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Average Price: $2,400

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$400

$1001+

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Description

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.

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

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

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 2014 Electric Guitar - Gibson Melody Maker 2014 by American Musical Supply

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

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Gibson Melody Maker - Raw Vintage Sunburst - PMT by PMTVUK

Gibson Melody Maker - Raw Vintage Sunburst - PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Gibson - 2014 Les Paul Melody Maker Demo at GAK by GAK

Gibson - 2014 Les Paul Melody Maker Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson Melody Maker 2010 demo and review by Foxy's Guitar Show

Gibson Melody Maker 2010 demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker 2014: budget-friendly, but is it worth buying? by Dressed In Black

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

Dressed In Black

Dressed In Black

Reviews

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

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

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

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

    Source

Setup and maintenance

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

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source

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.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
krystof_brichta

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

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.

L

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.

nanuuuu

Love these P90's

Awesome guitar. You can make this Les Paul sing.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Hause uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Dave Hause

Guitarist

Paint It Black

...
Verified via YouTube

Concert video of Dave and his band live in 2017. He's playing a TV Yellow Gibson Melody maker from the beginning of the show. Thought it was an LPJ at first but it has a narrow headstock that's sometimes associated with Melody makers. Somewhat unique pickguard though

See how Chris Difford uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Chris Difford

Singer, Guitarist

Squeeze

...
Verified via Photo

Chris play his single cutaway, dual pickup Melody Maker.

See how Paul Sayer uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Paul Sayer

The Temperance Movement

...
Verified via The Guitar Magazine

in the 4th paragraph paul talks about buying a gibson melody maker, and how it was used on their album

See how Jen Razavi uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Jen Razavi

Singer, Guitarist

The Bombpops

...
Unverified
See how Allen Hinds uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Allen Hinds

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: 3 Tone Sunburst Year: 1959

In the video titled "What Makes This Guitar Great and Affordable," Allen Hinds showcases his 1959 Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, which he has modified to include a Bigsby and a humbucker pickup.

B

Brian Forsythe

Guitarist

Kix

...
Verified via YouTube

In the picture and video you can see him using what appears to be a modded HH Gibson Melody Maker, you can see him using it on Cold blood, and I believe he still uses it to this day.

See how John K. Samson uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

John K. Samson

Singer, Guitarist

Propagandhi

...
Verified via YouTube

John K. Samson can be seen playing a double cut Gibson Melody Maker throughout The Weakerthans - Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre DVD. The earliest John was seen with this guitar was around 2001 during the touring cycle for Left and Leaving, and he has played it from Reconstruction Site onwards.

See how Johnny Nicholas uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Johnny Nicholas

Guitarist

Asleep at the Wheel

...
Verified via Photo

And I can confirm personally he played a Melody Maker as back stage in edinburgh he handed it to a scottish 17yr old to jam with Snooky Pryor... I was the 17yr old

See how Ian O'Neil uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Ian O'Neil

Guitarist

Deer Tick

...
Verified via reverb.com

Under the "gear list" section found below his interview with Reverb, the Gibson Melody Maker is listed.

See how Hal Lindes uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Hal Lindes

Guitarist

Dire Straits

...
Verified via Photo

Loving recording the 1960 Melody Maker through the 50s Fender Harvard. Total game changer with the #TonePros wraparound bridge and of course the Hal Lindes Solo pick, courtesy of #Mick’s Picks.

See how Helios Creed uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Helios Creed

Guitarist

Chrome

...
Verified via Helioschrome

When he's not jamming just in headspace, Creed sports a clutch of Gibson SGs and Melody Makers

See how Isaac Miller uses Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar

Isaac Miller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Melody Maker SG, Kill Rock Stars Written on Neck

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 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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