Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,200
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Melody Maker was introduced as a high-quality student or amateur player's guitar, with many of the features of the company's more expensive solid-bodies. Costs were kept low by utilizing a single-layer pickguard, strip tuners, single-coil pickups with unshielded wiring, and narrow headstock with a decal logo, however the feel and playability are true to Gibson heritage.
Featuring a thin solid mahogany body and neck with the slimmer 1 5/8" nut width 1965 style. This twin-pickup guitar is the later style body, somewhat flatter and broader than the early Melody Makers produced through 1964. This style was only available in 1965, by early 1966 the Melody Maker was redesigned again to use the SG shape. This guitar has a stop tailpiece/bridge but only the vibrola spring base is still installed.
With a short production run of around 14 months, this version of the Melody Maker-D had close to 4500 shipped that year. Probably the single most famous MM-D is the '65 used by Eric Carmen in the Raspberries and subsequently owned and played by Joan Jett for the bulk of her career, which is refinished in white with two humbucking pickups.
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Melody Maker |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Year | 1964 - 1965 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece, Wrap-Around |
| Color Family | Red |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Melody Maker |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the Gibson Melody Maker 1965 have?
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The Gibson Melody Maker 1965 is equipped with a single-coil pickup, known for delivering a bright and clear tone, which is ideal for rock and blues genres.
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Melody Maker 1965?
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The Gibson Melody Maker 1965 features a slim-taper neck profile, offering comfortable playability and fast action, suitable for players who prefer a more agile neck feel.
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Is the Gibson Melody Maker 1965 suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson Melody Maker 1965 is a vintage model cherished by collectors, its simple design and lightweight body make it a good choice for beginners who appreciate classic guitars.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Melody Maker 1965?
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The Gibson Melody Maker 1965 provides a bright and articulate sound, thanks to its single-coil pickup, making it suitable for styles that require clarity and definition.
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Does the Gibson Melody Maker 1965 have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker 1965 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation and vibrato effects during play.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
A Great Vintage Gibson on a "Budget" | 1965 Gibson Melody Maker Custom Color Ember Red
A Great Vintage Gibson on a "Budget" | 1965 Gibson Melody Maker Custom Color Ember Red
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Are Vintage "Tiny" Headstock Gibsons Worth Buying? | 1965 Gibson Melody Maker D Ember Red Review
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1965 Gibson Melody Maker - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars
GuitarPoint
Gibson Guitars Sale: 1965 Gibson Melody Maker D With Case, Gibson Guitars for Sale (515) 864 6136
Lawman Guitars
'65 GIBSON MELODY MAKER | RATTLECAN GUITAR RESTORATIONS by James O'Rear
Rattlecan Guitar Restorations
Gibson Guitars for Sale - Gibson Melody Maker 1965 Ping Tuners Leo Quan BadAss Bridge - 515-864-6136
Lawman Guitars
1965 Gibson Melody Maker D | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars
GuitarPoint
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight at under 5.5 pounds, easy on the shoulders
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Original pickup provides clear, punchy sound, especially with tone adjustments
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Resonant and well-balanced body enhances character in chords and solos
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Beefy neck profile similar to a 1969 Les Paul, great for those who prefer thicker necks
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Offers sweet clean sounds and explosive tones with effects like a Tube Screamer
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Crafted by Gibson, offering high-quality craftsmanship in a "budget student" model
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Retains original cherry color and headstock in good condition despite age
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Whammy bar allows for easy vibrato, adding to its versatility
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Low action makes it a dream to play without fatigue
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Vintage appeal with heavily checked finish and classic design
CONS
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Original pickup sometimes criticized, leading to potential desire for modification
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Whammy bar not suitable for extreme techniques like dive bombing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Melody Maker 1965.
Build quality
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Some owners are wary of truss rod issues in stripped models, indicating potential neck problems that may require thorough examination before purchase.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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It's been noted that frets may need leveling and crowning, with potential divot removal on the fretboard, to achieve optimal playability.
Source
Comparisons
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Users highlight that restored Melody Makers could cost more than buying a complete one, suggesting potential financial inefficiency for non-luthiers.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Enthusiasts view the 1965 Melody Maker as a rewarding project for those interested in custom guitar builds, allowing for unique personalizations.
Source
Features and functionality
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The late 1965 models have a 1 5/8" narrow nut, which might not suit all playing styles, necessitating careful consideration before purchase.
Source -
The 1965 Gibson Melody Maker is praised for its lightweight design, featuring all-Mahogany construction and Brazilian Rosewood, contributing to its exceptional playability and tuning stability.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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While some owners desire a neck pickup for versatility, there is reluctance to modify the guitar due to its vintage status and potential impact on value.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
699
Mid 60's Gibson Melody Maker
Totally satisfied with this beauty. It is a 1964 but has the specs of the 65, just not in cherry. I have read lots of negatives when it comes to the pick-up, I was even ready to create another pick guard with a P-90 or stacked HB, however this thing rocks. I play it through my AC15 and the sound is amazing. It has a real sweet clean sound and it explodes when I turn on the Tube Screamer. To know that this "budget student" model was crafted by the same people who make the high end Gibson's we all lust for, makes it even better when it is played. Everyone should play one of these if you get a chance.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video you can see Billie using a Metallic Pelham Blue Melody maker at Lollapalooza in 1994. He changed the bridge.
In this https://youtu.be/W2nEe005VbA video Joan Jett is discussing her modded 1965 Gibson Melody Maker
Brian is using a melody maker with humbuckers in this concert
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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