Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $999
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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Description
Crafted for musicians who crave simplicity without sacrificing quality, the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway is a modern tribute to Gibson's tradition of excellence. This solid body electric guitar is designed for those who appreciate straightforward, authentic sound and effortless playability. The double cutaway body provides easy access to all frets, catering to both rhythm and lead players.
The Melody Maker is equipped with a single powerful pickup that delivers a sharp, punchy tone, perfect for rock, punk, and blues. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for long gigs and practice sessions, ensuring comfort and ease of movement on stage. The neck is slim and fast, allowing for smooth transitions and fluid playing styles.
This model's minimalist aesthetic and versatile sound make it a beloved choice among both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you're jamming in your garage or performing on stage, the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway offers a functional and reliable option that sounds just as good as it feels.
Key Features:
- Solid body construction
- Single pickup configuration for punchy tones
- Double cutaway design for easy fret access
- Slim neck profile for fast playing
- Lightweight for comfortable handling during extended sessions
- Suitable for a variety of music genres including rock, punk, and blues
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Melody Maker D |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Year | 1964 - 1966 |
| 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 | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway features a slim-taper neck profile, making it comfortable for fast playing and suitable for a variety of hand sizes, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway?
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The Melody Maker Double Cutaway is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver bright, punchy tones, ideal for rock and blues genres, offering a classic vintage sound with clear articulation.
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Is the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight body, comfortable neck, and straightforward controls, making it easy to handle and play.
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Does the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for pitch modulation and adding expressive capabilities to your playing.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to its warm tone and slightly looser string tension, making it easier to bend notes.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend a professional setup for optimal playability, especially if the guitar has been stored in less ideal conditions like a barn.
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It's suggested to add extra padding when using a Gretsch Jet/Duo Jet case to ensure the Melody Maker is secure.
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For serial number inquiries, contacting Gibson directly with the model and serial number is recommended for precise historical and specification details.
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User experience
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One owner was surprised by the excellent sound quality even after years of neglect, demonstrating the durability of the guitar's build.
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An owner shared that their Melody Maker from the early '60s has sentimental value and is cherished as a family heirloom, indicating its lasting appeal.
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A Canadian-made case specifically for the Melody Maker is available on Reverb, offering a cost-effective option for fitting this model.
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Value and pricing
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A potential market value of $5000-$6000 AUD is suggested for well-preserved models, highlighting its status as a valuable collector's item.
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A $65 square case from eBay is considered adequate for general protection against falls and environmental conditions.
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In heavily modified states, the guitar's value can be around $1,000, though this may increase if the aftermarket pickups are valuable.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar is praised for its ability to produce "nice melodies," appealing to those seeking a classic sound suitable for rock and blues.
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Comparisons
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Some owners found that cases designed for Les Paul Junior or Les Paul Special models fit the Gibson Melody Maker well due to similar body thickness.
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Features and functionality
Build quality
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The original Melody Maker pickup is a single coil that's half of a humbucker, distinct from typical Fender pickups.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
13980
Easy to play & sounds great
I had a friend in high school whose dad had played in bands for years and collected a bunch of impressive gear. He had a ton of entry level Gibsons that I got to play, and I immeditatley fell in love with them. They were lighter and easier to use than, say, Les Pauls. So when I saw this on sale at a defunct local guitar store, I just knew I needed to buy it. It's been my go-to guitar ever since.
Artist usage
Add artist
Slash is confirmed to have used the Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway during the recording sessions for the guitar solo on Alice Cooper's 1991 song "Hey Stoopid." This is evidenced by a video from YouTube, authored by RJ Long, titled "Slash/Alice Cooper Recording 'Hey Stoopid' 1991," which shows him playing the instrument.
In this pic from Uncut 1996, you can see a 1960s sunburst Gibson Melody Maker D behind Daniel
In this live performance from the mid 80s, mike is seen playing a red Double Cutaway Melody Maker. Although it can be hard to make out, it is identiable by the small headstock
En esta presentacion Carl Barât usa una Gibson Melody Maker de doble corte para tocar Don´t Look Back into the sun
According to Premier Guitar, his main guitar is a 1961 Gibson Melody Maker.
In this image, Matt is playing a sunburst Melody Maker with a double cutaway and two single coil pickups.
His main guitar since about 2006. He has two versions of the guitar, a regular Gibson and an Epiphone.
Seen here playing a double cutaway Melody Maker with a neck humbucker
David Fenton used a sunburst Melody Maker in some early live performances, notably for the Vapors' appearance of Top of the Pops.
In the famous promotional shot of Baby Come Back, Pat Lloyd can be seen in slight glances what seems to be a Gibson Melody Maker with 2 pickups and a double cutaway. This guitar would be used by Lloyd extensively, along with other similar guitars throughout '67 to '68.
Album Usage
The Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Melody Maker Double Cutaway, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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