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Average Price: $750

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Description

Celebrating a legacy of craftsmanship, the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul is a standout for both history enthusiasts and modern musicians. This solid body electric guitar pays homage to Gibson's storied past while delivering contemporary functionality and sound. A perfect balance of tradition and innovation, it features a slim '60s neck profile that ensures smooth playability across different musical styles. Crafted with the high standards of Gibson's renowned design, this guitar offers a seamless blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge performance.

The instrument's single-cutaway body allows for easy access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for lead and rhythm playing alike. Equipped with dual P-90 pickups, it delivers a bright and punchy tone, making it ideal for rock, blues, and beyond. The simple control layout of a master volume and tone knob keeps your focus on playing, not tweaking. Additionally, the iconic wraparound bridge enhances sustain, ensuring that each note rings out with clarity and precision.

This limited-edition model also marks a milestone with its 120th Anniversary banner inlay at the 12th fret, a subtle yet meaningful nod to Gibson's enduring legacy. Whether you're a collector or an active performer, the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul promises to be a cherished addition to your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Slim '60s neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Dual P-90 pickups for a bright, punchy tone
  • Single-cutaway body for easy fret access
  • Wraparound bridge for improved sustain
  • 120th Anniversary banner inlay at the 12th fret
  • Master volume and tone control layout

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Melody Maker
Finish Charcoal, Manhattan Midnight, Wine Red, Yellow
Year 2014
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, Yellow
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul use?

The Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul features a dual single-coil pickup configuration, providing a bright and punchy tone suitable for various music styles.

Is the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul is ideal for beginners due to its lightweight body and comfortable neck profile, making it easy to play and handle.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul?

The Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul has a slim taper neck profile, offering fast playability and comfort, especially appealing to guitarists who prefer a thinner neck.

How does the satin finish affect the playability of the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul?

The satin finish on the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul provides a smooth feel, reducing friction and allowing for faster movement along the neck, enhancing overall playability.

What is the tonewood combination of the Gibson 120th Anniversary Melody Maker Les Paul?

This model features a mahogany body and a maple neck, with a rosewood fretboard, offering a balanced tone with warmth from the mahogany and clarity from the maple.

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Review Demo - Gibson USA Les Paul Melody Maker

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Review Demo - Gibson USA Les Paul Melody Maker

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Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 120th Anniversary Electric Guitar Sound Demo by The Guitarman 28

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 120th Anniversary Electric Guitar Sound Demo

The Guitarman 28

The Guitarman 28

Video thumbnail for Gibson Melody Maker 120th Anniversary by Music Stable

Gibson Melody Maker 120th Anniversary

Music Stable

Music Stable

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 120th Anniversary Satin Charcoal 2014 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 120th Anniversary Satin Charcoal 2014 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 120th anniversary melody maker Les Paul.

Comparisons

  • The 2007-2013 version closely mirrors the 1959 Melody Maker with a worn finish, differing notably from the 2014 Les Paul Melody Maker.

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  • The 2014 Melody Maker is described as a contoured, pickguard-less Les Paul Special, distinguishing it from earlier models.

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  • The pickups are similar to those in Blueshawk guitars, providing a unique sound distinct from standard P90s.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One user recommends swapping the original pickups for P90s to improve tonal quality, indicating dissatisfaction with stock pickups.

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  • Replacing the stock tuners with Kluson or Grover keystones can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of the guitar.

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User experience

  • Some owners retain the original pickups for their unique sound, resisting the common trend of modification.

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  • Owners express strong emotional attachment, often regretting the sale of their Melody Makers, indicating high satisfaction and personal value.

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Setup and maintenance

  • G string tuning issues are often due to the headstock angle; using graphite or Big Bends Nut Sauce in the nut slots can help resolve this.

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  • A common fix for G string tuning problems involves ensuring the string wraps around the tuning peg and is locked under the wrap for stability.

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  • A ping sound while tuning indicates string binding in the nut slot, which can be alleviated by adjusting the slot's width and inspecting for straight cuts.

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Build quality

  • Tuning instability on the G string might result from a poorly cut nut slot, which can be corrected by gently widening the slot with a broken string.

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Features and functionality

  • The pickups in the 2014 Melody Maker resemble larger Strat pickups with rod magnets, not traditional P90s, altering the expected P90 tone.

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Value and pricing

  • Initially, 2014 Melody Makers were found for around $400 CAD used, but demand has increased prices significantly.

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Use cases and applications

  • The neck pickup is noted for producing a "Slash-like" tone, catering to fans of that musical style.

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