How to Date Your Vintage Gibson Hummingbird: Complete 1960-1970 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Gibson Hummingbird Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Gibson Hummingbird accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in acoustic guitar history. The Gibson Hummingbird represents one of the most visually stunning and tonally distinctive acoustic guitars ever created—a square-shouldered dreadnought with elaborate floral inlays and a powerful, balanced voice that has made it a favorite of recording artists for over six decades.

Whether you own a rare first-year 1960 Hummingbird with original specifications, a mid-1960s example with cherry sunburst finish, or any vintage Hummingbird from the pre-1970 era, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Early 1960s examples with specific features command premium prices, particularly those with original appointments and finish.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Gibson Hummingbird using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made between 1960 and 1970.

Understanding the Gibson Hummingbird History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the Hummingbird's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the Hummingbird (1960)

Gibson introduced the Hummingbird in 1960 as their premium square-shouldered dreadnought:

Revolutionary Design Features:

• Square-shouldered dreadnought body

• Elaborate pickguard with hummingbird and flowers

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• Adjustable saddle bridge

• Cherry sunburst finish standard

• Premium appointments throughout

Strategic Purpose:

• Compete with Martin dreadnoughts

• Offer distinctive Gibson dreadnought design

• Appeal to country and folk musicians

• Establish Gibson acoustic flagship

• Premium pricing and appointments

Historical Context: Introduced same year as Gibson J-45, positioned as premium model

The "Hummingbird" Name and Design

Iconic Pickguard:

• Hand-painted hummingbird design

• Elaborate floral patterns

• Engraved tortoiseshell pickguard

• Multi-colored artwork

• Signature visual feature

• Most recognizable acoustic guitar pickguard

Why "Hummingbird": Named after the bird depicted on the distinctive pickguard design

Musical Significance

Famous Players:

• Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)

• Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

• Sheryl Crow

• Emmylou Harris

• Gillian Welch

• Countless country and rock artists

Sonic Character:

• Powerful, balanced tone

• Strong bass response

• Clear treble

• Excellent for strumming

• Recording favorite

• Distinctive Gibson sound

Major 1960-1970 Evolution Periods

1960-1961: First Generation

• Original specifications

• All first-year features

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Natural finish option (rare)

• Most valuable Hummingbirds

1962-1964: Early 1960s Peak

• Refined specifications

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Excellent construction quality

• Pre-Gibson-transition quality

• Highly collectible

1965-1967: Mid-1960s Era

• Continued quality production

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Various specification details

• Excellent instruments

1968-1970: Late 1960s

• Some specification changes

• Square bridge introduced (1969)

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Various updates

How to Date Your Vintage Gibson Hummingbird: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Gibson's serial number systems is foundational for dating:

Important Resource: For quick serial number reference, use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to find your guitar's approximate year based on serial number ranges.

Serial Number Location

Where to Find Serial Number:

1. Look inside guitar through soundhole

2. Serial number on orange or white label

3. Stamped on internal bracing (some)

4. Back of headstock (some later examples)

5. Use flashlight for visibility

Format: Various formats depending on year

1960-1961 Serial Number System

Format: Sequential numbers

Approximate Ranges:

• 1960: 0xxxx range (numbering restarted)

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range

Location: Inside guitar on label or bracing

Critical Note: Serial number systems transition during these years

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference.

1961-1970 Serial Number System

Format: 5-6 digits with increasing overlap

Approximate Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range (restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range (restarted again)

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1970: 0xxxxx range (six digits begin)

Critical Challenge: Extreme overlap makes serial numbers unreliable for precise dating

Location: Inside guitar on label, visible through soundhole

Why Serial Numbers Are Problematic:

• Significant overlap between years

• Numbering restarted multiple times

• Same numbers appear across different years

• Must use Factory Order Numbers and physical features

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Dating Method

For vintage Hummingbirds, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside guitar

• Stamped on bracing

• Visible through soundhole

• Orange label (early 1960s)

• White label (mid-late 1960s)

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes (1960-1970):

• R = 1960

• Q = 1961

• P = 1962

• O = 1963

• N = 1964

• M = 1965

• L = 1966

• K = 1967

• J = 1968

• I = 1969

• H = 1970

Example: FON "P 2847" = 1962 production, batch 2847

How to Find FON:

1. Look through soundhole

2. Check orange or white label

3. FON stamped on bracing visible through soundhole

4. May require mirror and flashlight

5. Photograph for documentation

Why FON Is Critical:

• Most reliable dating method

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for 1960s Gibson dating

• Industry standard

Dating Vintage Hummingbird by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1960 Hummingbird (First Year - Most Valuable)

The Original Square-Shouldered Gibson Dreadnought:

Body Construction:

• Square-shouldered dreadnought body

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• 16" lower bout width

• Gibson's dreadnought design

• Scalloped X-bracing (early 1960s)

Pickguard - Signature Feature:

• Engraved tortoiseshell pickguard

• Hand-painted hummingbird

• Elaborate floral designs

• Multi-colored artwork

• Red, yellow, blue, green colors

• Most distinctive acoustic guitar pickguard

• Original artwork highly valued

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Parallelogram inlays

• Bound fingerboard

• 14 frets clear of body

• 24.75" scale length (Gibson standard)

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

• "Hummingbird" designation

Bridge:

• Rosewood adjustable bridge

• Adjustable saddle

• Distinctive Gibson feature

• Through-saddle pins

• Rosewood bridge plate

Finish:

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Natural finish option (extremely rare)

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-sprayed finish

• Ages beautifully

Binding:

• Multiple binding on body

• White/black/white pattern (multi-ply)

• Bound fingerboard

• Bound headstock

• Premium appointments

Bracing:

• Scalloped X-bracing

• Hand-carved braces

• Premium construction

• Gibson acoustic quality

Tuners:

• Grover Rotomatic tuners

• Gold-plated (early examples)

• Nickel-plated (some)

• Premium hardware

Label:

• Orange label inside

• Gibson logo and model designation

• "Hummingbird" designation

• Kalamazoo, Michigan

Serial Numbers/FON: 0xxxx range, FON "R"

Why 1960 Is Most Valuable:

• First year production

• Original specifications

• All first-year features

• Scalloped bracing

• Historical significance

• Limited first-year production

• Premium prices

1961-1964 Hummingbird (Early 1960s Peak)

Refined Early Specifications:

Body Construction:

• Square-shouldered dreadnought

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• Scalloped X-bracing

• Premium construction

Pickguard:

• Engraved tortoiseshell

• Hand-painted hummingbird and flowers

• Multi-colored artwork

• Original designs highly valued

• Each slightly unique

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Parallelogram inlays

• Bound fingerboard

• 14 frets clear

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

• "Hummingbird" designation

Bridge:

• Rosewood adjustable bridge

• Adjustable saddle

• Through-saddle pins

Finish:

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-sprayed

• Premium finish quality

Binding:

• Multi-ply binding

• White/black/white pattern

• Bound fingerboard and headstock

• Premium appointments

Bracing:

• Scalloped X-bracing continues

• Hand-carved braces

• Premium tone

Tuners:

• Grover Rotomatic tuners

• Gold or nickel hardware

Label:

• Orange label (through early 1960s)

• White label (begins early-mid 1960s)

• Model designation visible

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range, FON "Q"

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range, FON "P"

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range, FON "O"

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range, FON "N"

Significance: Peak early 1960s quality, scalloped bracing, excellent construction

1965-1967 Hummingbird (Mid-1960s Era)

Continued Quality Production:

Body Construction:

• Square-shouldered dreadnought

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• X-bracing (scalloped transitions to non-scalloped mid-1960s)

Pickguard:

• Engraved tortoiseshell

• Hand-painted hummingbird design

• Multi-colored artwork

• Original designs

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Parallelogram inlays

• Bound fingerboard

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge:

• Rosewood adjustable bridge

• Adjustable saddle

• Through-saddle pins

Finish:

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Quality finishes

Binding:

• Multi-ply binding

• Bound fingerboard and headstock

• Premium appointments

Bracing Transition:

• Scalloped bracing phased out (mid-1960s)

• Non-scalloped bracing introduced

• Different tone character

• Dating requires inspection

Tuners:

• Grover Rotomatic tuners

• Gold or nickel hardware

Label:

• White label standard

• Gibson designation

• Kalamazoo production

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range, FON "M"

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range, FON "L"

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range, FON "K"

Significance: Mid-1960s production, bracing transition period

1968-1970 Hummingbird (Late 1960s)

Late 1960s Specifications:

Body Construction:

• Square-shouldered dreadnought

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• Non-scalloped X-bracing standard

Pickguard:

• Engraved tortoiseshell

• Hand-painted hummingbird design

• Multi-colored artwork

• Original designs

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Parallelogram inlays

• Bound fingerboard

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge Change (1969):

• Square bridge introduced (1969)

• Replaces traditional adjustable bridge

• Flat-bottom design

• Dating indicator

Bridge (pre-1969):

• Rosewood adjustable bridge

• Traditional design

Finish:

• Cherry sunburst standard

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Binding:

• Multi-ply binding

• Bound fingerboard and headstock

Bracing:

• Non-scalloped X-bracing standard

• Modern construction

Tuners:

• Grover Rotomatic tuners

• Gold or nickel hardware

Label:

• White label

• Gibson designation

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range, FON "J"

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range, FON "I"

• 1970: 0xxxxx range, FON "H"

Significance: Late 1960s production, square bridge introduced 1969

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat

How to Check Pot Codes on Hummingbird

Access:

• Remove pickguard (if electronics)

• Most Hummingbirds acoustic-only (no electronics)

• Pre-1960s electronics rare on Hummingbird

• Later models may have pickups

Note: Most vintage Hummingbirds are purely acoustic and do not have potentiometers. Later examples with electronics can be dated using pot codes.

Identifying Key Hummingbird Features

Understanding distinctive characteristics:

Square-Shouldered Dreadnought Body

Distinctive Gibson Design:

• Square shoulders (not sloped like Martin)

• 16" lower bout width

• Mahogany back and sides

• Sitka spruce top

• Distinctive shape

What It Means:

• Gibson's dreadnought approach

• Different from Martin D-series

• Distinctive Gibson look

• Powerful tone

Engraved Pickguard with Hummingbird

Signature Visual Feature:

• Engraved tortoiseshell pickguard

• Hand-painted hummingbird

• Elaborate floral designs

• Multi-colored artwork

• Red, yellow, blue, green colors

• Each slightly unique

• Most recognizable acoustic pickguard

Authentication:

• Original pickguards highly valued

• Hand-painted details

• Colors and artwork quality

• Period-correct appearance

Replacements Common:

• Original pickguards often damaged

• Replacements reduce value

• Modern reproductions available

• Original essential for maximum value

Adjustable Saddle Bridge

Gibson Feature (1960-1968):

• Rosewood adjustable bridge

• Adjustable saddle height

• Different from Martin designs

• Distinctive Gibson characteristic

Square Bridge (1969+):

• Flat-bottom square bridge

• Replaces adjustable design

• Modern appearance

• Dating indicator

Parallelogram Inlays

Distinctive Gibson Inlays:

• Parallelogram position markers

• Mother-of-pearl inlays

• Classic Gibson design

• Premium appearance

Not Dots: Unlike many acoustics, Hummingbird has parallelogram inlays standard

Cherry Sunburst Finish

Standard Hummingbird Finish:

• Cherry sunburst (red to brown gradation)

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-sprayed

• Ages beautifully

• Distinctive appearance

Natural Finish (rare):

• Natural mahogany and spruce

• Extremely rare on vintage Hummingbirds

• Commands premium when found

• Seldom ordered

Multi-Ply Binding

Premium Appointments:

• White/black/white binding pattern

• Multiple layers

• Body edges bound

• Fingerboard bound

• Headstock bound

• Gibson quality indicator

Scalloped vs. Non-Scalloped Bracing

Scalloped Bracing (early 1960s):

• Hand-carved braces

• Scalloped/dished sections

• More flexible top

• Superior tone (many believe)

• Labor-intensive

• Early Hummingbird feature

Non-Scalloped Bracing (mid-1960s onward):

• Full-height braces

• Not carved

• Different tone

• Modern standard

• Cost reduction

Dating Significance:

• Scalloped = early 1960s (approximately 1960-1965)

• Non-scalloped = mid-1960s onward

• Requires internal inspection

Value Impact: Scalloped bracing adds premium

Orange Label vs. White Label

Orange Label (early 1960s):

• Orange oval label inside

• Gibson logo and model

• Early 1960s production

• More collectible

White Label (mid-1960s onward):

• White label replaces orange

• Gibson logo and model

• Mid-late 1960s production

• Standard label

Dating Significance:

• Orange label = early 1960s (approximately 1960-1963)

• White label = mid-1960s onward

• Transition occurred gradually

Red Flags: Identifying Non-Original or Modified Hummingbirds

Recognizing modifications:

Refinished Vintage Hummingbird

Indicators:

• Overspray inside soundhole

• Paint on bracing

• Wrong finish thickness

• Modern lacquer types

• Loss of age checking

• Overspray on pickguard

Impact: Refinishing reduces value 40-60%

Replaced Pickguard

Common Issue:

• Original pickguards often damaged

• Hand-painted artwork fragile

• Modern reproductions common

Original Pickguard Characteristics:

• Hand-painted hummingbird and flowers

• Period-correct colors and artwork

• Engraved tortoiseshell material

• Unique variations (hand-painted)

• Appropriate aging

Replacement Indicators:

• Modern screening instead of hand-painting

• Wrong colors or artwork details

• Incorrect mounting holes

• Different material

Value Impact: Replaced pickguard reduces value 20-40%

Replaced Bridge

Common Modification:

• Adjustable to square bridge

• Different bridge styles

• Non-original replacements

Original Features:

• Rosewood adjustable bridge (1960-1968)

• Square bridge (1969+)

• Period-correct design

Value Impact: Non-original bridge reduces value 10-20%

Neck Repairs and Resets

Common Repairs:

• Neck resets (angle adjustment)

• Headstock repairs

• Professional work acceptable

Value Impact: Professional neck resets minimal impact (normal maintenance)

Top Cracks

Common Issues:

• Cracks along grain lines

• Stress cracks near bridge

• Soundhole cracks

Assessment:

• Professional repairs acceptable

• Clean, stable repairs minimize impact

• Multiple cracks concerning

Value Impact: Clean repairs relatively minor (10-20%)

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Gibson Hummingbird

How Dating Affects Hummingbird Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1960 first year: Highest values

• 1961-1964 early 1960s: Excellent values

• 1965-1967 mid-1960s: Good values

• 1968-1970 late 1960s: Moderate values

Feature-Specific Value:

• Original pickguard with hand-painted artwork: Essential

• Scalloped bracing (early 1960s): 20-30% premium

• Orange label (early 1960s): Premium indicator

• Adjustable bridge (pre-1969): Preferred over square

• All-original condition: Highest prices

• Cherry sunburst: Standard (natural extremely rare and valuable)

Condition Factors:

• All-original: Highest prices

• Original pickguard essential

• Professional repairs acceptable

• Modifications reduce value

• Original finish critical

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Gibson Hummingbird Expertise:

• Vintage Gibson acoustic specialists

• Pickguard authenticity assessment

• Scalloped vs. non-scalloped bracing identification

• FON analysis for accurate dating

• Orange vs. white label evaluation

• Bridge type identification

• Original finish verification

• Comprehensive authentication

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Streamlined Process:

• Expert authentication

• Immediate fair offers

• No fees or commissions

• Professional service

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Hummingbird pickguard so special?

The Hummingbird pickguard features hand-painted artwork of a hummingbird and elaborate flowers on engraved tortoiseshell material. Each vintage pickguard is slightly unique due to hand-painting. This is the most recognizable acoustic guitar pickguard design and essential to the Hummingbird's identity and value.

Are 1960 Hummingbirds more valuable than later years?

Yes, 1960 first-year Hummingbirds are the most valuable due to limited production, original specifications, scalloped bracing, and historical significance. Early 1960s examples (1960-1964) with scalloped bracing and orange labels command the highest prices.

How do I know if my Hummingbird has scalloped bracing?

Scalloped bracing requires internal inspection—look through the soundhole with a light to see if the braces have carved/scalloped sections or are full-height. Early 1960s Hummingbirds (approximately 1960-1965) typically have scalloped bracing. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your approximate year.

When did Gibson change to a square bridge on the Hummingbird?

Gibson introduced the square bridge on the Hummingbird in 1969, replacing the traditional adjustable saddle bridge. Pre-1969 guitars have the adjustable bridge with rounded bottom; 1969+ have the square bridge with flat bottom.

What's the difference between orange and white labels?

Orange labels appeared on early 1960s Hummingbirds (approximately 1960-1963), while white labels became standard in the mid-1960s onward. Orange label guitars are generally more collectible and indicate early production.

Are natural finish Hummingbirds valuable?

Natural finish Hummingbirds are extremely rare as cherry sunburst was the standard finish. Natural examples command significant premiums when they appear, often 50-100% more than comparable sunburst examples.

Can I date my Hummingbird just by serial number?

Not reliably for 1960s production. Gibson serial numbers have extreme overlap and were restarted multiple times. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for the range, then verify with FON, physical features, and construction details.

How important is the original pickguard?

Extremely important. The hand-painted hummingbird and flowers are the guitar's signature feature. Replaced pickguards reduce value by 20-40%. Original pickguards with intact artwork are essential for maximum collector value.

Additional Resources

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool - Quick reference for your Hummingbird

• Complete Gibson Acoustic Dating Guide

• How to Date Gibson Guitars - All Models

• Sell Your Gibson Guitar

• Vintage Gibson Authentication Guide

Learning how to date your vintage Gibson Hummingbird accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, and physical features specific to each era. The Hummingbird evolved from 1960 through 1970, with early 1960s examples featuring scalloped bracing, orange labels, and original hand-painted pickguards commanding the highest values.

Whether you own a rare 1960 first-year Hummingbird, an early 1960s example with scalloped bracing, or any vintage Hummingbird, proper authentication ensures you understand your instrument's history and value. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point, then verify with Factory Order Numbers, internal labels, bracing type, and bridge style for definitive dating.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson Hummingbird authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of Hummingbird dating—from pickguard authenticity to scalloped bracing verification—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Gibson Hummingbird authentication or professional valuation.

John Thompson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer