1965 Gibson Hummingbird — 1 11/16" Nut

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1965 Gibson Hummingbird, a square-shouldered classic featuring the highly desirable 1 11/16" nut width retained from earlier production.

Introduced in 1960 as Gibson’s first square-shoulder dreadnought, the Hummingbird quickly became a flagship model, admired for its warm, woody deep mahogany voice and striking visual presence. By 1965, Gibson had begun transitioning many models to a narrower nut width, a change that some players and collectors find less desirable and accommodating. This example, however, retains the earlier 1 11/16" specification, offering a more substantial feel in hand and enhanced string spacing—an important and increasingly sought-after distinction within mid-’60s production.

Finished in its original sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer, the spruce top displays beautiful grain beneath the iconic Hummingbird pickguard, while the mahogany back and sides deliver the focused fundamental and dry, balanced response for which these guitars are known. Appointments remain quintessentially mid-’60s Gibson: multi-ply top purfling, a simple multi-ply rosette, cream binding, and original Kluson Deluxe tuners. The adjustable rosewood bridge with ceramic saddle remains intact, preserving both originality and the characteristic tonal flexibility of the period.

Condition is very good for its age, showing below-average cosmetic wear overall. Prior to our acquisition, a strap button was installed, likely without a pilot hole, resulting in a hairline crack at the heel cap that extends slightly into the heel. Both are currently stable and structurally sound. (The price has been adjusted accordingly.) Otherwise, the instrument is crack-free and does not require a neck reset.

This 1965 Hummingbird represents a superb opportunity to acquire a clean, structurally excellent example with the preferred wider nut width—equally compelling to the vintage purist, the working musician, and the Gibson collector alike.

It comes complete with an aftermarket Gibson hardshell case.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Hummingbird
• Year of Manufacture: 1965
• Serial Number: 356693

Top

• Wood: Spruce
• Finish: Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer
• Rosette: Multi-ply
• Purfling: Multi-ply
• Bracing: Spruce
• Bridge Plate: Maple (original)

Body

• Size/Shape: Dreadnought (square shoulder)
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Binding: Cream (multi-ply top, single-ply back)
• Back Strip: None

Neck

• Wood: Mahogany
• Peghead: Standard Gibson shape with crown inlay
• Shape / Profile: Medium C
• Nut Width: 1 11/16"
• Scale Length: 24 3/4"

Fingerboard & Bridge

• Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood with parallelogram inlays
• Fingerboard Binding: Cream
• Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood with Ceramic Saddle

Hardware

• Tuners: Original Gold plated Kluson Deluxe
• Pickguard: Original Hummingbird engraved pickguard

Condition

• Cosmetic: Below-average play wear and light blemishing for its age
• Structural: Excellent—stable repaired heel crack and screw hole; no other cracks; no neck reset needed

Case & Accessories

• Case: Aftermarket Gibson hardshell case