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Guitar
Maker: Gibson, Inc.
Maker: Gibson
Date: 1967 ca.
Place Made:Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States, North America
Model: Hummingbird / dreadnought
Serial No: 117003
SignedPrinted on orange oval paper label with double-line border, the outer line bold: Style___ / Gibson___ / Number___ is hereby / GUARANTEED / against faulty workmanship and materials. / UNION / MADE Gibson INC. / KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN. / U.S.A.
Inlaid in abalone on headstock: Gibson
Inlaid in abalone on headstock: Gibson
MarkingsBranded on back of headstock, under finish: 117003
DescriptionAccording to Marshall Grant (as recorded in the Sotheby’s auction catalog), June Carter Cash (1929-2003) acquired this guitar to replace her 1961 Gibson ES-125 (acoustic/electric), which she had used in order to be heard over the band. She was “kidded” about the ES-125, so she switched to the Hummingbird, which then became one of her favorite guitars. June is shown with the guitar in a photo accompanying the article, "June Pride," in the September 18-24, 1999, issue of TV Guide.
The Hummingbird model, introduced in 1960, was named for the delicate image of a hummingbird feeding on the nectar of a trumpet vine that appears on the transparent red celluloid pickguard.
Stringing: six steel strings
Soundboard: two-piece spruce, wide grain narrowing toward the flanks
Back: two-piece mahogany; no back stripe
Ribs: two-piece mahogany; no end graft
Head: mahogany stained black on face; inlaid with abalone geometric decorative device; black over white bell-shaped truss rod cover secured with black-painted steel Philips head screws
Neck: mahogany; integral with head; filled strap button hole on heel
Heel cap: none; neck heel flush with back
Binding: white celluloid; top trim comprised of black-white-black-white-black celluloid purfling strips; back trim comprised of black-white-black-white celluloid purfling strips
Fingerboard: rosewood bound in ivoroid; 20 nickel-silver frets; mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays behind 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets; single black celluloid side dots behind 3rd, 5th, 9th, 15th, and 17th frets; double black celluloid dots behind 7th and 12th frets
Nut: white plastic
Bridge: ebony with curved upper edge; adjustable, angled, white plastic saddle fastened to bridge with two slot-headed steel screws; black plastic bridge pins; single mother-of-pearl dots on each side of bridge pins
Pegs: six gold-plated steel Kluson Deluxe worm-gear machine tuners with single-ring, tulip-shaped, marbleized, off-white celluloid heads and worm gear mechanisms enclosed in rectangular covers
Endpin: brass over chrome-plated steel; Phillips head screw through center
Rosette: wide band of white and black striped celluloid (7 strips – white on outside) set in from inside edge, surrounded on outside with narrower band of white-black-white celluloid with natural wood in between
Pick guard: thick, transparent red celluloid with scalloped outline, secured to top with glue and six later black Phillips head screws, the engraved hummingbird, trumpet vine, and butterfly motif highlighted with off-white paint
Varnish: thick nitrocellulose lacquer with some checking; removed from binding; fine swirled texture from polishing (scent of commercial guitar polish evident 12/7/04)
Linings: kerfed mahogany
Neck block: mahogany; chamfered corners
End block: black-stained hardwood
Top braces: spruce X-brace, the joint of main cross brace reinforced with white cloth; light hardwood bridge plate
Back braces: light hardwood back graft does not extend to endblock; four spruce back braces
The Hummingbird model, introduced in 1960, was named for the delicate image of a hummingbird feeding on the nectar of a trumpet vine that appears on the transparent red celluloid pickguard.
Stringing: six steel strings
Soundboard: two-piece spruce, wide grain narrowing toward the flanks
Back: two-piece mahogany; no back stripe
Ribs: two-piece mahogany; no end graft
Head: mahogany stained black on face; inlaid with abalone geometric decorative device; black over white bell-shaped truss rod cover secured with black-painted steel Philips head screws
Neck: mahogany; integral with head; filled strap button hole on heel
Heel cap: none; neck heel flush with back
Binding: white celluloid; top trim comprised of black-white-black-white-black celluloid purfling strips; back trim comprised of black-white-black-white celluloid purfling strips
Fingerboard: rosewood bound in ivoroid; 20 nickel-silver frets; mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays behind 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets; single black celluloid side dots behind 3rd, 5th, 9th, 15th, and 17th frets; double black celluloid dots behind 7th and 12th frets
Nut: white plastic
Bridge: ebony with curved upper edge; adjustable, angled, white plastic saddle fastened to bridge with two slot-headed steel screws; black plastic bridge pins; single mother-of-pearl dots on each side of bridge pins
Pegs: six gold-plated steel Kluson Deluxe worm-gear machine tuners with single-ring, tulip-shaped, marbleized, off-white celluloid heads and worm gear mechanisms enclosed in rectangular covers
Endpin: brass over chrome-plated steel; Phillips head screw through center
Rosette: wide band of white and black striped celluloid (7 strips – white on outside) set in from inside edge, surrounded on outside with narrower band of white-black-white celluloid with natural wood in between
Pick guard: thick, transparent red celluloid with scalloped outline, secured to top with glue and six later black Phillips head screws, the engraved hummingbird, trumpet vine, and butterfly motif highlighted with off-white paint
Varnish: thick nitrocellulose lacquer with some checking; removed from binding; fine swirled texture from polishing (scent of commercial guitar polish evident 12/7/04)
Linings: kerfed mahogany
Neck block: mahogany; chamfered corners
End block: black-stained hardwood
Top braces: spruce X-brace, the joint of main cross brace reinforced with white cloth; light hardwood bridge plate
Back braces: light hardwood back graft does not extend to endblock; four spruce back braces
DimensionsTotal guitar length: 1034 mm (40-3/4″)
Back length: 504 mm (19-27/32″)
Upper bout width: 292 mm (11-1/2″)
Waist width: 276 mm (10-7/8″)
Lower bout width: 402 mm (15-13/16″)
Rib height (including edging) at heel: 97 mm (3-13/16″)
Rib height, at waist: 107 mm (4-3/16″)
Rib height, at end block: 123 mm (4-27/32″)
Head length: 170 mm (6-7/16″)
Head width, top: 79 mm (3-3/32″)
Head width, bottom: 75 mm (2-5/16″)
Neck length (nut to ribs): 357 mm (14-1/32″)
Neck width, nut: 40 mm (1-9/16″)
Neck width, heel: 53 mm (2-3/32″)
Soundhole diameter: 102 mm (4″)
Vibrating string length (nut to bridge edge): high E: 640 mm (25-3/8″); low E: 646 mm (25-5/8″)
Back length: 504 mm (19-27/32″)
Upper bout width: 292 mm (11-1/2″)
Waist width: 276 mm (10-7/8″)
Lower bout width: 402 mm (15-13/16″)
Rib height (including edging) at heel: 97 mm (3-13/16″)
Rib height, at waist: 107 mm (4-3/16″)
Rib height, at end block: 123 mm (4-27/32″)
Head length: 170 mm (6-7/16″)
Head width, top: 79 mm (3-3/32″)
Head width, bottom: 75 mm (2-5/16″)
Neck length (nut to ribs): 357 mm (14-1/32″)
Neck width, nut: 40 mm (1-9/16″)
Neck width, heel: 53 mm (2-3/32″)
Soundhole diameter: 102 mm (4″)
Vibrating string length (nut to bridge edge): high E: 640 mm (25-3/8″); low E: 646 mm (25-5/8″)
ProvenancePreviously owned by June Carter Cash. Purchased at Sotheby's, September 2004, lot 182.
Terms
Credit Line: André P. and Kay Marcum Larson Fund, 2004
On view
Published Referencessee press clippings in file of NMM 10770.
Robert K. Oermann, “June Pride,” TV Guide, Sept. 18-24, 1999.
Larson, André P., "Johnny & June Carter Cash Guitars Acquired," National Music Museum Newsletter 32, No. 1 (February 2005), p. 7.
André P. Larson, "Recent Acquisitions," National Music Museum Newsletter Vol. 33,
No. 3 (August 2006), p. 6.
Newspaper:
"Cash: Instruments To Be Displayed In Spring," Sioux Falls Argus Leader, (October 30,
2004).
Robert Morast, "Famous Guitars; Music Museum Buys Guitar Used By Johnny Cash,"
Sioux Falls Argus Leader, (October 30, 2004).
Travis Coleman, “Museum Acquires Cash Guitars,” Volante, (November 23, 2004), The
Verve, B1-B2
"Museum Gets Cash Guitars," Sioux City Journal, (November 5, 2004).
"Music Museum Acquires Johnny, June Carter Cash Guitars," Vermillion Plain Talk,
(November 5, 2004).
"South Dakota: Vermillion," USA TODAY, (November 8, 2004), p.13A.
Christopher Vondracek, “Acoustic Vault: Intriguing visitors and evoking tales, museum’s
guitar collection holds more than American icons,” Volante, (April 5, 2007), The Verve, B1, B3.
Internet:
"Cash Instruments Go To University," Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc., (November
19, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13400942&BRD=1817&PAG=461&dept_i…
"Gitarren von Johnny Cash komme ins Museum," Letzter Steckbriefaufruf von:
Entertainer Ralf, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.onlinemusik.de/default.asp?ssid=&id1=3057&id2=
"Johnny Cash-Instrumente im Museum," Country Music Special Radio Berlin (CSR),
(November 9, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:bIAE-1JapscJ:www.csr-berlinweb.de/HOT.htm+%…, p.9-10.
"Johnny Cash-Instrumente im Museum," Schattenkinder e.V., (November 9, 2004),
Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.radiounion.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12.
"Johnny Cash," CompuServe Celebrity, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://webcenters.compuserve.com/compuserve/celebrity/bigpic.jsp?photoid=20041108NY…, p.1-2.
"Johnny Cash," Netscape Music, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/music/news/bigpic.jsp?photoid=20041108NYET139.
"Johnny Cash," YAHOO! News, UK & Ireland, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://uk.fc.yahoo.com/041030/46/f5mz9.html.
"Lund At Large," KELOLAND NEWS, (November 12, 2004), Retrieved on December 3,
2004 from http://keloland.com/News/NewsDetail4514.cfm?ID=22,35953.
"Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," Volante-Verve, (November 23, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://www.volanteonline.com/global_user_elements/printpage.cfm?storyid=814813.
"Museum To Display Cash Guitars," THE SUN NEWS, (November 9, 2004), Retrieved
on December 3, 2004 from http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/2004/11/10/news/nation/10133729.htm
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," Comcast, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from
http://www.comcast.net/News/ENTERTAINMENT/XML.1403_Recordings/07al
b438-25…
"National Music Museum in South Dakota Acquires Two Guitars From Johnny Cash
Estate," COX. net, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved November 21, 2004 from
http://rhodeisland.cox.net/cci/entertainmentnews/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D867THR80.
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," The Washington Chorus, (November 8, 2004),
Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=114&sid=952.
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," The Herald Sun, (November 8, 2004),
Retrieved on November 22, 2004 from http://www.herald-sun.com/features/wire/29-541833.html, p.1-2.
"National Music Museum Acquires Johnny and June Carter Cash Guitars," Bluegrass
Music News Network, (November 10, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004
from http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=648.
"U.S. & World News: People In The News: VERMILLION, S.D.," Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://amarillo.com/stories/110904/usn_552841.shtml.
Radio:
Susan Hanson, “Celebrating Johnny Cash,” SDPB Feature, South Dakota Public Radio
(December 3, 2004)
Robert K. Oermann, “June Pride,” TV Guide, Sept. 18-24, 1999.
Larson, André P., "Johnny & June Carter Cash Guitars Acquired," National Music Museum Newsletter 32, No. 1 (February 2005), p. 7.
André P. Larson, "Recent Acquisitions," National Music Museum Newsletter Vol. 33,
No. 3 (August 2006), p. 6.
Newspaper:
"Cash: Instruments To Be Displayed In Spring," Sioux Falls Argus Leader, (October 30,
2004).
Robert Morast, "Famous Guitars; Music Museum Buys Guitar Used By Johnny Cash,"
Sioux Falls Argus Leader, (October 30, 2004).
Travis Coleman, “Museum Acquires Cash Guitars,” Volante, (November 23, 2004), The
Verve, B1-B2
"Museum Gets Cash Guitars," Sioux City Journal, (November 5, 2004).
"Music Museum Acquires Johnny, June Carter Cash Guitars," Vermillion Plain Talk,
(November 5, 2004).
"South Dakota: Vermillion," USA TODAY, (November 8, 2004), p.13A.
Christopher Vondracek, “Acoustic Vault: Intriguing visitors and evoking tales, museum’s
guitar collection holds more than American icons,” Volante, (April 5, 2007), The Verve, B1, B3.
Internet:
"Cash Instruments Go To University," Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc., (November
19, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13400942&BRD=1817&PAG=461&dept_i…
"Gitarren von Johnny Cash komme ins Museum," Letzter Steckbriefaufruf von:
Entertainer Ralf, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.onlinemusik.de/default.asp?ssid=&id1=3057&id2=
"Johnny Cash-Instrumente im Museum," Country Music Special Radio Berlin (CSR),
(November 9, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:bIAE-1JapscJ:www.csr-berlinweb.de/HOT.htm+%…, p.9-10.
"Johnny Cash-Instrumente im Museum," Schattenkinder e.V., (November 9, 2004),
Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from http://www.radiounion.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12.
"Johnny Cash," CompuServe Celebrity, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://webcenters.compuserve.com/compuserve/celebrity/bigpic.jsp?photoid=20041108NY…, p.1-2.
"Johnny Cash," Netscape Music, Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/music/news/bigpic.jsp?photoid=20041108NYET139.
"Johnny Cash," YAHOO! News, UK & Ireland, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://uk.fc.yahoo.com/041030/46/f5mz9.html.
"Lund At Large," KELOLAND NEWS, (November 12, 2004), Retrieved on December 3,
2004 from http://keloland.com/News/NewsDetail4514.cfm?ID=22,35953.
"Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," Volante-Verve, (November 23, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://www.volanteonline.com/global_user_elements/printpage.cfm?storyid=814813.
"Museum To Display Cash Guitars," THE SUN NEWS, (November 9, 2004), Retrieved
on December 3, 2004 from http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/2004/11/10/news/nation/10133729.htm
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," Comcast, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from
http://www.comcast.net/News/ENTERTAINMENT/XML.1403_Recordings/07al
b438-25…
"National Music Museum in South Dakota Acquires Two Guitars From Johnny Cash
Estate," COX. net, (November 8, 2004), Retrieved November 21, 2004 from
http://rhodeisland.cox.net/cci/entertainmentnews/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D867THR80.
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," The Washington Chorus, (November 8, 2004),
Retrieved on December 3, 2004 from
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=114&sid=952.
"Music Museum Acquires Cash Guitars," The Herald Sun, (November 8, 2004),
Retrieved on November 22, 2004 from http://www.herald-sun.com/features/wire/29-541833.html, p.1-2.
"National Music Museum Acquires Johnny and June Carter Cash Guitars," Bluegrass
Music News Network, (November 10, 2004), Retrieved on December 3, 2004
from http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=648.
"U.S. & World News: People In The News: VERMILLION, S.D.," Retrieved on
December 3, 2004 from http://amarillo.com/stories/110904/usn_552841.shtml.
Radio:
Susan Hanson, “Celebrating Johnny Cash,” SDPB Feature, South Dakota Public Radio
(December 3, 2004)
Object number: 10768