New IBG Hummingbird

[xStonr]

I purchased one of the new Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird guitars in the less popular Aged Natural finish. The construction and feel of the guitar is fantastic. I love it's playability, the feel of the neck, and it's tone. But what's bugging me is the mismatched spruce top. Should I settle on the finish or am I being too picky about it's looks since I like the way it plays.

 

[Bob411]

I love it's playability, the feel of the neck, and it's tone.

Did you buy it online and you are worried the next one won't be as great?

 

[xStonr]

Yes and yes.

 

[dodgechargerfan]

For me, I’d not worry about the looks to that degree.
It looks pretty good and had you not mentioned the difference in colour of the two pieces, I’d likely not have noticed.
I mean, I can see it, but I doubt that it would have made any kind of impression on me.

And if it feels good and sounds good…

 

[Bob411]

Yes and yes.

Tough call, I wouldn't roll the dice but, that's me. The heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[jp_nyc]

I have one of these. They’re incredible guitars for the money. HNGD!

 

[Dogsinplastic]

Doesn't look mismatched to me. The finish may have been taken differently by the wood, causing that difference, but the edges of the butt (widest part of the body) seem to confirm that the top is indeed a set. At least from what I tell from the provided pick. You obviously have a far better view of it...

 

[xStonr]

I read something interesting about wood pertaining to the way my guitar looks. It's called runout. Link

I'm probably going to keep it as it really does sound really good to me. Knowing myself, I have a feeling that if I return it I will be going down the rabbit hole searching for that tone.

 

[Dogsinplastic]

I read something interesting about wood pertaining to the way my guitar looks. It's called runout. Link

I'm probably going to keep it as it really does sound really good to me. Knowing myself, I have a feeling that if I return it I will be going down the rabbit hole searching for that tone.

YES!!!

I remember reading about this decades ago. Might have been an archtop builder talking about having to work finishes differently to ensure the color was consistent...not an easy task. Mass producers, including high end U.S. companies, are less likely to worry about it as the Bob Taylor's response shows.

 

[Aahzz]

Just looks like some light grain runout to me, no big deal. If it sounds and plays great, I'd certainly keep it. Happy NGD!!