Epiphone Hummingbird 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss Reviews

As my title states, this guitar is truly amazing. For looks, it's beautiful. As for tone, this one took me by surprise. I've heard many different acoustics and the sound that comes from this one truly sets it apart. The octave harmonics that come from the 12-strings when playing give it a sound that reminds me of a chorus effect but if you could imagine a natural, acoustic chorus more than an electric chorus you would get from an effects pedal. I love it. The Fishman electronics are awesome and I'm very pleased with their efforts to conceal the electronics inside the body instead of having the knobs outside of the guitar like most other acoustic-electrics. If you're like me and you've never owned or even played a 12-string before, don't second guess this one. It was a little challenging to adjust to but after about a week I'm much more comfortable playing it. Do I recommend this guitar, yes! Also, the Gator hard-shell ABS dreadnought case is a perfect fit and must have for this guitar.

My first 12 string was also an Epiphone (not a Hummingbird; this was probably in the 1970s). I was young and stupid but my parents bought me the best 12 string they could afford at the time, which turned out to be my beloved E. I played that thing for years until an ex-husband took it out of the back of the car, propped it up on the back bumper, then forgot it was there and backed over it. Next 12s was a Carlos which was underappreciated but had a lovely sound. Played it for years too. Then when we started getting stimulus checks during the pandemic, I used mine to buy my Epiphone 12s Hummingbird. The sound is just fantastic. I play in a little neighborhood garage band and I can blow them all out of the water with the sound this HB makes. I put the lightest possible gauge strings on it b/c I don't have large or very strong hands, and it's very playable. A great all around acoustic/electric 12s, I hope to be playing it for a long time. It hasn't needed any additional setup or anything (so far). Highly recommend. (Sorry for all the extra info in this review, but it seems pertinent.) I also have a 6s Hummingbird, but am not a real fan of 6s guitars so I don't play it much.

Finally a 12 string that isn't super expensive that fits the bill. I'm really surprised at the quality of it for the price point A+
….and it stays in tune.

i'm usually a bit of a snob about acoustic guitars, but the reality is I'm never going to spend 3000 or more on a 12 string because I just don't need it that much. So I gave this one a try and I'm so glad that I did. It's a really solid instrument. Good pick up. For a 12 string it stays in tune pretty well. And even brand new it has some tone. Every new acoustic needs five years to mellow out and settle in. it's also super pretty which doesn't really matter but... every little bit.

My advice is this is the perfect compromise or a 12 string is concerned. Unless you're a millionaire and can drop four grand on a guitar you're only going to occasionally need, this guitar sounds fine and it's the right price and it should last.

It doesn't come with a case, I found this pretty Gretsch case that fit.

I bought the 6 string inspired by Gibson Hummingbird and loved it so much ,I decided to get the 12 string too.Glad I did ,it sounds great the action is great and I was surprised by how good the intonation is.Glad I bought both the 6 & 12 string versions I won't be parting with either one

I purchased The Epiphone Hummingbird 12 string a few weeks ago. I have played it, and played it and played it !! This is by far the best 12 string in my collection. The set up was perfect ,the action is spot on for my playing. I recommend that if you by a guitar from Sweetwater, go ahead and have them set it up and plecked... I cannot express my gratitude for the Sweetwatert team that help made this guitar play and sound like a million dollar piece of artwork ! I give you thanks and praise for the devotion and love for music. Thank you again. I have found the sound that I have been looking for.

recently read where a player was interested in side by side comparison with a 4k 12 string next to the Epiphone hummingbird 12 string. Iown guilds f 412 and a jf65 12, and this inspired by gibson hummingbird.side by side with the f 412, the hummingbird is not as jangly, more of an earthy chime. But thats due to the f 412 being maple as opposed to the HB being mahogony. Next to the jf 65 guild 12 string at around 2k,The HB is louder. I also prefer the tone of the HB .And honestly the playability of the HB is as spot on as either of my more expensive 12 strings.In short, There are aspects of the HB that i prefer over both guilds. NOT a better guitar overall, just different.a little on the heavy side, maybe a tad overbuilt. But very enjoyable to play and hear.

i bought this guitar after playing one with dead strings at a guitar shop in Griffin Ga. Even with crappy strings it sounded great.
Bought a new one from a different place, as sweetwater was out of stock.Put new mangan round core monels on it. Along with unbleached bone pins. Did a setup on it, And WOW. These are nice guitars. If your looking for that 60,s 70,s acoustic guitar sound, you need this guitar. Think Boston, or Buffalo springfield.I own mainly guild 12 strings. An f 412, jf 65 12. Im not telling you that the epi ibg hb is better, definately not a step back either.
A whole different vibe in souns and tones. not as high chimy as the guilds, Just a sweet sweet mellow sounding 12 string. im definately impressed.Playability with a proper set up and strings is SPOT ON. Try one youll see.

I've had no setup done in 3 years since I got this guitar from Sweetwater, play it every week and gig with it at least monthly. I get more compliments on this guitar than any other, with other musicians telling me how great it sounds. In dup gigs I'm bringing this and my Maton 6 and playing the 12 as often as possible. The rich tone is just incredible and it stays in tune great.

I had recently bought a 12 string that left me disappointed in how jangling it sounded. So I researched different 12 strings in my price range and decided on the epiphone hummingbird 12 string. I was absolutely impressed with the construction and tone of this guitar. Instead of being jangling, it is more of a musical chime , that I absolutely love. Epiphone has done a fantastic job with their inspired by gibson line. Everyone who dreams of a quality guitar, but don't have thousands of dollars to spend. This line will impress.

I have owned several 12 strings before and the Epiphone Hummingbird is by far the best quality. It has more of a chime than a jangle like a lot of 12 strings. The bracing is very well done. Thank you Bryan for your expertise.

This thing punches so far above it's 899 fee for entry- it's spec sheet reads like a greatest hits list. Solid spruce top, solid mahogany b+s, dovetail neck joint, Grover tuners, Fishman PU, thick beveled pick guard, Gibson custom shop style finish (looks like their VOS finishes in person). I've only played the one I own so I'm not drawing from a huge sample size but mine is very warm and bass-y for a 12. Usually 12's can be overly treble leaning or even brittle. Not this, it's so warm and musical. Playability out of the gate was perfect. Full disclosure I purchased from our local mom and pop shop not from Sweetwater but I would def recommend SW- my wife and I have spent thousands over the years at SW and have always been soo happy w them. If you're in the market for a 12 string give this a good look- you won't regret it

I had to wait a few months due to supply chain issues, but it was worth it. Since I received it my other guitars have gone largely forgotten. Beautiful guitar, full sound, very playable (I got a setup from Sweetwater). I love it and have no concerns whether I got value for the money.

If you are reading this, I encourage you to take the plunge!

I have been dealing with SWEETWATER for almost two years now. When I started experimenting with playing a 12 string, I bought a cheap Fender 12 string to practice with. Most guitarists I know are not excited about playing a 12 string instrument. Last year I purchased my Guild D-2612CE 12 string guitar as I wanted to upgrade to a quality 12 string. Patrick Lantz suggested the Guild to me with the knowledge that I was prepared to spend more.
Needless to say that I love my Guild 12 string, but a few months ago I decided that I wanted o fulfill my dream of owning a Gibson hummingbird 12 string! the price was way more than I could ever afford, so I called Patrick and he gave me all the information and guidance that I would ever need in order to decide on the Epiphone(inspired by Gibson) Hummingbird 12 string guitar. Bottom line- I absolutely LOVE this guitar! its a little heavier than my Guild and it has a much easier and gentler feel on the neck than my Guild (not to take anything away from the Guild). I have not yet plugged into an amplifier and checked out the Fishman pre amp, but the acoustic sound is superb! it has a deep, rich, bass tone and is loud enough to strum and play, not using a pick. Truthfully, this 12 string plays as good as any guitar twice its listed price! And this is a totally unsolicited review.....
I waited 3 months for this guitar, and it was worth every minute of the wait!! Just another word of thanks to Patrick Lantz for all his continued efforts in putting this whole thing together......I am not an easy guy to please.

I've had this almost a year now and it's become probably my most played guitar. I've been playing for about 40 years now with a range of accoustic and electric guitars and I was blown away by the quality of this guitar. The action and the intonation all the way up the neck is perfect. Very rare for a 12-string. It sounds amazing. So harmonically rich. It's honestly better than I expected.

I have a. Takimine 12 string that cost over 2K about 20 years ago and this is a better instrument in sound and construction. I'd be interested to AB it with a top of the line 12 string costing around 4K to see if there was a difference in sound acoustically.

I'm very happy with the Epiphone hummingbird 12 string. I have 5 other 12 string's, and this one is the crowning glory of the collection. It's finely crafted and has exceeded all of my expectations.
Huge shout out to Andy Scheer (sales engineer) for his knowledge and expertise. I have just purchased the last 12 string that I'll ever need. When I plugged into my Fishman Loudbox Mini (also from Sweetwater) I was blown away. This guitar looks, sounds, and plays like the Gibson that inspired it. If it's not a Gibson, it missed a darn fine chance.
Thanks again to Andy Scheer and the great folks at Sweetwater. You have fulfilled a life long dream.

I've been playing this guitar for the last couple weeks. It's really quit nice! I had the techs at Sweetwater set this one up as 12 strings can be a tricky balance. They did a wonderful job. The action is low, without buzz yet enough distance to get a grip with my finger tips. Intonation is spot on. Fit and finish is perfect. The best about this instrument is the tone. The sound belts out when strummed. I am enjoying recording with it, utilizing the on board pickup. it sounds 'miced' when going into my DAW. It doesn't have that acoustic pickup sound that is often times so disappointing. I have a 2007 Gibson Hummingbird and this Epiphone Hummingbird 12 string makes a matched set. Thanks Sweetwater!

Ive owned this guitar fir 8 months now. The only thing i can add to my initial review is it just gets better the more its played.Definately worth its cost. I will be changing out tuners, but not because the factory installed are bad.I just prefer the gold hardware that came on the original gibson hummingbird 12 strings back in 1968 and 1969.Normally im a guild 12 string person. But this is a remarkable 12 string made in
Indonesia.

In the last 10 years I have resigned myself to only purchasing American made guitars with the exception of an Ibanez acoustic baritone. I purchased the Epiphone Hummingbird 12 String acoustic based upon many reviews touting the quality and craftsmanship of this guitar that is made in Indonesia. Shipping wasn't stellar. Obviously there are all kinds of problems with the supply chain, but I ordered the guitar on 11/23. Delivery date was set for 11/26, the guitar arrived on 11/29. As with everything I've purchased from Sweetwater, the packaging was stellar. The guitar is stunning. The color (to me) has less of a red tint in the burst than the pictures indicate. It looks fantastic. I am really pleased with the craftsmanship of the guitar, inside and out. The only complaint on the construction, it's very minor and imperceptible while playing, is a little bit of a rough feel to the binding on the body. The frets and the neck are very well done. The strings on the guitar were discolored and I felt like that should have been corrected before the guitar was shipped. Other than those caveats, the tone is beautiful, the action is quite good and it looks to be incredibly well made. A 12 string is probably not the "go to" guitar for many players these days, but this is a fantastic bang-for-your-buck guitar to add to the collection.