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Gibson Hummingbird Studio EC, Tri-Burst Satin vs Gibson J-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst

Gibson Hummingbird Studio EC, Tri-Burst Satin
Acoustic$2,999
No ratings yet
71Overall / 100
Gibson J-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$1,999
No ratings yet
80Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson J-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst comes out ahead overall — 80 to 71 on our estimated score.

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

Gibson Hummingbird Studio EC, Tri-Burst Satin wins on

No standout advantage.

Gibson J-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Better build (96 vs 91)
  • Better playability (75 vs 67)
  • Better sound (68 vs 60)
  • Better value (77 vs 61)
  • Lower price ($1,999 vs $2,999)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricHummingbird Studio EC, Tri-Burst SatinJ-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst
Overall7180
Build9196
Playability6775
Sound6068
Value6177

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecHummingbird Studio EC, Tri-Burst SatinJ-45 Special, Satin Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body woodMahoganySolid Mahogany
Neck woodUtileUtile
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
Strings66
Frets2020
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsLR Baggs Element BronzeLR Baggs Element Bronze
Rating——
Price$2,999$1,999
BindingSingle Ply Cream, Top and BackSingle-ply Cream, Top and Back
Body shapeHummingbirdJ-45
Body StylesSingle CutawayRound Shoulder
BridgeBelly up rosewoodTraditional Belly Up; Rosewood
CaseGibson HardshellPremium Soft Shell
ControlsSoundhole mounted volumeSoundhole Mounted Volume
Fretboard inlayMother of pearl parallelogramMother-of-Pearl Dot
Fret Count2020
ModelMCSSHSECTBMCRS45SPCVS
NutTUSQTUSQ
Nut width43.82mm / 1.73in43.82mm / 1.73in
ProfileRound SlimTaperSlimTaper
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
String gauges0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Top woodSitka SpruceSolid Sitka Spruce
Tuner PlatingNickelNickel
TunersGrover RotomaticsGrover Rotomatic
Under Saddle PickupLR Baggs Element BronzeLR Baggs Element Bronze
Back—Solid Mahogany
Body Finish—Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Bracing—Traditional Scalloped X-bracing
Bridge Pins—TUSQ
Fretboard radius—304.8mm / 12.0in
Headstock Inlay—Gibson Logo in Gold Silkscreen
Joint—Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue
Output Jack—1/4" Endpin
Pickguard—Teardrop; Tortoise
Preamp—LR Baggs Element Bronze
Saddle Material—TUSQ
Side—Solid Mahogany
Truss rod—Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover—2-ply Black

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