epiphone IBG Hummingbirds to China from the Samick Factory in Indonesia. The factory code for Indonesia in the serial number is 23. This should be the 5th and 6th digits in the swrial. If the numbers are 15 or 16 the guitar was made in China.
Was his guitar made in China are Indonesia
@@jefferyclark351Yes.
I got a Epi 1942 banner VOS J45 which was made probably in the first week (072) that they moved production to China. It's an epic guitar
Tonally and build quality is great. Couldn't find anything wrong with it.
I bought the Epi Excellente on the back of that and after seeing and hearing many rave reviews. I'm so glad l listened to them. It's s truly great instrument.
@@andysfishingandflytyingcha2310 I'm receiving my new SJ-200 today, can't wait and also pretty anxious at the same time!
It was made in Indonesia.
I’ve had my hummingbird pro from SwtWtr for a few years now. So far I’ve been really happy with it. It was about 450 at the time. My very first acoustic ever. It sits out all year long in very cold and very hot. I put the damp torn zip lock bag in it to keep a slight moisture going. Once a year. Send your back and order from SW. or GC. My action is a bit high but that’s it. Just got a Taylor but I still play this one. Hope yours gets sorted out quickly.
Just curious…does your guitar have a very strong order coming from the inside? Mine does & it really bothers me somewhat…not moldy or rotten but extremely woody I guess…hard to describe.
No not at all. No scent at all.
Don't buy unless you can play it that makes no sense. Doesn't matter if you can play or not that crack has nothing to do with that.
My epiphone hummingbird is a wonderful guitar. It is not a better guitar than my 2 gibson acoustics but I like it. My brother loves his as well. As to the sharp frets, you can file them in about 5 minutes. Too bad about the cracked back I wonder if the shipper did not drop it.
I’m uninspired by your cranky review. Mine is perfect
Interesting. The Indonesian IBG Hummingbirds get rave reviews but we know the production has moved to China and have been waiting for news of how the quality might be affected.
I recently bought an IBG J-45 and it is (was) amazingly good. It has the factory code 23 so it's from Indonesia. I play a few different ways and this box does them all very well indeed. For £500 new it's a steal, or seemed to be. OK, the pickup is basic and it's a bit boomy plugged in but I bought it purely for acoustic sessions and for that it's first-rate. Really good, very versatile.
Unfortunately, a couple of days ago the jack socket suddenly came loose and that is a real nuisance. Can't use the guitar until that's fixed.
Update: it's fixed. I now have an excellent acoustic guitar.
I'd check the neck relief as it could be in a back-bow and needs the truss rod loosened. Fret sprout is easily negotiated with a file and usually included with a luthier's set-up. The split in the rear seam can also be remedied for not much money, my luthier charges about $20 to reglue a seam split. With the anomalies you may be offered a good discount that would be worth your while to keep it. I'd have a good luthier make an assessment and use that for negotiating the discount. Superior woods and tight tolerances are why the Gibson variant of this model costs $2400 more. Good luck!
All good suggestions but I am one of three authorized Martin Gibson and Taylor repairman in my area. The cost to repair this by someone who knows what they’re doing would cost at least half of the value of the instrument now. If a customer brought this to me I would tell them to simply return it and get the money back.
We can't subscribe to someone who describes a great manufacturer of guitars based on one failed product . What do you mean, ... "I don't mean to badmouth ..." when that's exactly what you did. Take the hit and do what you need to do to make your purchase whole again or a make a new purchase that will make you happy. There was no reason to badmouth anyone or any one company based on your failed instrument. We truly hope that you have made a purchase or done what needs to be done to make you happy in the last several months. Good luck in you future musical purchases.
Ps: and he didn't show anything on video other than rushed glances and excuses of poor lighting.
Bought a Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier just recently and it arrived with the scratch plate warped and displaced from the soundboard. Looked like it had been in the sun though no fading or or other heat damage showing. A thick piece of plastic that couldn't be bent back at all. Sent it back but surprised it ever got out of the factory in that state.
I'm wanting one of those frontiers and from everything I've heard that is a VERY common problem with them. The pick guards just fall right off on alot of them! Lol
I was lucky, mine works just fine. 🙂
I have no idea what this guys beef is. It happens, return it. I just bought a brand new Indonesian made IBG Hummingbird in 2024 and it's superb especially the tone.
Eastmans j45 style models are superb, and come at different price points depending wood. From Sapele to mahogany to rosewood. They are in another class to the epiphone IBG I played. I found the Epi on the heavy side too.
Eastman's are well built, but resale value is shocking, which tells you all you need to know.
@FishTillYouDrop I disagree. You will pay less and lose less reselling, versus big names. A 500 quid eastman will sell for at least 350. I bought one. An equivalent Martin at 1200 quid will sell for 8 or 900.
@@banjo1434 I was tempted by a new Eastman e6om-tc just a couple of weeks old with a setup looked stunning on eBay. The guy didn't like it so he cut his losses. Around a grand retail, it sold for just over 500. Find me a 2 week old perfect Martin for half retail! You won't.
@FishTillYouDrop Fair enough. that's not my experience. But I'm not in the US. And I buy guitars to keep. Of course big name US made guitars will keep a larger percentage of their price, but they cost more than twice the price, and sellers lose a lot of cash moving them on.
Sounds like you got a lemon. It happens. Send it back.
I did get a lemon, but that doesn’t excuse all the other Epiphones that I played this past week. I’ve tried over 20 inspired by Gibsons and another 12 regular Epiphones. I will not recommend them to students anymore.
I hear you. Between electrics and acoustics from the newer epiphone inspired by ( I’ve now tried 17) they all had warped/ twisted necks. My Masterbuilt Texan is great though provided you know how to set up a guitar and don’t mind an over set neck…
Not sure what to say. You go on about why people shouldn't buy an Inspired by Gibson, yet you bought one.
I can't really dispute that your guitar had issues. I suppose there are some QC issues related to Epiphone guitars, but I can also attest to the fact that when you get a good one, well set up, they do sound very good. I own one of the IBG Hummingbirds and it's honestly one of my favorite guitars. I also own a Martin D35 and a D18, as well as a custom made dread from a local luthier. The Epiphone just sounds really good! I bought mine locally, so there's that. I did get to look it over first. If you consider some of the nightmares people have encountered buying Gibson guitars, or the bindings coming apart on Martin guitars, etc., really, it's crap shoot anyway. I also owned a $3,000 Taylor guitar that sounded like I was playing it under water. I just ordered one of the new 1957 Epiphone SJ200 models and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays and sounds. If it's not good, it will go back to the dealer.
Mine beats my Taylor.
Maybe it got cracked in transport. I got a Fender Jaguar from Japan and the finish was cracked in transport. I tried one of those Inspired and it was amazing. You got a lemon.
Dude, I get it you’re pissed off you got a bad guitar but to bash the whole company and make it sound like everyone they built in the last year is total crap. I just bought a demo version of the J 200 from Sweetwater and it’s absolutely amazing. It sounds great I played a J 45 at Guitar Center and then played another one at a local mom and pop and played a hummingbird at another store. They played great, no cracks no issues you got a lemon don’t bash the whole thing and discourage people from buying them when they could get a Great guitar for not a lot of money. You should’ve just reached out to American music supply and got another one and if that one was bad, then you may have more of an issue, but come on man you just got one guitar. How could you bash all of them or the whole company? And yeah I agree with you. It’s better to play it in person but you can’t always find stores locally that have them in stock and yes, go with a good company like Sweetwater that you can return it to. It’s that simple.
So the guitar has been stored somewhere where there was no humidity. Probably wintertime somewhere far from the coast. The guitar wasn't made that way, it's all about humidity.
Are your fith and 6th serial numbers 23
Mine are, so it's from Indonesia. Struck lucky there.
His is “Made in Indonesia”. It’s clearly visible in the back of the headstock towards the end of the video.
Bad luck but I have one and it is perfect in all ways. Not so sure it could not happen to anything that is 'shipped'. Buy local and eliminate the problem. Play first and eliminate a problem.
Could you let us what the serial number of the guitar is.
It’s a “Made in Indonesia” one. He shows it towards the end of the video.
You should consider the Epiphone Excellente Masterbuilt. Amazinggg guitar. One of the best acoustics I’ve played
I'll check it out!
Wanna make it better? Get rid of that HUGE tone robbing 3mm thick gum rubber pick gaurd on it! You won't believe the tone and definition that it's robbing from these guitars.. l had "Bruce Wei" build one in Rosewood for me..l think it was like $50-60.. worth every penny..not to mention the artwork on the factory gaurd looks like it was done by a 3rd grader with crayons!😂 I love my IGB Hummingbird (also swapped to a super thin small black plastic gaurd) and my Excellente!!
To find out if a crack goes all the way through, drop some naphta(lighter fluid) on the outside crack and if it shows up inside, the crack is all the way through. Napthta will not harm the guitar finish.
Yes that might be correct But this is a Very informative video, we All Appreciate the Lesson here 😮😮😮
Where ever you purchased that guitar should have never left it go out the door. Yes, Epiphone should not have even sent the guitar like that, but a good guitar shop wouldn't sell it that way either. I'm curious to know what the serial number is on that guitar. Was it made in Indonesia or was it made in China? You can tell by looking at your serial number. The 5th and 6th number should say 23 if it was made in Indonesia.
I just released a video talking about what Epiphone is doing with a lot of their guitars in the "Inspired by Gibson" line. It's not right. Too bad you got a complete lemon.
I appreciate your review, Wow, yes Very informative thanks for that information 😮😮😮
Glad it was helpful!
I feel with you. I bought the J200 IBG, returned it as it had lump/hump on the upper side which was from manufacturing as it sat under the finish, how that had gone through quality check is beyond me. I got a second one and was similar disappointed with this, sound was poor and thin, my EKO ranger sounded 10 times better and the playability was poor, wood was dry to and the finish around the sound hole was very poor, wasn't even sanded down to make it smooth. anyway it also got returned. its just one of those things but saying that, I had 2 that had problems so it look like its widespread. Some years ago I had the Epiphone AJ500 Masterbilt and that was awesome, sound super, playability super, Its the one guitar I regret passing on so they are out there but where ;-)
Well , I pulled the trigger at SWEETWATER!!! I almost made a CATASTROPHIC mistake! All of the cherry finish were made in China! The plain finish were made in Indonesia which is proven to be better workmanship!!!! Even the Indonesian plant will let out trash from time to time 🥹
Hey, I completely understand where you’re coming from! I don’t work for Epiphone, or anything, so I have no incentive to say this, but mine is actually a fantastic guitar.
My dad has the Gibson hummingbird, I have the exact same thing, cherry burst, but in the Epiphone model.
They’re not that different.
I’ve compared both, and, of course the Gibson has better fit and finish when you look close, but again, there’s seriously not that different from each other.
I think you just got really unlucky, it does happen!
Where did you buy the Epiphone Hummingbird from ?
It came from AMS, I could have tried Sweetwater but I went to all of my local shops that carry them and they were all bad. One shop even pulled the lot of them after I showed the owner all the problems however Guitar Center told me and I quote “ what do you expect from an overseas guitar” I should know better than to even ask. Needless to say I’ll never do business with that company again if I can afford to. Thanks for the comment and good luck finding a great guitar!
I have a Martin D-10E. It is an acoustic-electric guitar with a sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides. My Martin D-10E sounds very good, especially for the price (the guitar with the case costs $949). I bought my guitar at Guitar Center, but I recommend Sweetwater.
Great interview man / sorry about your experience. Just wondering if it was made in China. Thanks
Yes it was
Just sent it back, tried several different models from the series at a local shop. They were all pretty bad.
Apparently theirs a big difference if made in China , original release was made in Indonesia.
Buying an acoustic without inspection is a risky business...Bummer
I bought the inspired by Epi 1957 sj-200 just about a month ago. The first one i bought arrived with multiple mother of pearl inlays cracked, and the neck had gashes near the sound hole. Returned it and recd another in perfect condition. However both sounded and played excellent. But it made me want a Gibson sj -200 so I bought one lol. But I have the ability to. Otherwise the sound was quite amazing.
If buying online consider the Firefly GA series acoustics. You won't be sorry!
And they're hundreds less than Epiphone.
I am sorry; sometimes every manufacturer sends out a dud that got through quality control. I've had my (Inspired By Gibson) Epiphone Hummingbird for about six months now, and it has quickly become my favorite guitar. I did have to have it reset up and adjusted due to fret buzzing when I received it, but since then, it has shimmered. Best of luck.
That is a shame you got a bad guitar. My wife just bought one for my Birthday yesterday and I have to say, Its a great Playing Guitar
and it looks amazing, and well built. I love it over my Martin. That really sucks you got a bad one. Epiphone should send you another Guitar
at no cost.
I can relate. I bought a new one from Amazon a while ago and it was a horrible thing altogether, one tuning peg out of line and various other issues. A £100 (British) Yamaha F310 would have been better. Epiphone really need to sort out their Quality Control because I'm not rich otherwise I wouldn't be buying guitars in that price range and I certainly can't afford to throw hundreds of pounds away for scrap guitars, no matter how pretty they are.
Maybe you just got a bad one, although i didnt see a "twisted neck" or "blemishes" that you were seeing....I have 2 epi LP customs, one in koa,$700.... one Jerry Cantrell "wino"..$800...both made in china. Both gorgeous, and I went over both with a magnifying glass, both were flawless as far as I could see. Meanwhile, I've seen tons of YT vids of $5K LP customs that customers were sending back for quality control issues.
My Hummingbird Inspired by Gibson is a great guitar instead.....
I bought one from Sweetwater, looked great but I couldn't get the fret buzz out of it. Sent it back to Sweetwater and they found that the neck set was off, Sweetwater replaced it and the new guitar and it is fantastic.
I’m really glad to hear that Sweetwater has excellent customer service and I’m also glad that you were able to find an inspiring acoustic instrument. Thank you for your comment and thank you for your time.
Wow.. I thought Sweetwater has a 55 point check of every guitar? Why hadn't they spotted it before it gets shipped? 🤔
That bridge looks desiccated
I didn’t even bother with that, but yes, you could’ve sneezed on it and it would’ve disintegrated
You are making all the right points!!!! We are crazy as hell to send China our money!!! SWEETWATER needs to stand up and draw a line in the sand!!!!
I hate that this happened to you. Similar experience with a beautiful sunburst Epiphone Sheraton. Looked great but many problems: tuners, nut, and a bridge that cut my hand. Returned. I also agree with your assessment of Yamaha. My first guitar is a 1971 Red label FG 180 which still looks, plays and sounds good. It's not a Martin, but at about that time was 1/3 the price of my 72 D-35. Looking forward to seeing your choice. Good luck with that.
Odd🤔, mine was perfect when it arrived. Frets are perfect, as well as fit and finish. One of the nicest guitars I've played. You just got a bad one.
I had one too and did not sound good except when plugged in.
Any factory made guitars will have lemons from time to time. You got a bad one.
You've been unluckily. It wasn't packed well. Just send it back and try before you buy.
I've just got a J45 1942 banner IBG. I't's a great guitar with nil issues. On the back of that l purchased sight unseen (something l never do usually) the Epi Excellente. An abdolute tond monster, beautifully made and arrived in perfect order. You were just unlucky. When RandysRythm reviewed his IBG Hummingbird he had the absolute opposite view than yours.
Just got a bad Friday afternoon badly shipped product. Not good enough but to say that everyone whose been raving about Epi IBG acoustics are full of xxxx is untrue and very disrespectful
Send it back, and try again. I believe you would be REALLY unlikely to receive another dog..
Or you could just ship it back for another one 😂
Bad frets on an Epiphone? Color me shocked! Sorry for your loss. Great honest review. Thanks.
Once they got good reviews from the launch they may have cut back on quality control. Many people rely on the reviews and don't know enough to spot the problems.
Sorry you got a cracked back and a bad experience. Usually these guitars are masterpieces. James
When a company puts out tens of thousands of guitars a year.. be it Epiphone.. Martin.. Fender.. Gibson.. it doesn't matter.. they ALL shoot out lemons from time to time.. my Fender ELITE 2017 Strat (the absolute HIGHEST LEVEL short of Custom Shop!) Had odd rout waves not visible but can be felt bottom knobside of the body, all gaurd and cover screws were canted 1° to 2° the same direction and how about this... They misspelled "Stratocastr" which l honestly didn't notice for 2 years, Fender was willing to fix this (raised chrome letters that are independent unlike most that are waterslide type) l left it.. none of it effects playability but it's authentic Fender bought from authorized dealer.. you want consistent perfection then go Custom Shop.. IBG Hummingbird is no "Complete Failure".. if they were all like yours they would have to discontinue but they are not.. yours is a bad lemon. Mine is near perfection..l love it! I have 3 Martins and 2 Taylor's a Excellente and the IBG Hummer .. they are all different but ALL GREAT GUITARS! I would not sell any of them! Good luck, l would hope you try to get another one that's...not THAT one.. they are typically great..
I know what you mean I ordered a Epiphone es 335 left handed when I took out of the box there was a crack in the back of the neck just slight I was mad it's not right they said well send it back will give you a another one I said no I just took some Elmer's glue put it on there luckily I was just a hair line crack the glue worked well and I colored in with a black marker
I love my Epiphone Hummingbird 12 string…..
ABSOLUTELY NOT MY EXPOERIENCE...WONDERFUL GUITAR IN ALL ASPECTS EXCEPT BATTERY BOX VELCROED ON TYHE INSIDE.
I’m glad you got a good one! And thank you for the feedback, thank you for watching my video. If you haven’t already get yourself a dampit or bovida pack to control the humidity level in your case, it’s a small investment in your instrument’s health and longevity.
I saw an advertisment for the electric blue hunning bird electric aqoustic with the pick up on the inside for 5000,00 dollars . forsale from florida. scary.
I got my J-45 today and I already returned it, the neck was twisted, frets uneven, buzzing everywhere… A pity because the rest looked perfect .
From what I could tell a lot of the natural finishes are made in China. But the sunburst Indonesia model is a lot better quality.
What a shame. I gave up with quality instruments years ago - now I don't buy 'em anymore - waste of money - no one you play for can hear the difference - I just beat up free ones....don't die with some guitar that you spent money on - just my opinion, but life's short just beat up old ones..... :) best of luck in the future
my hummingbird studio shipped from Gibson. It might could be set u to play easier but other than that flawless.
It looks like you bought the hummingbird pro . It’s a cheaper guitar. Send it back. I have 7 of the Epiphone master built solid wood guitars. Everyone of them are perfect. You said you can’t go to a gig now yet you said you have a Gibson hummingbird go to the show with it. Sorry about your luck send it back
Sounds like you got a major lemon. Try it again. See if another one gives you better luck. I have a normal epiphone dove with laminate back and sides and it isn't even as bad as this inspired by gibson. So I really think you'd have better luck doing it over
Why is the top 2 different colors? I've got a Gibson Hummingbird Rosewood Studio and you can't even tell where the top is joined and that's with an nitro finish. I had a 2006 Hummingbird and regret letting that go also my Dove but these guitars are nowhere near the same quality. Also, a Sono-tone pickup? That's the pickup Martin uses on $500. guitars. These should have a better pickup at the price they are charging for these.
Just do what I did put some Elmer's glue on the crack it will work very well and just color it in with a black marker I know I been singing and playing over 55 years
Strange, mine is perfect and the sound is excellent, but it was made in Indonesia, not China so that may be the culprit
You bought a junk guitar and found out it was junk. All the big online sellers are giving you 48 and 36 months interest free. Do you buy a Chinese car? No, you buy what you can, and make payments. Maybe you can’t afford the payments on a real Gib Hummingbird, but you are so far from the real thing here that it’s not a Hummingbird anyway. How about something in between. Sorry to be harsh, but you have to help yourself here.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your information. If you follow my channel you’ll see that I have a 1968 Gibson hummingbird that I enjoy regularly. For me it’s not about brands and when everyone says something is good, I figure they might be a right. So I gave the Epiphone a shot. I gig regularly, something you might not understand. I typically don’t like to bring my $2000 to $5000 guitars to bars were drunk people are found in spades, but again I do appreciate you taking the time to share your point of view. Best of luck.
I had a buddy who got a Martin D15 with a warped neck a few weeks ago. The issue is these companies online are storing these guitar’s in warehouses that are not climate controlled. The fret issue isn’t uncommon with any guitar at any price point below $1500
Also some of us live in places where you can’t play what you’re looking for
Thank you Todd for stopping by and leaving the comment. Yeah I went to my local Guitarcenter recently. The best sounding guitars under the $1500 price point. We’re definitely the Martin‘s guitar center does not carry Normans. The tailor is a really good too. However that’s not the sound I’m looking for a little too thin on the top. But thank you again and have a wonderful day.
Watch Randy’s Rhythm video on u-tube STOP a follow up on the epiphone hummingbird ibg . You and him or on the same page about the guitar you just bought. Believe you will enjoy this video. It sure enough got me to thinking. Thanks Jeff
How about a demonstration? Play something and let the viewers judge for themselves. Better yet, let's see you play something on your Gibson Hummingbird and then follow with the same tune on the Epiphone. C'mon man, let's see it. 😏
Why didn't you play it...afraid for us to hear you play ???
Play a twisted neck guitar? He has many videos playing with some actual badass gear.
I must of gotten lucky with mine, I hardly touch my J45, I like the guitar that much. I did do a neck adjustment and all my wood is fantastic, sorry you got a lemon.
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you got a good guitar! The best guitar is the one that inspires you to pick it up and play
Thanks for sharing. I want one of these. But like you $900 is a lot of cash. AMS allows me to get guitars that normally would take me ages to get. Very frustrating.
Thank you for your response. And thank you for subscribing. I may not have all the flashy things that some of the big channels have, but I have my integrity and I will always tell the truth.
Zzounds is better!!
Damn dude send it back & get another one.
I’ve considered taking this video down. I went back and watched it and it is ridiculous to hear me bitch. I hope you didn’t waste too much of your time watching. It’s just a guitar. Shit happens. Thanks for your comment and your time. Only reason I leave it up is because it gets so much hate and helps the algorithm. Ironic.
@@6stringlounge813 hahaha…no sweat, I hear where your coming from. I took a chance on one & I think it’s a fantastic playing/sounding guitar. But I do agree with you on the finish being somewhat blotchy but that doesn’t bother me. It’s was $700. well spent I believe. Cheers
Sorry you got a bad one. It's a gamble when you order online.
Being a complacent person is far worse…
Thanks for this honest review.
Always!
I have a hummingbird studio in trans-ebony finish. I got it from Sweetwater Music and I'm pleased with it $450 and change. Equipped with a fishman pre- amp. And its an Inspired by Gibson.
I think who you bought it from is at fault.
Damaged sitting so long, storage and poor shipping. HUMIDITY.
That foamy bag even had a hole in it, when you pulled it from box.
Usually NICER GUITARS are shipped in their own box, PLUS A BIGGER BOX PROTECTING the actual box with the guitar.
Wonder if you payed for shipping.
If you HAD TO WAIT SO LONG, bet it was shipped from CHINA.🥺
🤔
Why would you buy on line? I play the one i buy, period
Many reasons to buy online. Probably the biggest is that I was able to get a line of credit with American music supply. The only store I have left in my area is Guitar center and I don’t even waste my time anymore with them. I agree the best way to buy is by putting your hands on the instrument, and really the whole point of the video was just get some clicks. It’s not that big of a deal at all. I just returned it. But thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
@6stringlounge813 it's all good, my brother n law bought one through elderly and it turned out good. But if u wanna know for sure then play and buy
Are you a Martin secret agent 🤣🤣
Just send it back .
No guitar to play gigs??
You stated you had an actual Hummingbird.
Loss of logic.
Just bitching, for the sake of comments. My channel has never been great because I’ve never invested in the money to do it properly. Hope I didn’t waste too much of your time and by the way, merry Christmas.
@@6stringlounge813
Merry Christmas
You look like Joe Bonamassa.
I subscribed
Been there myself. Not with an Epiphone but certainly a few guitars over the years. Yamaha, by the way, has their quality control issues too! Especially over the past couple of years. I think you were just unlucky. With the quantities of guitars produced there will always be a few lemons here and there. Although how that one got through "quality control" is a mystery. I have owned a few Epiphones in the past and they were all fine. Not flawless but certainly good enough for the price I paid. You summed it up when you said always try a guitar before you buy it. It is the best way to buy any guitar but especially an acoustic one. But of course, not everyone is close enough to a store, especially in the USA where distances can be vast. Here in the UK, I have three large guitar dealers within 30 miles. One is just 15 miles away. Always worth a drive :) Best of luck with whatever you get next👍
man that sucks. Sorry you got a bad one, but mine is nice so i hope this is few and far between.
I’m glad that you got a good one. I decided to go with Norman guitars. I got a ridiculous deal on an ST 50 and an ST 40 both of them together for 800 I couldn’t pass it up.
@@6stringlounge813 nice! all is well that ends well.
Really surprised to watch this. I must have been very lucky with mine. My main guitar is a Gibson J15 which I love but they don't make them anymore so I wanted a back up for gigs. I bought the IBG hummingbird bssed on reviews and I have to say its now my go to guitar. I will admit that it did need a decent set up, the action was too high and the battery pack was unstuck and rattling around but other than that Im over the moon with it. It's a joy to play and no sharp frets whatsoever on mine. Really sorry you got sold a pup ☹️
Man this was hard to watch.
You had a bad seller.
Ahh man this guitar was top of my acoustic list.☹️
You might get lucky! Try and find a shop that has one
Mine is a cannon.
Perfect intonation, sounds like 1 million bucks.
My dad has the Gibson version, I’m not kidding. When I say this, they’re not that different, go out and buy one! If you get unlucky, try one again, because it’s worth it!!
It still should be man, mine is an absolute machine!!! This guy just got a lemon probably which happens in every single guitar brand out there, if I were him I would send it back and try to find one in a shop and play it for himself. I’ve played gibson hummingbirds that some played and sounded phenomenal and some were dumpster fires…But The main majority of these are booming cannons to say the least. Mine, the fit and finish is perfect with some absolutely beautiful wood grain and the tone is out of this world not to mention how well balanced it is plus the playability is to die for!!
@@Baddoy1968 Yeah
I’ve had mine for two years and sounds even better now than when i first got it. Don’t let this guy lead you a stray. I love mine
Plywood sounding knockoff. Yuck
I got a decent 1 but I bid on a epiphone frontier on ebay real cheap with a twisted neck fir 250 and when I got it T was 🙂so I won that match good luck heat time
If you’re serious about your playing and gigging, get yourself a decent guitar, a good pick up and a good DI box. That guitar, with its limited sound and cheap pick up will sound awful through a PA. You’re kidding yourself if you think you’re going gigging with this guitar.
No gigging musician aspires to an Epiphone.