Gibson Hummingbird, Dove or Songwriter for solo use

hotroad · #1 11-12-2021, 06:56 PM

I play out solo and would like a good rhythm guitar to use as a gigging guitar. Of those three, which one do you choose for solo gigging plugged in amplified.

rule18 · #2 11-12-2021, 07:09 PM

I gigged with my '74 Dove for years, plugged in/amplified. That said, it's what you're comfortable with. Unless you're processing the signal prior to going to the amp (or whatever) they'll sound almost the same through the mains (assuming the p/u's are roughly of the same type/quality).

Wade Hampton · #3 11-12-2021, 07:14 PM

I’d say go with the Songwriter as it’s the most musically versatile of the three.

whm

egordon99 · #4 11-12-2021, 07:18 PM

This thread has some ideas - https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=618562

Wellington · #5 11-12-2021, 07:46 PM

The Hummingbird is a hauntingly beautiful tone to my ears.

Mark Stone · #6 11-12-2021, 08:17 PM

I agree with Wade. The Songwriter is pretty versatile - I owned one for a few years and had no issues. It had a good feel & balance, and some un-Gibsonian clarity. Also, I was unable to overpower the guitar with a flatpick.

That being said, neither the Bird or the Dove are dogs either.

Bushleague · #7 11-12-2021, 08:45 PM

Between those guitars, for your stated purpose, for me that choice would be about scale length. If I liked the shorter scale I'd get the Hummingbird, if I wanted a 25.5" scale I'd go with a Songwriter.

Peter Z · #8 11-13-2021, 01:34 AM

^^^
This is what I thought as well. The Hummingbird with a LR Baggs Anthem is the most comfortable and (amplified) best sounding guitar I ever played live.

Also, the lesser sustain (short scale) and lesser overtones (mahogany) might help to support vocals.

Otherwise I think the Songwriter is one of the best Gibson deals.

And now someone like Jinder will chime in and recommend a Dove, another fantastic Gibson. It’s just, my Hummingbird is more forgiving than my Dove. I love them all - and my others. :-)

As always, spending an hour with each before buying helps a lot. I know, that’s not easy in Austria or Norway.

blooz · #9 11-13-2021, 03:47 AM

I'm surprised the J-45 isn't on your list as well. It's a great rhythm guitar.

Bushleague · #10 11-13-2021, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blooz

I'm surprised the J-45 isn't on your list as well. It's a great rhythm guitar.

This is my personal favorite as well, I do lots of strumming but a fair bit of flatpicking, and a little fingerstyle... all sounds great on a J-45.

Peter Z · #11 11-13-2021, 08:06 AM

J-45s / Southern Jumbos are nice too.
At least my Hummingbird and my SJ sound VERY much alike. They were built within one year, same finish, same bling - brothers, almost twins.
I think slope or square doesn’t matter much (like no one seem to be able to prove the sound influence of a cutaway). I don’t know if there are differences in the bracing thou.