Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,072
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Gibson Melody Maker Special is a tribute to the original rock 'n' roll revolution, offering modern musicians an authentic vintage experience. This solid body electric guitar is a nod to the late 1950s classic, redesigned to deliver both nostalgic tones and contemporary playability. Crafted from solid mahogany, it exudes a sonic depth and warmth that evokes the spirit of countless Gibson legends. The lightweight '60s-style slim-tapered neck ensures comfort and speed, enhancing your ability to shift seamlessly between chords and solos.
Embodying the heart of rock music, the Melody Maker Special is equipped with dual Gibson P-90 pickups. These beloved single-coil pickups are renowned for their vintage growl, characterized by a distinct bite and midrange punch, making them perfect for genres ranging from punk to blues. The baked maple fingerboard, a result of an eco-friendly torrefaction process, not only looks stunning but also provides exceptional durability and tonal clarity akin to ebony.
Aesthetically pleasing, the guitar's nitrocellulose finish offers a vintage vibe while allowing the guitar to "breathe," enhancing its natural resonance. The wraparound bridge and white button tuners ensure that your tuning and sustain remain rock solid, making this guitar a reliable partner for gigs and studio sessions alike. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Gibson Melody Maker Special is your ticket to crafting timeless rock history.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body and neck
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile
- Baked maple fingerboard
- Dual Gibson P-90 pickups
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Wrap-around bridge
- White button tuners
- 3-way pickup selector
- Made in Nashville, TN
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Melody Maker Special |
| Finish | Blue Satin, Satin Cherry, Satin Ebony, Satin Yellow |
| Year | 2011 - 2013 |
| 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 | Maple |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| 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 kind of pickups does the Gibson Melody Maker Special have?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Special is equipped with P-90 single-coil pickups in both the neck and bridge positions, offering a bright and punchy tone suitable for various music styles.
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Is the Gibson Melody Maker Special suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker Special is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward controls and comfortable playability, making it easy for new players to explore different sounds.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Melody Maker Special?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Special features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck and a 12" radius baked maple fingerboard, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
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How does the finish of the Gibson Melody Maker Special affect its playability?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Special has a nitrocellulose satin finish, which allows the wood to resonate more freely and provides a smooth, fast feel for enhanced playability.
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What are the available color options for the Gibson Melody Maker Special?
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The Gibson Melody Maker Special is available in Blue Satin, Satin Cherry, Satin Ebony, and Satin Yellow, offering a range of classic and vibrant finishes to choose from.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Melody Maker Special.
Features and functionality
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The P90 pickups in the 2011 model utilize Alnico V magnets, contributing to the guitar's strong, punchy sound.
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The 2011 model includes a unique pickguard-mounted pickup selector, differing from traditional body-mounted styles, which may affect ease of access during play.
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The Melody Maker has a flat top similar to a Junior or Special, differing from the carved tops of maple-capped Les Paul models.
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The guitar’s body finishes are thin and prone to dings and wear, highlighting a potential longevity concern for some users.
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Build quality
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Owners appreciate the thin body design, which enhances the acoustic resonance, allowing the vibrations to be distinctly felt through the neck and body.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's common for this model to have Kluson Deluxe tuning machines, but some units feature Gibson Deluxe tuners, possibly due to transitional production choices.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
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While priced at $700, it's noted these models aren't highly sought after, which may limit resale value compared to more popular Gibson models.
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Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
123
absolutely amazing guitar for intermediates to experienced players
sounds absolutely amazing, perfectly balanced and great for all musical genres
Artist usage
Add artist
You can see Adrian Smith playing this guitar in video for the 1983 song Flight of Icarus,from the album Piece of Mind.
This is a picture shared on the Temple's official instagram account, in many photos of their home studio we can see this guitar.
In this photo from a Tumblr for Tegan and Sara's gear, Tegan Quin can be seen playing Gibson Melody Maker Special electric guitar.
Album Usage
The Gibson Melody Maker Special 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 Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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