Brand/Model: Epiphone Hummingbird Pro/Dove Pro
Number of Strings: 6
Hand Orientation: Right
Body Material: Mahogany/Maple/Spruce top
Neck Material: Mahogany/Maple
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Price Range: Under $300, Under $400
Our Rating: 9/10
Epiphone PRO Hummingbird & Dove Guitar Review
Epiphone gets the acoustic electric combo just about perfect with the Hummingbird and Dove Pro guitars for under 400 dollars. In fact, it’s the acoustic-electro version of the Gibson Hummingbird that’s been wielded by noted musicians such as Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, U2, and more. Let’s see how it held up for them and how it’ll hold up for you!
The most obvious features that stick out about the Epiphone Pro Series are the classic ’60s design characteristics. The large dreadnought shape with the square shoulders gives it a vintage and traditional charm. The Dove also has a SlimTaper D profile neck.
The pick guard on both guitars are detailed and elaborate providing a custom appeal. Groupies will instantly recognize the pearloid parallelogram inlays. The gorgeous faded cherry sunburst finish on the under 300 Hummingbird adds a chic and vintage glamour that’s sure to attract more than a few fans.
As far as plug-in power goes, we’ll discuss that in the Q&A below. The sound and tonal impact of both guitars are bold, big, and well-balanced. You’ll have no complaints when it comes to sonic dimension here.
This guitar is smooth to play, and it’s a performer in every aspect. If owning a $2000–$4000 Gibson Hummingbird is never going to be realized, these Epiphone Pros under 400 will give you a taste of that reality.
Pros
- Price
- Vintage appeal
- Solid tops
- Dovewing headstock
- Pearloid parallelogram inlays
Cons
- Buyer errors
Epiphone Hummingbird & Dove Reviews
The Pro Series guitars happens to be one of Epiphone’s most beautifully designed and well-crafted instruments. It’s high quality all the way. With a superb reputation and guitar to show for it, you can expect little to no complaints on the Hummingbird or the Dove Pros.
In fact, the only complaints that have been mentioned are due to user error. Reports reflect that the user had no knowledge of how to use an acoustic electric guitar. The other report reflects poor knowledge of adjusting a truss rod or even making good of a free setup and adjustment.
If you need more info on how to get up to par with an acoustic electric guitar, make sure you strum by our “Acoustic Electric Guitar Buying Guide” to get caught up.
Other than these confusing complaints, the Epiphone guitar stands as an iconic piece of art for the guitar community. Epiphone really stepped up their quality control department when it comes to the Hummingbird and the Dove.
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany neck and body
- Grover Rotomatic tuners
Alternative Acoustic-Electric Guitars to Consider
If you’ve found the Epiphone Pro Series, then it’s probably because you already know about the Gibson Hummingbird guitars. They’re a beaut that’s worth mentioning just for kicks. While they’re certainly out of most people’s budgets, there’s no harm in just browsing, right? Just shop without your wallet and you’ll be safe.
Hitting the $400 mark is the Epiphone EJ-200SCE Acoustic Electric Guitar. It’s quite different in body shape and cutaway to the Pro Series, but it’s extremely popular. With a maple body, solid spruce top, and the new Epiphone eSonic2 preamp system, you’ll love it too!
However, for a guitar under 300 dollars, you’ll want to check out the Fender T-Bucket 300 Acoustic Electric Guitar. It’s a laminated guitar, just like the quilted-maple top Fender T-Bucket 300CE that we did a full review on. But, this is where you get the cost savings while sonic projection remains intact.
Epiphone PRO Hummingbird VS Dove
What is the Pickup System on the Hummingbird Pro?
The Hummingbird has the Shadow ePerformer Preamp system and a NanoFlex under-saddle pickup. The battery-powered system offers a multitude of controls: Master Volume, Treble and Bass EQ, Mute, and a Dynamics control. However, it lacks a built-in tuner. It also features a low battery indicator light.
What is the Pickup System on the Dove Pro?
The Dove has the Fishman Sonitone Preamp and Fishman Sonicore Pickup systems. Everyone knows who Fishman is, and why they’re awesome at bringing acoustic that punch it needs for any size gig.
What are the Battery Sources for the Preamps on the Hummingbird and Dove?
The Epiphone Hummingbird takes two 2032 batteries to run the preamp. The Epiphone Dove takes one 9-volt battery.
What kind of Tuning Gears do the Epiphone Guitars have?
Both Pro Series guitars have superior Grover tuning gears with a ratio of 14:1.
- Fishman Presys VT undersaddle pickup and preamp
- Square Shoulder Dreadnought Shape
- Select Maple Body, Back, and Sides
What kind of Strings do the Acoustic Electric Guitars come with?
Both the guitars are pre-strung with D’Addario Phosphor (12-53) strings.
What are the Woods for each of the Epiphone Pro Guitars?
The Hummingbird has mahogany back, sides, and neck with a spruce top. The Dove has maple back, sides, and neck with a spruce top. Both guitars have a rosewood fretboard.
What are the Scale Lengths for the Acoustic Electric Guitars?
The Dove has a scale length of 25.5 inches. The Hummingbird has a scale length of 24.75 inches.
Do these Guitar need a Professional Setup before Playing?
It’s best to get a setup done before playing it for the first time. While they’re checked and setup before leaving the factory, you might want it done professionally as a chance to review the quality before your warranty expires.
Also, many local stores that work in partnership with Epiphone will offer free setups.
Will the Design on the Pick Guard come off?
The design is etched into the pick guard. After a long time of use and wear-and-tear, the design will show signs of age, but it adds personal character.
Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need:
For under 300 dollars, you’re spending every penny on the quality of the guitar, no gimmicks attached. Sometimes the extra equipment serve as a distraction from the poor quality of a guitar. In this case, you’re spending under 400 on a top-notch guitar that not even a package deal can compare to. To get fully equipped, you’ll need:
Standout Features of the Dove & Hummingbird Pro:
- Grover machine heads
- High quality
- D’Addario strings
Our Verdict on the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro & Dove Pro
To strum it up, the Epiphone Hummingbird and Dove Pro Acoustic Electric Guitars will make you proud. This isn’t just a guitar for a beginner, it’s recommended for the pros as well. Its legendary features will make you a legend in no time. Are you ready to create your winning signature groove?
Further Reading:
- Taylor 224CE-K DLX Review – Koa Acoustic Electric Guitar (Excellent Craftsmanship)
- Fender FA-235E Review – Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Viking Bridge & TUSQ Nut)
- Yamaha FGX800C Review – Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Takamine GD30CE Review – NAT Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Martin DRS1 Review – Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.