Gibson Hummingbird Koa Carpathian Spruce

The Gibson Hummingbird Koa Carpathian Spruce: Rare Wood Combination in an Iconic Silhouette

For more than sixty years, the Gibson Hummingbird has been a benchmark in the world of acoustic guitars. This special edition, with a Carpathian spruce top and solid koa back and sides, elevates that heritage to a new level. Carpathian spruce is one of the most coveted tonewoods in the world, originating from the Carpathian Mountains and known for its exceptional stiffness and low density. Koa, the iconic Hawaiian wood, adds warmth, shimmer, and a visual richness that immediately sets this guitar apart from the standard Hummingbird.

The sound is surprisingly open and detailed. The Carpathian spruce top responds quickly and precisely, with a clear attack and a rich overtone structure that particularly rewards fingerpicking. The koa back and sides add a silky warmth to the mid-range and a shimmering presence in the high registers. Together, they create a tone that is both intimate and projective, with a character that distinguishes it from the more common Sitka-mahogany combination. The LR Baggs VTC pickup faithfully captures all of this for amplified use.

The mahogany neck features a familiar Round-Taper shape and an ebony fretboard with a 16-inch radius and 20 frets. Ebony provides a tight, fast response under the fingers and a clear note attack that optimally utilizes the characteristics of the top. The distinctive parallelogram inlays and Hummingbird pickguard complete the iconic look. Grover Rotomatic 18:1 tuners ensure stable and precise tuning.

The Gibson Hummingbird Koa Carpathian Spruce comes with a Gibson hardshell case. For the enthusiast seeking the best of both worlds.