🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 6 (from laksa059)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa006.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird","crawl_time":1775721269,"first_indexed_time":1757438772,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,musicradar!www,\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird s443","src_root_hash":"2251274145333151806","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"“One of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC review | MusicRadar","meta_descriptions":["Epiphone collaborates with Gibson Custom to come up with one of its tastiest acoustics yet"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.\nPros\n+\nFabulous looks and commanding stage presence.\n+\nCutaway provides extended playability.\n+\nQuality of build and tone belies price point.\nCons\n-\nFactory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic.\nMusicRadar's got your back\nOur team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you.\nFind out more about how we test.\nWhat is it?\nThe Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered\nacoustic guitar\n.\nIt found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering\nRolling Stones\nKeith Richards and Mick Jagger,\nFoo Fighters\n’\nDave Grohl\n, Chris Cornell of\nSoundgarden\n, Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift.\nSporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence.\nIn some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce.\nThe spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck.\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nThe ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze\npickup\n\/preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite\ngigbag\n.\nTo top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover.\nWant all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.\nSpecs\n(Image credit: Epiphone)\nLaunch price:\n$1,299 £1,099 €1,299 \nType:\nSix-string electro-acoustic with cutaway \nMade:\nChina\nTop:\nThermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing\nBack & Sides:\nSolid rosewood\nNeck:\nSolid mahogany\nFingerboard\/Radius:\nEbony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers\/304.8mm \/12.0”\nScale length:\n628.65mm\/24.75in\nNut\/width:\nBone\/43.82mm \/ 1.73in\nFrets:\n20, fine to medium\nBridge:\nGibson style reverse belly, ebony\nWeight:\n2.35kg\/5.180lbs\nLeft-handed options:\nNo\nFinishes:\nAutumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural\nCase\/gig bag:\nEpiphone Protector Ultralite\nContact:\nEpiphone\nBuild quality\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nBuild quality rating: ★★★★★\nA thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey from\nQingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores.\nFretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen.\nImage 1 of 2\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nIt’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this.\nThe inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar.\nPlayability\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nPlayability rating: ★★★★★\nIf acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response\nStrung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze\nacoustic guitar strings\nand with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal.\nThe deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response.\nBut strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar.\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nSounds\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nSounds rating: ★★★★★\nWords like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest.\nWith a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar.\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nLR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be.\nAnd through an\nacoustic guitar amp\n,\nsmall PA\nor full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my\nYamaha\nTHR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying.\nVerdict\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\nThis Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class.\nThis Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more\nSo, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill.\nMusicRadar verdict: Verdict \u2028The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.\nSwipe to scroll horizontally\nRatings scorecard\nTest\nResults\nScore\nBuild quality\nFrets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate.\n★★★★★\nPlayability\nA lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads.\n★★★★\n&frac12;\nSounds\nHolds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too.\n★★★★★\nOverall\nIt is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument.\n★★★★★\nAlso try\nHands-on videos\nThomann\nPeach Guitars\nBest Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now\nYou must confirm your public display name before commenting\nPlease logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p\/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#main)\n\nOpen menu\n\nClose main menu\n\n[![MusicRadar](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/media\/img\/musicradar_logo.svg) MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/)\n\nUK Edition ![flag of 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[Verdict](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-verdict)\n- [Also try](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-also-try)\n- [Hands-on videos](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-hands-on-videos)\n\nDon't miss these\n\n[![Quentin testing a Yamaha piano](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiYtZHSjvQW44ecgXmVd3e.jpg) Keyboards & Pianos Best digital pianos 2026: I'm a professional piano and music gear reviewer, and these are my top picks](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-digital-pianos \"Best digital pianos 2026: I'm a professional piano and music gear reviewer, and these are my top picks\")\n\n[![Man wearing black hat playing the Roland TD716 electronic drum set](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yDwzMYHqoKpxkqxnfpTLHm.jpg) Electronic Drums Best electronic 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[Guitars](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars)\n2. [Acoustic Guitars](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars)\n\n# “One of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC review\n## Epiphone collaborates with Gibson Custom to come up with one of its tastiest acoustics yet\n- £1,099\n- €1,299\n- \\$1,299\n\n[Reviews](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/reviews)\n\nBy [Neville Marten](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/author\/neville-marten)\n\npublished\n\n9 September 2025\n\n[0 Comments Join the conversation](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#viafoura-comments)\n\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/about-musicradar-contact-us#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rXxvpbxDnbhY4Nr2tNt5vM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: © Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n### MusicRadar Verdict\nThe Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.\n\n[£1,040 at Gear 4 Music](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/pclick.php?clickref=mrd-gb-2479390452922271331&p=44000364672&a=103504&m=1117)\n\n[£1,099 at Gear 4 Music](https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/pclick.php?clickref=mrd-gb-1062569483025652257&p=42008100481&a=103504&m=1117)\n\n[£1,129 at Thomann](https:\/\/www.thomann.co.uk\/epiphone_hummingbird_deluxe_ec_na_ibc.htm?utm_source=musicradar.com&utm_medium=affiliate&offid=1&affid=195&subid=mrd-gb-1368474701754076960)\n\n[£1,138 at Thomann](https:\/\/www.thomann.co.uk\/epiphone_hummingbird_deluxe_ec_ab_ibc.htm?utm_source=musicradar.com&utm_medium=affiliate&offid=1&affid=195&subid=mrd-gb-1236743815875930485)\n\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Fabulous looks and commanding stage presence.\n- \\+\n  Cutaway provides extended playability.\n- \\+\n  Quality of build and tone belies price point.\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  Factory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic.\n\nBest picks for you\n\n- [Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today)\n- [Best acoustic guitar for beginners: Strum your first chords with our choice of beginner acoustic guitars](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-acoustic-guitars-for-beginners-beginner-acoustic-guitars)\n- [Best cheap acoustic guitars: Top picks for strummers on a budget](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-cheap-acoustic-guitars)\n\nMusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. [Find out more about how we test.](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/how-we-test-music-making-gear-and-services-at-musicradar)\n\nJump To:\n\n- [What is it?](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-what-is-it)\n- [Specs](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-specs)\n- [Build quality](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-build-quality)\n- [Playability](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-playability)\n- [Sounds](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-sounds)\n- [Verdict](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-verdict)\n- [Also try](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-also-try)\n- [Hands-on videos](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-hands-on-videos)\n\n### What is it?\n**The Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered** [**acoustic guitar**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today)**.**\n\nIt found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering [Rolling Stones](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/rolling-stones) Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, [Foo Fighters](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/foo-fighters)’ [Dave Grohl](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/dave-grohl), Chris Cornell of [Soundgarden](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/soundgarden), Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift.\n\nSporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence.\n\nIn some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce.\n\nThe spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KfypuXJV6RFYkdD6CSbcsM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nThe ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze [pickup](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-acoustic-guitar-pickups)\/preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite [gigbag](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-guitar-cases-and-gig-bags).\n\nTo top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover.\n\nGet the MusicRadar Newsletter\n\nWant all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.\n\nBy submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/) and are aged 16 or over.\n### Specs\n![Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC Autumn Burst](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hthtjG4rXHjVv9Pq8pSA5W.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Epiphone)\n\n- **Launch price:** \\$1,299 £1,099 €1,299\n- **Type:** Six-string electro-acoustic with cutaway\n- **Made:** China\n- **Top:** Thermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing\n- **Back & Sides:** Solid rosewood\n- **Neck:** Solid mahogany\n- **Fingerboard\/Radius:** Ebony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers\/304.8mm \/12.0”\n- **Scale length:** 628.65mm\/24.75in\n- **Nut\/width:** Bone\/43.82mm \/ 1.73in\n- **Frets:** 20, fine to medium\n- **Bridge:** Gibson style reverse belly, ebony\n- **Weight:** 2.35kg\/5.180lbs\n- **Left-handed options:** No\n- **Finishes:** Autumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural\n- **Case\/gig bag:** Epiphone Protector Ultralite\n- **Contact:** [**Epiphone**](https:\/\/www.gibson.com\/en-gb\/collections\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-acoustic-guitars?view=epiphone)\n### Build quality\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja5EBBxkZPMyHfnjJBLriM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Build quality rating: ★★★★★**\n\nA thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey fromQingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores.\n\nFretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen.\n\nImage 1 of 2\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qymFs8fmMkKFRKD8YpVaM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3qSGVyUgJCfMeSPp53f3SM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nIt’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this.\n\nThe inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar.\n\n### Playability\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbHiYU9rjUHGjRefTgGTYM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Playability rating: ★★★★★**\n\n> If acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response\n\nStrung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze [acoustic guitar strings](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today) and with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal.\n\nThe deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response.\n\nBut strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x66hEBFfckj86EVqTwYQPM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n### Sounds\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eHycF8EjuNwmbJNMyU6vyL.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Sounds rating: ★★★★★**\n\nWords like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest.\n\nWith a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GS7mjakE3uh8uc78nuySwL.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nLR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be.\n\nAnd through an [acoustic guitar amp](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-acoustic-guitar-amps), [small PA](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-portable-pa-systems) or full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my [Yamaha](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/yamaha) THR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying.\n\n### Verdict\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GinoxjBNhFxGYD2eBMv3JM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nThis Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class.\n\n> This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more\n\nSo, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill.\n\n**MusicRadar verdict: Verdict The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.**\n\nSwipe to scroll horizontally\n\n| Test | Results | Score |\n|---|---|---|\n| Build quality | Frets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate. | ★★★★★ |\n| Playability | A lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads. | ★★★★**\\&frac12;** |\n| Sounds | Holds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too. | ★★★★★ |\n| Overall | It is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument. | ★★★★★ |\n### Also try\n[![PRS SE A60EPrice \\$1,099\/£818\/€1,099](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GPLR2GfosaRkVmEo9pijfQ-200-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/reviews\/prs-se-a60e)\n\n**PRS SE A60E**  \n**Price \\$1,099\/£818\/€1,099**   \nWith its solid sitka spruce top and ziricote back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard with gorgeous bird inlays, and Fishman GT1 pickup it’s a stunner.\n\nRead more: [**PRS SE A60E review**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/reviews\/prs-se-a60e)\n\n![Image](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fhQZ92kM5JeyNeXnsLDtgQ-200-80.jpg.webp)\n\n**Taylor 110e**  \n**Price \\$799\/£699\/€849**  \nIf cutaways are not for you then try this, Taylor’s lovely 110e with sitka spruce top, walnut back and sides, sapele neck, and its own Expression System 2 pickup.\n\n[![Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Price \\$1,999\/£1,750\/€1,899](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9SxXNpEZGaanSS5MJRetn-200-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/reviews\/fender-american-acoustasonic-stratocaster)\n\n**Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster**   \n**Price \\$1,999\/£1,750\/€1,899**  \nThis one’s radical but dead cool. With mahogany Strat-shaped body, spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard, Fishman Enhancer acoustic pickup, Fender’s own N4 Noiseless single coil with Fishman undersaddle piezo, and USB rechargeable battery, this one does it all.\n\nRead more: [**Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/reviews\/fender-american-acoustasonic-stratocaster)\n### Hands-on videos\n## Epiphone\nYouTube ![YouTube](https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/wxFo2WZEoN8\/maxresdefault.jpg)\n\n[Watch On](https:\/\/youtu.be\/wxFo2WZEoN8)\n## Thomann\nYouTube ![YouTube](https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/x_mCznFkm3A\/maxresdefault.jpg)\n\n[Watch On](https:\/\/youtu.be\/x_mCznFkm3A)\n## Peach Guitars\nYouTube ![YouTube](https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/sNdHAzUyxRY\/maxresdefault.jpg)\n\n[Watch On](https:\/\/youtu.be\/sNdHAzUyxRY)\n\n- [**Best Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-epiphone-guitars)\n\n[Neville Marten](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/author\/neville-marten)\n\nView More\n\nYou must confirm your public display name before commenting\n\nPlease logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.\n\nLogout\n\n[Back To Top](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird)\n\nRead more\n\n[![Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics 2026: the new all-solid core range takes its design cues from classic high-end Gibson USA builds.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5AmcPH2ePijkAy2tFEibpL.jpg) Guitars Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-acoustic-guitars-2026 \"Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics\")\n\n[![Epiphone Blues King Studio](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/grXPugQX4AifrmY8GRkGbR.jpg) Acoustic Guitars \"Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker\": Epiphone Blues King Studio review](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/guitars\/acoustic-guitars\/epiphone-blues-king-studio-review \"\\\"Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker\\\": Epiphone Blues King Studio review\")\n\n[![The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mkh569E838FzndqsybmJN6.jpg) Guitars A future player favourite? 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England and Wales company registration number 2008885.\n\nClose\n\nPlease login or signup to comment\n\nPlease wait...\n\nLogin\n\nSign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.\n\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Fabulous looks and commanding stage presence.\n- \\+\n  Cutaway provides extended playability.\n- \\+\n  Quality of build and tone belies price point.\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  Factory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic.\n\nMusicRadar's got your back   Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. [Find out more about how we test.](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/how-we-test-music-making-gear-and-services-at-musicradar)\n\n### What is it?\n**The Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered** [**acoustic guitar**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today)**.**\n\nIt found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering [Rolling Stones](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/rolling-stones) Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, [Foo Fighters](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/foo-fighters)’ [Dave Grohl](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/dave-grohl), Chris Cornell of [Soundgarden](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/soundgarden), Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift.\n\nSporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence.\n\nIn some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce.\n\nThe spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KfypuXJV6RFYkdD6CSbcsM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nThe ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze [pickup](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-acoustic-guitar-pickups)\/preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite [gigbag](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-guitar-cases-and-gig-bags).\n\nTo top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover.\n\nWant all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.\n\n### Specs\n![Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC Autumn Burst](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hthtjG4rXHjVv9Pq8pSA5W.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Epiphone)\n\n- **Launch price:** \\$1,299 £1,099 €1,299\n- **Type:** Six-string electro-acoustic with cutaway\n- **Made:** China\n- **Top:** Thermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing\n- **Back & Sides:** Solid rosewood\n- **Neck:** Solid mahogany\n- **Fingerboard\/Radius:** Ebony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers\/304.8mm \/12.0”\n- **Scale length:** 628.65mm\/24.75in\n- **Nut\/width:** Bone\/43.82mm \/ 1.73in\n- **Frets:** 20, fine to medium\n- **Bridge:** Gibson style reverse belly, ebony\n- **Weight:** 2.35kg\/5.180lbs\n- **Left-handed options:** No\n- **Finishes:** Autumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural\n- **Case\/gig bag:** Epiphone Protector Ultralite\n- **Contact:** [**Epiphone**](https:\/\/www.gibson.com\/en-gb\/collections\/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-acoustic-guitars?view=epiphone)\n### Build quality\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja5EBBxkZPMyHfnjJBLriM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Build quality rating: ★★★★★**\n\nA thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey fromQingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores.\n\nFretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen.\n\nImage 1 of 2\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qymFs8fmMkKFRKD8YpVaM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nIt’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this.\n\nThe inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar.\n\n### Playability\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbHiYU9rjUHGjRefTgGTYM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Playability rating: ★★★★★**\n\n> If acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response\n\nStrung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze [acoustic guitar strings](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today) and with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal.\n\nThe deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response.\n\nBut strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x66hEBFfckj86EVqTwYQPM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n### Sounds\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eHycF8EjuNwmbJNMyU6vyL.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\n**Sounds rating: ★★★★★**\n\nWords like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest.\n\nWith a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar.\n\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GS7mjakE3uh8uc78nuySwL.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nLR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be.\n\nAnd through an [acoustic guitar amp](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-acoustic-guitar-amps), [small PA](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-portable-pa-systems) or full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my [Yamaha](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/tag\/yamaha) THR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying.\n\n### Verdict\n![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GinoxjBNhFxGYD2eBMv3JM.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future\/Matt Lincoln)\n\nThis Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class.\n\n> This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more\n\nSo, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill.\n\n**MusicRadar verdict: Verdict The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality.**\n\nSwipe to scroll horizontally\n\n| Test | Results | Score |\n|---|---|---|\n| Build quality | Frets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate. | ★★★★★ |\n| Playability | A lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads. | ★★★★**\\&frac12;** |\n| Sounds | Holds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too. | ★★★★★ |\n| Overall | It is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument. | ★★★★★ |\n### Also try\n### Hands-on videos\n## Thomann\n## Peach Guitars\n- [**Best Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now**](https:\/\/www.musicradar.com\/news\/best-epiphone-guitars)\n\nYou must confirm your public display name before commenting\n\nPlease logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. Pros + Fabulous looks and commanding stage presence. + Cutaway provides extended playability. + Quality of build and tone belies price point. Cons - Factory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic. MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test. What is it? The Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered acoustic guitar . It found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering Rolling Stones Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, Foo Fighters ’ Dave Grohl , Chris Cornell of Soundgarden , Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift. Sporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence. In some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce. The spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck. (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) The ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze pickup /preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite gigbag . To top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover. Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here. Specs (Image credit: Epiphone) Launch price: $1,299 £1,099 €1,299 Type: Six-string electro-acoustic with cutaway Made: China Top: Thermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing Back & Sides: Solid rosewood Neck: Solid mahogany Fingerboard/Radius: Ebony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers/304.8mm /12.0” Scale length: 628.65mm/24.75in Nut/width: Bone/43.82mm / 1.73in Frets: 20, fine to medium Bridge: Gibson style reverse belly, ebony Weight: 2.35kg/5.180lbs Left-handed options: No Finishes: Autumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural Case/gig bag: Epiphone Protector Ultralite Contact: Epiphone Build quality (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Build quality rating: ★★★★★ A thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey from Qingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores. Fretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) It’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this. The inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar. Playability (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Playability rating: ★★★★★ If acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response Strung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings and with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal. The deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response. But strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar. (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Sounds (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Sounds rating: ★★★★★ Words like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest. With a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar. (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) LR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be. And through an acoustic guitar amp , small PA or full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my Yamaha THR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying. Verdict (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class. This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more So, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill. MusicRadar verdict: Verdict  The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. Swipe to scroll horizontally Ratings scorecard Test Results Score Build quality Frets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate. ★★★★★ Playability A lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads. ★★★★ ½ Sounds Holds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too. ★★★★★ Overall It is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument. ★★★★★ Also try Hands-on videos Thomann Peach Guitars Best Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Markdown	![](https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1) [Skip to main content](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#main) Open menu Close main menu [![MusicRadar](https://www.musicradar.com/media/img/musicradar_logo.svg) MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians](https://www.musicradar.com/) UK Edition ![flag of GB](https://vanilla.futurecdn.net/musicradar/media/shared/img/flags/nosize/GB.svg) [![UK Edition](https://vanilla.futurecdn.net/musicradar/media/shared/img/flags/nosize/GB.svg)UK](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird) [![US Edition](https://vanilla.futurecdn.net/musicradar/media/shared/img/flags/nosize/US.svg)US](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird) [![AU 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- [Recording](https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/recording) - [DJ Gear](https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/dj-gear) - [Acoustic Guitars](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars) - [Bass Guitars](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/bass-guitars) - [Tech](https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech) - [Tutorials](https://www.musicradar.com/tutorials) - [Reviews](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews) - [Buying Guides](https://www.musicradar.com/buying-guides) - [About us](https://www.musicradar.com/news/about-musicradar-contact-us) Jump To: - [What is it?](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-what-is-it) - [Specs](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-specs) - [Build quality](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-build-quality) - [Playability](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-playability) - [Sounds](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-sounds) - [Verdict](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-verdict) - [Also try](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-also-try) - [Hands-on videos](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-hands-on-videos) Don't miss these [![Quentin testing a Yamaha piano](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aiYtZHSjvQW44ecgXmVd3e.jpg) Keyboards & Pianos Best digital pianos 2026: I'm a professional piano and music gear reviewer, and these are my top picks](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-digital-pianos "Best digital pianos 2026: I'm a professional 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[Guitars](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars) 2. [Acoustic Guitars](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars) # “One of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC review ## Epiphone collaborates with Gibson Custom to come up with one of its tastiest acoustics yet - £1,099 - €1,299 - \$1,299 [Reviews](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews) By [Neville Marten](https://www.musicradar.com/author/neville-marten) published 9 September 2025 [0 Comments Join the conversation](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#viafoura-comments) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.musicradar.com/news/about-musicradar-contact-us#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure). ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rXxvpbxDnbhY4Nr2tNt5vM.jpg) (Image credit: © Future/Matt Lincoln) ### MusicRadar Verdict The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. [£1,040 at Gear 4 Music](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=mrd-gb-2479390452922271331&p=44000364672&a=103504&m=1117) [£1,099 at Gear 4 Music](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=mrd-gb-1062569483025652257&p=42008100481&a=103504&m=1117) [£1,129 at Thomann](https://www.thomann.co.uk/epiphone_hummingbird_deluxe_ec_na_ibc.htm?utm_source=musicradar.com&utm_medium=affiliate&offid=1&affid=195&subid=mrd-gb-1368474701754076960) [£1,138 at Thomann](https://www.thomann.co.uk/epiphone_hummingbird_deluxe_ec_ab_ibc.htm?utm_source=musicradar.com&utm_medium=affiliate&offid=1&affid=195&subid=mrd-gb-1236743815875930485) #### Pros - \+ Fabulous looks and commanding stage presence. - \+ Cutaway provides extended playability. - \+ Quality of build and tone belies price point. #### Cons - \- Factory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic. Best picks for you - [Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today) - [Best acoustic guitar for beginners: Strum your first chords with our choice of beginner acoustic guitars](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-acoustic-guitars-for-beginners-beginner-acoustic-guitars) - [Best cheap acoustic guitars: Top picks for strummers on a budget](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-cheap-acoustic-guitars) MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. [Find out more about how we test.](https://www.musicradar.com/news/how-we-test-music-making-gear-and-services-at-musicradar) Jump To: - [What is it?](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-what-is-it) - [Specs](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-specs) - [Build quality](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-build-quality) - [Playability](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-playability) - [Sounds](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-sounds) - [Verdict](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-verdict) - [Also try](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-also-try) - [Hands-on videos](https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/acoustic-guitars/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-hummingbird#section-hands-on-videos) ### What is it? The Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered [acoustic guitar](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today). It found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering [Rolling Stones](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/rolling-stones) Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, [Foo Fighters](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/foo-fighters)’ [Dave Grohl](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/dave-grohl), Chris Cornell of [Soundgarden](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/soundgarden), Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift. Sporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence. In some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce. The spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KfypuXJV6RFYkdD6CSbcsM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) The ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze [pickup](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-acoustic-guitar-pickups)/preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite [gigbag](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-guitar-cases-and-gig-bags). To top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover. Get the MusicRadar Newsletter Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here. By submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) and are aged 16 or over. ### Specs ![Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC Autumn Burst](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hthtjG4rXHjVv9Pq8pSA5W.jpg) (Image credit: Epiphone) - Launch price: \$1,299 £1,099 €1,299 - Type: Six-string electro-acoustic with cutaway - Made: China - Top: Thermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing - Back & Sides: Solid rosewood - Neck: Solid mahogany - Fingerboard/Radius: Ebony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers/304.8mm /12.0” - Scale length: 628.65mm/24.75in - Nut/width: Bone/43.82mm / 1.73in - Frets: 20, fine to medium - Bridge: Gibson style reverse belly, ebony - Weight: 2.35kg/5.180lbs - Left-handed options: No - Finishes: Autumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural - Case/gig bag: Epiphone Protector Ultralite - Contact: [Epiphone](https://www.gibson.com/en-gb/collections/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-acoustic-guitars?view=epiphone) ### Build quality ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ja5EBBxkZPMyHfnjJBLriM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Build quality rating: ★★★★★ A thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey fromQingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores. Fretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen. Image 1 of 2 ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5qymFs8fmMkKFRKD8YpVaM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3qSGVyUgJCfMeSPp53f3SM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) It’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this. The inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar. ### Playability ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GbHiYU9rjUHGjRefTgGTYM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Playability rating: ★★★★★ > If acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response Strung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze [acoustic guitar strings](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today) and with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal. The deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response. But strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x66hEBFfckj86EVqTwYQPM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) ### Sounds ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eHycF8EjuNwmbJNMyU6vyL.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Sounds rating: ★★★★★ Words like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest. With a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GS7mjakE3uh8uc78nuySwL.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) LR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be. And through an [acoustic guitar amp](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-acoustic-guitar-amps), [small PA](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-portable-pa-systems) or full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my [Yamaha](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/yamaha) THR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying. ### Verdict ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GinoxjBNhFxGYD2eBMv3JM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class. > This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more So, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill. MusicRadar verdict: Verdict The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. Swipe to scroll horizontally \| Test \| Results \| Score \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Build quality \| Frets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate. \| ★★★★★ \| \| Playability \| A lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads. \| ★★★★\½ \| \| Sounds \| Holds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too. \| ★★★★★ \| \| Overall \| It is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument. \| ★★★★★ \| ### Also try [![PRS SE A60EPrice \$1,099/£818/€1,099](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GPLR2GfosaRkVmEo9pijfQ-200-80.jpg.webp)](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/prs-se-a60e) PRS SE A60E Price \$1,099/£818/€1,099 With its solid sitka spruce top and ziricote back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard with gorgeous bird inlays, and Fishman GT1 pickup it’s a stunner. Read more: [PRS SE A60E review](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/prs-se-a60e) ![Image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fhQZ92kM5JeyNeXnsLDtgQ-200-80.jpg.webp) Taylor 110e Price \$799/£699/€849 If cutaways are not for you then try this, Taylor’s lovely 110e with sitka spruce top, walnut back and sides, sapele neck, and its own Expression System 2 pickup. [![Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Price \$1,999/£1,750/€1,899](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B9SxXNpEZGaanSS5MJRetn-200-80.jpg.webp)](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/fender-american-acoustasonic-stratocaster) Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Price \$1,999/£1,750/€1,899 This one’s radical but dead cool. With mahogany Strat-shaped body, spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard, Fishman Enhancer acoustic pickup, Fender’s own N4 Noiseless single coil with Fishman undersaddle piezo, and USB rechargeable battery, this one does it all. Read more: [Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster](https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/fender-american-acoustasonic-stratocaster) ### Hands-on videos ## Epiphone YouTube ![YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/wxFo2WZEoN8/maxresdefault.jpg) [Watch On](https://youtu.be/wxFo2WZEoN8) ## Thomann YouTube ![YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/x_mCznFkm3A/maxresdefault.jpg) [Watch On](https://youtu.be/x_mCznFkm3A) ## Peach Guitars YouTube ![YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/sNdHAzUyxRY/maxresdefault.jpg) [Watch On](https://youtu.be/sNdHAzUyxRY) - [Best Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-epiphone-guitars) [Neville Marten](https://www.musicradar.com/author/neville-marten) View More You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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Readable Markdown	The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. #### Pros - \+ Fabulous looks and commanding stage presence. - \+ Cutaway provides extended playability. - \+ Quality of build and tone belies price point. #### Cons - \- Factory strings are a touch heavy for lead playing, if that's your application for this acoustic. MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. [Find out more about how we test.](https://www.musicradar.com/news/how-we-test-music-making-gear-and-services-at-musicradar) ### What is it? The Hummingbird model dates back to 1960, when Gibson introduced this big, bold flat-top as its first square-shouldered [acoustic guitar](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today). It found instant success, with famous users over the years numbering [Rolling Stones](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/rolling-stones) Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, [Foo Fighters](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/foo-fighters)’ [Dave Grohl](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/dave-grohl), Chris Cornell of [Soundgarden](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/soundgarden), Sheryl Crow, and Taylor Swift. Sporting a mahogany back and sides with Sitka spruce top the Hummingbird made a fabulous strummer, and its strikingly engraved ‘hummingbird’ pickguard, double parallelogram fret markers, and cherry sunburst finish lent the guitar almost unmatched stage presence. In some respects Epiphone’s Inspired By Gibson Custom EC version modernises and moves the Hummingbird on. So, here, instead of mahogany, I find perhaps the most classic wood combo of solid rosewood back and sides topped with X-braced spruce. The spruce has been thermally treated, or torrefied, to open up the tone and give the impression of decades of natural ageing. Like the original though it features a comfortable C-profile, one-piece mahogany neck. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KfypuXJV6RFYkdD6CSbcsM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) The ‘E’ in our Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s title signifies that it comes loaded with LR Baggs’ trusty Element Bronze [pickup](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-acoustic-guitar-pickups)/preamp with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls. So the guitar is stage-ready right out of its superb Epiphone Protector Ultralite [gigbag](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-guitar-cases-and-gig-bags). To top things off it also boasts the legendary Gibson ‘open book’ headstock, with Epiphone logo and crown inlay in genuine mother-of-pearl, plus gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, and Deluxe logo truss rod cover. Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here. ### Specs ![Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC Autumn Burst](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hthtjG4rXHjVv9Pq8pSA5W.jpg) (Image credit: Epiphone) - Launch price: \$1,299 £1,099 €1,299 - Type: Six-string electro-acoustic with cutaway - Made: China - Top: Thermally aged spruce with quarter sawn spruce X bracing - Back & Sides: Solid rosewood - Neck: Solid mahogany - Fingerboard/Radius: Ebony with mother of pearl split parallelogram markers/304.8mm /12.0” - Scale length: 628.65mm/24.75in - Nut/width: Bone/43.82mm / 1.73in - Frets: 20, fine to medium - Bridge: Gibson style reverse belly, ebony - Weight: 2.35kg/5.180lbs - Left-handed options: No - Finishes: Autumn Burst (as reviewed), Natural - Case/gig bag: Epiphone Protector Ultralite - Contact: [Epiphone](https://www.gibson.com/en-gb/collections/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-acoustic-guitars?view=epiphone) ### Build quality ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ja5EBBxkZPMyHfnjJBLriM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Build quality rating: ★★★★★ A thorough inspection of the Epiphone reveals an instrument that’s been beautifully put together, inside and out. Build, fit and finish are flawless, even though the frets might benefit from a light polish after the instrument’s journey fromQingdao in Eastern China, all the way to our shores. Fretting is otherwise exemplary, and all the binding and inlays, including the elegant abalone soundhole rosette, are perfectly executed. The polyester finish is not ultra-glossy but redolent of Gibson’s own VOS process that gives the guitar a slightly matte sheen. Image 1 of 2 ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5qymFs8fmMkKFRKD8YpVaM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) It’s a pleasing effect, and overall the impression is of a guitar that’s been put together with proper care and attention. Epiphone’s collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, will no doubt have been a big factor in this. The inclusion LR Baggs’ ever dependable Element Bronze pickup system, the use of bone nut and compensated bone saddle, and even the gentle rolled edges of the gold-etched faux tortoise pickguard, all add to this sense that Epiphone is serious about the quality of this guitar. ### Playability ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GbHiYU9rjUHGjRefTgGTYM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Playability rating: ★★★★★ > If acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response Strung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze [acoustic guitar strings](https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-acoustic-guitars-available-today) and with an action that’s set for comfort but not so low as to buzz or rattle, the Hummingbird Deluxe feels like an instant pal. The deep cutaway means that top-end forays are available should you wish to venture there. But if acoustic lead guitar is your main purpose for buying a cutaway electro, you might want to come down a string gauge, which in turn would lower the action slightly for a smoother, faster response. But strumming, fingerpicking, licks and fills all fall comfortably under the fingers on this guitar. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x66hEBFfckj86EVqTwYQPM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) ### Sounds ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eHycF8EjuNwmbJNMyU6vyL.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) Sounds rating: ★★★★★ Words like ‘balanced’, 'strident’, or ‘clear’ could all describe the Hummingbird Deluxe EC’s unamplified tone. To that you could add ‘crisp’, ‘full’, ‘projecting’, and ‘classy’. It certainly sounds a whole lot more expensive than its very reasonable price tag would suggest. With a Martin OM-28 and vintage Taylor Jumbo on hand for comparison, the Epiphone gives them both a serious run for their money – and their money is about four times that of this review guitar. ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GS7mjakE3uh8uc78nuySwL.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) LR Baggs’ Element Bronze is a tried and trusted system that’s balanced across the spectrum, not spiky like some piezo systems can be. And through an [acoustic guitar amp](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-acoustic-guitar-amps), [small PA](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-portable-pa-systems) or full front-of-house system will prove itself a reliable ally. I usually find that knocking the soundhole tone control back a touch is enough to hit the sweet spot. Through my [Yamaha](https://www.musicradar.com/tag/yamaha) THR-10 its voice rings sweet, clear and satisfying. ### Verdict ![The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GinoxjBNhFxGYD2eBMv3JM.jpg) (Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln) This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more. It looks fabulous in the Autumn Burst finish, plays like a quality acoustic should, and sounds top class. > This Epiphone didn’t disgrace itself even next to instruments costing several times more So, whether you’re seeking a smart sofa noodler, a dependable open night companion, or a fully professional stage instrument, the Hummingbird Deluxe EC fits every bill. MusicRadar verdict: Verdict The Epiphone Hummingbird Deluxe EC hits bullseye in so many respects. Not only is it one of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes. It’s loud, punchy, and sounds like an instrument of genuine quality. Swipe to scroll horizontally \| Test \| Results \| Score \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Build quality \| Frets could use a little polish but the build and spec choices are immaculate. \| ★★★★★ \| \| Playability \| A lot of players of different styles will get on with this, with the cutaway opening up the fingerboard for leads. \| ★★★★\½ \| \| Sounds \| Holds its own in more expensive company. It's classy. Nice amplified voice too. \| ★★★★★ \| \| Overall \| It is hard to find fault on a guitar that translates the traditional high-end sound and feel to a more affordable instrument. \| ★★★★★ \| ### Also try ### Hands-on videos ## Thomann ## Peach Guitars - [Best Epiphone guitars 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of the greatest Epiphone guitars available right now](https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-epiphone-guitars) You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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