I am buying a new acoustic guitar and can't decide if I Should get the Epiphone Hummingbird or Dove?

Question

Which one is best?!

Answer 1

Both are based on higher-end Gibson models (Gibson owns Epiphone) that are quite different, but the differences in the Epiphone models are not as pronounced. A true Gibson Dove has a spruce top with maple back and sides, while a Hummingbird has rosewood back and sides; subtle tonal differences result from using different woods. I would suspect that the differences in the Epiphone models are only cosmetic. Neither has a solid top (a desirable feature), and the quality of wood used is inferior to both the Gibsons and many other competing brands that offer guitars at the same price point. I recommend investing in an acoustic with a solid top. You'll get a nicer sound, better resale value, and a better investment overall. Norman and Simon & Patrick are two brands you may wish to look at. Both are made in Canada and the U.S., offer good value, and have a reputation for durability. You may also wish to look at Yamaha - they make a good instrument and have been the first instrument of thousands of players. The most important advice I can give you as an experienced player and collector is to bring an experienced player with you when you go to a store, and always choose tonal quality over flash. A knowledgeable friend can help you choose the best guitar for you. Ideally, seek out a store with non-commissioned sales staff and a good return policy. Feel free to answer back if you need more info. Happy playing!

Answer 2

the dove will sound brighter and more trebly, the hummingbird will sound thicker and more bassy.  to be honest, neither will sound good, as epiphone does not use good quality wood with their acoustics.  look at similarly priced taylors or martins, or else ibanez guitars.  Fender makes great acoustic guitars, but they're actually pretty bad until you get to the 400 dollar range.

chances are, youre just getting the epiphone cuz you love the look of the hummingbird and dove pickguards, which i don't blame you for.  that's why I got a hummingbird, but I got a gibson which also has a great sound.  I don't think that in this situation though, the lack in sound quality is worth the aesthetic appeal.  play both, and see which one you like more.  then play a few different guitars similarly priced and see if you like any of those more

Answer 3

I tell all my students to buy the guitar that sounds and and has the best action to them, make sure that you play all the guitars that are in your budget, and the brand that you want, as they all sound and feel a little different. I prefer the Yamaha acoustic, you can get a really nice sounding one at the Guitar Center for about $250.00 and even less if you ask for a deal, some of my students were reduced $50.00.

Answer 4

The other answer is wrong - both the Dove and Hummingbird have solid spruce tops now.  The difference is in the laminant sides and back - maple vs, rosewood. Even though the sides and back aren't solid, you can hear a slight difference - the maple is brighter, the rosewood more bassy. I prefer the Dove, but they're both good guitars.