Gibson Melody Maker D, Pelham Blue (1967)

1967 Gibson Melody Maker D in original Pelham Blue finish just into the shop!

Just when you think Pelham Blue couldn't get any greener, this Melody Maker comes along and pushes the line even further. In fact, when we acquired it from its longtime owner, even he thought it was Inverness Green. It's not the first time there's been confusion between the two colors, and it most certainly won't be the last.

What really stands about about this Melody Maker, though, is the condition. Outside of that clear coat fading out the Blue to Green along with some natural lacquer checking, the guitar retains a beautiful gloss to its finish along with very clean hardware and plastics. Even the wiring harness looks brand new! Of course there are a few bumps and nicks commensurate with the guitar's age, but boy is this guitar clean! With its dual single coil pickups and 3-position slider switch replacing the more common 3-way toggle, it combines some of Fender-like qualities that Gibson was aiming at competing with. Marketed for student players in its day, these Melody Makers have proven themselves as much more formidable vintage electrics, with their own voice and quirky SG-styled aesthetic that continues to make them stand out even amongst an impressive and sprawling crowd.

This MM has a nice round C neck profile with a chunky taper and clean original frets. The neck is straight and easy playing, and those pickups lean a little hotter than we're used to seeing, which is welcome! We installed a MojoAxe lightning bar wraparound bridge/tailpiece for improved intonation as well. It's accompanied by its original chipboard case, which is just as clean and functional as the guitar its been protecting all these years.