Let The Guitar Gods Decide On The Field of Battle
In the crimson glow of the setting sun, two warriors step onto the battlefield. One, a legendary juggernaut clad in the burning embers of a Heritage Cherry Sunburst—the Gibson Hummingbird Original. The other, a sleek, razor-sharp assassin shrouded in the dark mystery of Kona Burst—the Taylor 50th Anniversary Builder's Edition 314ce Limited Edition. The air crackles with anticipation. Pickguards bristle like shields, fretboards gleam like freshly sharpened blades. Only one will emerge victorious. Let the battle begin!
Round 1: Design & Aesthetics – The Beauty and The Beast
The Hummingbird swoops in with the grace of a mythic phoenix, its square-shouldered dreadnought body glowing under the spotlight. The intricate pickguard—an ancient relic depicting floral etchings and a regal bird—strikes fear into the hearts of lesser guitars. The binding, multi-ply like the armour of a warlord, shouts defiance at the Taylor.
But the Taylor is no meek opponent. It slinks into view, its Grand Auditorium body exuding an aura of quiet menace. The Kona Burst finish is a shadow creeping across the battlefield, sleek and understated. The firestripe pickguard? A flicker of controlled chaos, a warning that this is no ordinary instrument. The beveled armrest and smooth Silent Satin sheen whisper of a guitar designed for precision and comfort—like a blade forged in the depths secret fires.
Verdict: Draw. The Hummingbird is a flamboyant warhorse, while the Taylor is a silent killer.
Round 2: Build Quality & Materials – Who’s Tougher?
The Gibson Hummingbird has the bones of an ancient titan—solid Sitka spruce on top, mahogany in its very core. It resonates like the battle cries of a thousand warriors, fueled by the legendary craftsmanship of Gibson’s X-bracing. A mahogany neck? Sturdy as a war hammer. Rosewood fingerboard? A road well-traveled by bluesmen and troubadours alike.
But the Taylor fights dirty. It wields Urban Ash for its back and sides—a sustainable, ethically sourced material that delivers a sonic punch equivalent to premium mahogany. The Sitka spruce top, strengthened by V-Class bracing, ensures every note rings out with sniper-like precision. Neo-Tropical mahogany forms the neck, and West African Crelicam ebony graces the fingerboard—a fusion of durability and playability that feels like it was engineered by alchemists.
Verdict: Taylor. Modern innovation trumps tradition this round, but the Hummingbird is still a beast to be reckoned with.
Round 3: Tonal Characteristics – Roar vs. Howl
The Hummingbird takes a deep breath and roars. Its voice is massive, warm, and commanding. The mids are thick like the smoke of a burning battlefield, the lows are rich and earthy, and the highs shimmer like steel blades catching the moonlight. It’s a bard’s dream, made for anthems and heartfelt ballads that shake the rafters.
The Taylor responds with a howl—clear, cutting, and hauntingly articulate. Thanks to its V-Class bracing, it sings with an unrivalled balance. The Urban Ash delivers a sweet, focused midrange, and the Sitka spruce top ensures the highs and lows dance in harmony. It thrives in precision, adapting seamlessly to delicate fingerpicking and aggressive strumming alike.
Verdict: Hummingbird for power, Taylor for precision. Choose your weapon accordingly.
Round 4: Playability & Comfort – Who Lasts Longer in Battle?
The Hummingbird, with its 24.75” scale length and rounded mahogany neck, fits like an old leather glove. Chords bloom effortlessly, leads slide with a bluesy swagger, and long hours of play feel like mere moments. But its dreadnought body, like a seasoned warrior, carries some weight—this is a guitar that demands to be wielded with strength.
The Taylor, with its Grand Auditorium shape, beveled armrest, and chamfered edges, is a ninja by comparison. The 25.5” scale length gives it a tauter response, making it a dream for fingerstyle players. The Silent Satin finish? A secret weapon against friction, ensuring hands glide over the neck like a falcon through the air.
Verdict: Taylor was built for endurance, while the Hummingbird demands devotion.
Round 5: Hardware & Electronics – The Secret Weapons
The Hummingbird isn’t just a brute; it’s armed with LR Baggs VTC electronics, translating its acoustic might into a ferocious amplified presence. Gold Gotoh Keystone tuners keep it locked in, while the bone nut and saddle ensure pristine intonation. This guitar doesn’t just sing—it commands the stage.
The Taylor counters with its sophisticated Expression System 2 electronics, an adaptive force that captures its organic, nuanced tone with almost supernatural clarity. The Gotoh 510 antique gold tuners provide smooth, hyper-precise adjustments, while the ebony bridge pins add an understated touch of class.
Verdict: Taylor for precision, Gibson for raw power.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
This was no clean fight. The Hummingbird slashed, burned, and bellowed its way through the battle, a warrior in the truest sense—wild, untamed, and steeped in legend. The Taylor, on the other hand, was swift, cunning, and deadly accurate—a technical assassin that never lost its composure.
The victor? That depends on you. Do you crave the raw, soulful energy of a battle-hardened legend? The Hummingbird awaits. Or do you prefer the calculated precision of a master-crafted blade? The Taylor stands ready.
Either way, one thing is clear: no matter which guitar you choose, you hold a weapon of immense sonic power. Wield it wisely.
Check out the Mighty Hummingbird Here.
Check out the Tantalising Taylor Here.