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Head to head

Gibson Hummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey Burst vs Gibson Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western, Vintage Sunburst

Gibson Hummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey Burst
Acoustic$2,199
No ratings yet
78Overall / 100
Gibson Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$3,399
No ratings yet
74Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson Hummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey Burst comes out ahead overall — 78 to 74 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson Hummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey Burst wins on
  • Better build (96 vs 91)
  • Better sound (68 vs 60)
  • Better value (68 vs 63)
  • Lower price ($2,199 vs $3,399)
Gibson Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western, Vintage Sunburst wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricHummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey BurstNathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western, Vintage Sunburst
Overall7874
Build9691
Playability7575
Sound6860
Value6863

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecHummingbird Special, Left-Handed, Satin Honey BurstNathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western, Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body woodSolid MahoganyMahogany
Neck woodUtileMahogany
FretboardRosewoodIndian Rosewood
Strings66
Frets2020
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsLR Baggs Element BronzeLR Baggs VTC
Rating——
Price$2,199$3,399
BackSolid MahoganyMahogany
BindingSingle-ply Cream, Top and BackMulti-ply Top, Single-ply Back and Fretboard
Body FinishSatin Nitrocellulose LacquerGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeHummingbirdLG-2
Body StylesSquare ShoulderSmall Body
BracingTraditional Scalloped X-bracingTraditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
BridgeTraditional Belly Up, RosewoodRectangular, Closed Slot
Bridge PinsTUSQBlack
CasePremium Soft ShellGibson Hardshell (388DRW)
ControlsSoundhole Mounted VolumeVolume and Tone Controls in Soundhole (bottom)
Fretboard inlayPearloid ParallelogramPearloid Parallelogram
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count2020
Headstock InlayGibson Logo and Crown in Gold SilkscreenMother of Pearl Gibson Logo and Crown
JointCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide GlueCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue
ModelMCSSHBSPCHBLAMSBNRVS
NutTUSQBone
Nut width43.82mm / 1.73in43.82mm / 1.73in
Output Jack1/4" Endpin1/4" Endpin Jack
PickguardHummingbird with Simplified Stamped Graphics; TortoiseTeardrop
PreampLR Baggs Element BronzeLR Baggs VTC
ProfileRoundedV
Saddle MaterialTUSQBone
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
SideSolid MahoganyMahogany
String gauges.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Top woodSolid Sitka SpruceRed spruce
Truss rodAdjustableAdjustable
Truss Rod Cover2-ply BlackBlack Stamped
Tuner PlatingNickelNickel
TunersGrover RotomaticGotoh Keystone
Under Saddle PickupLR Baggs Element BronzeLR Baggs VTC
Finish—Nickel
Strap Buttons—2

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