Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

This Gibson Melody Maker is the key representative of the entire model family. You can review, list, or link it to artists. Remember to enrich your contributions with specifics like year, color, etc. in your notes.

$2,400.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (20)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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16 wishlisted

52 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$2,400.00 11 available Used

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Average Price: $2,400

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your musical potential with the Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, a staple for players seeking simplicity and powerful sound. Designed for musicians who appreciate straightforward functionality without sacrificing quality, this solid body electric guitar captures the essence of rock and roll while providing a platform for versatile stylistic exploration. The Melody Maker's minimalist design is perfect for those who appreciate a no-nonsense approach to their gear, allowing the raw energy of your performance to shine through.

Crafted with a mahogany body, this guitar delivers a warm, resonant tone that compliments its robust and reliable performance. The single cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, letting you hit those solos with ease. The guitar's P-90 single-coil pickup is celebrated for its crisp, bright sound that cuts through mixes, making it a favorite for both studio sessions and live performances.

Whether you’re just starting out or adding to your collection, the Gibson Melody Maker is a versatile addition that adapts to a variety of musical styles, from blues to punk. With its straightforward controls and reliable tuning stability, you can focus on what truly matters—your music.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body for warm tonal resonance
P-90 single-coil pickup for bright, clear sound
Single cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
Straightforward control layout for ease of use
Durable construction suitable for both studio and live settings

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Melody Maker
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1959 - 1960
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	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson Melody Maker
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Melody Maker's single pickup?: The Gibson Melody Maker features a single-coil pickup known for delivering bright, clear tones with a vintage edge, making it ideal for rock and blues genres.
Is the Gibson Melody Maker suitable for beginner guitarists?: Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker's straightforward design, lightweight body, and comfortable neck profile make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a quality entry-level electric guitar.
What is the neck profile of the Gibson Melody Maker?: The Gibson Melody Maker typically features a slim neck profile, offering easy playability and quick access to all frets, suitable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a faster neck.
Does the Gibson Melody Maker work well with pedals?: Yes, the Gibson Melody Maker's clear and articulate tone pairs well with a variety of effects pedals, allowing for versatile sound shaping in different musical styles.
What is the scale length of the Gibson Melody Maker, and how does it affect playability?: The Gibson Melody Maker has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly looser string tension, making it easier to bend notes and play comfortably, especially for those used to shorter scale guitars.

Videos

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American Musical Supply

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 2014 Electric Guitar - Gibson Melody Maker 2014

American Musical Supply

Gibson Melody Maker - Raw Vintage Sunburst - PMT

PMTVUK

Gibson - 2014 Les Paul Melody Maker Demo at GAK

GAK

Gibson Melody Maker 2010 demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 2014: budget-friendly, but is it worth buying?

Dressed In Black

Reviews

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PROS

Lightweight design, making it easy to handle and play for extended periods
High-output single pickup offers a unique, versatile sound
Resonates with a special vintage feel, often described as having "mojo"
Comfortable neck, praised for its playability and feel
Offers a great balance between classic Gibson and Fender tones
Affordable for a vintage guitar, considered a hidden gem
USA-made craftsmanship at a budget-friendly price
Classic design reminiscent of early Les Paul Juniors
Excellent sustain due to vintage dried wood

CONS

Limited to one pickup, which may restrict tonal options for some players
Some users experience tuning stability issues
Basic features may not satisfy those seeking advanced functionalities

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar.

Build quality

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The Melody Maker D variants have two single-coil pickups and two volume and tone knobs, distinguishing them from the single pickup models.
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Features and functionality

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The SG body style Melody Makers from the late 60s often had a Vibrola tremolo bar, identifiable by three light-colored dots on the body where a metal plate was once attached.
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User experience

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Multiple owners praise the guitar's lightweight build and smooth playability, noting the surprisingly heavy sound despite the thin pickups.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some guitars had the original cream-colored tuning keys replaced with more modern versions, affecting the instrument's authenticity for collectors.
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Mods and upgrades

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It’s common for owners to encounter non-original bridge bolts, which, although not OEM, have been reported to function adequately without immediate need for replacement.
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Critic Reviews

Gibson Melody Maker review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Melody Maker is a budget-friendly nod to a classic model, offering a punchy, brash tone and simplistic design that appeals to punk-inspired players. While its straightforward construction and single-pickup setup might not suit everyone, it delivers a solid mid-range and versatile sound suitable for various genres. However, its basic hardware and unfinished feel are noticeable drawbacks, making it less ideal for high-position playing. Overall, it's an endearing choice for budget-conscious musicians seeking a rock-infused, vintage vibe, but its cost-cutting measures are apparent.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings

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krystof_brichta

about 11 years ago

True raw power. Ideal for players with great pedal boards, who do not maintain sound from gutar's onboard.

One of the reason's I got my black 2010 Melody Maker, which is right now back home over the Atlantic unplayed almost for 2 years, is that it is USA made, which I got for less than $350 brand new with 3 years warranty.

I got the guitar as as better guitar compared to Epi SG Jr. when I was progressing with my former band. It is, I would say, US made Les Paul Special on a diet. One single coil, high out put pickup with one T and one V control and wrap around bridge - that works really good, once you fine set it. For straight up rockers who love to be loud, but know how to play highly recommended as well -my case- for players, who need just one pickup and have shizload of pedals.

I pretty much got the guitar for its craftsmanship in the USA while giving up some higher standards I could get on Chinese or Indonesian made Epiphone LP Custom or SG G400, so if you are looking for a high quality craftsman ship by Gibson and need just on single and are on a budget go for it!

jacobmuna

701

almost 10 years ago

A really retro, wonderful sounding guitar.

I got it for around £300 in Denmark Street which i think is an amazing deal. This guitar can make lovely clean sounds from lush to quite twangy, and in Gibson's nature some lovely overdriven sounds. Some people may complain about having only one pickup which is being honest a limitation but you can get some darker sounds with the tone knob but as I'm someone with many effects pedals i have still managed to get a very wide range of tones out of it and even without many effects the guitar sounds truly lovely and is the only electric guitar I've ever needed.

lauren_fitz

almost 8 years ago

Great entry to Gibson guitars

I wanted this guitar ever since seeing Carl Barrat (The Libertines, Dirty Pretty Things) play an original vintage model. The re-production was my first Gibson and a great entry point guitar. I love the tone, it's lightweight, however, have encountered many issues with tuning slipping.