Gibson Melody Maker D (1960)

There are few guitars that identify as a "student model" instrument more than Gibson's Melody Maker. Lightly appointed, minimalist, and dare we say "basic" when compared to the more professional-grade models being built at the time, the Melody Maker frankly hasn't garnered any real respect among players and collectors alike. This example is the truest exception to all of the unwritten rules developed over the decades regarding these slab-bodied electrics...

This early 1960 Melody Maker D guitar arrived in our shop via its original owner, whose parents purchased the guitar for him new in 1960. Built early on in the year, it is almost entirely 1959 in spec, with all first-year features like a full C neck shape, wide-format single-coil pickups, amber bonnet knobs, catalin switch tip, and short-seam wraparound tailpiece. Many of the parts on this guitar would also be seen on 1959 Les Pauls and ES-335s, and to see a Melody Maker survive 60+ years with its original parts is a minor miracle. Outside of the owner having replaced the original Waverly open-back tuners with period Grover Rotomatics near the end of the decade, the guitar remained remarkably unaltered. The entire wiring harness - complete with 1959 potentiometers - is also untouched with factory solder joints. Even the strap buttons - original black plastic Klusons - have stayed on the guitar!

Stepping away from the true gear nerd talk, we should really highlight the most exciting things about this guitar - tone and feel.

Sitting down with this MM, you're rewarded with all of the great resonance and sustain that made LP Juniors so heralded. You've got all of that energy here, but in an even lighter, slimmer package. The neck is truly superb - a great '59 profile with slightly softer shoulders and a moderate taper that reminds us a lot of the great necks on those other Gibsons we love. The rare "Version 1" single-coil pickups are slightly larger than the version that would follow, and impart a clear, bright, and punchy tone that pulls in some Fender-like response. The voice of those pickups in a set neck all-Mahogany package is really something special.

It's so rare to be able to talk about these guitars in their original state, and our preservationist mentality in this case is one of the reasons we choose celebrate this specific guitar in a way we aren't likely to otherwise. Uncirculated, under-appreciated, and damn near untouched. What a guitar!