In a move that’s bound to make starving artists the world over smile, Gibson has announced the re-release of their classic, low-cost Melody Maker guitar––for a street pricing hovering around just $350.
The guitar, which is a recreation of the late ’50s Melody Maker (originally intended as a student model instrument,) will feature a special-design singlecoil pickup housed in a period-correct pickguard, a slim/light mahogany body, rounded neck profile, and a vintage-style wraparound tailpiece.
Amazingly for this price range, the guitar is actually built in Nashville, TN––yep, an American-Made Gibson for less than $400.
Other features will include a mahogany neck (24 3/4“ scale length,) rosewood fretboard with 22 frets, dot inlays, blak ”top hat“ knobs, vintage ”white button“ tuning machines, and single volume & tone controls. The Melody Maker will be available in Vintage Sunburst, Ebony, and White satin finishes.
Gibson has also posted a short video introduction and demo of the Melody Maker which is definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a low-cost Gibson––check it out.
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August 27th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I just ordered one of these and figured I’d do a search on your site and see what information you had on it. I’ll send you a hands-on review of it once I get it and mess with it a bit. -dm
August 27th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Cool… I can’t wait to hear how you like it. I’ve been tempted to pick one up myself at this price.
Pretty amazing deal :)
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
I am extremely pleased with this guitar (I have the single-pickup, sunburst model). It is a solid, well-built instrument. Of all the many guitars I have owned and played during the past fifty years, this one is the best when you consider both quality and value. Among other matters, the Melody Maker’s simplicity is perhaps its most important aspect.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I bought the dual pickup in vintage sunburst. It was a very good deal for $349.99 The guitar played great right out of the box. I slightly lowered the bridge pickup. Probably the most inexpensive American made guitar on the market with unbeatable quality. Get it before the price goes up.
January 6th, 2008 at 3:13 am
I am a very satisfied and proud owner of 2 Gibson Melody Maker guitars. My Sunburst 2007 is sweet and plays great right out of the box.
A real handbuilt guitar from Nashville that will hold its own against any import you want to throw up against it. The Tone and Sustain make this a real value @ $350.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:00 am
This dual pick-up version in ebony is incredible! I love the warm sound of the mahogany wood and set neck. Very light and solid too. The rounded neck is great for sustain but not too big for smaller hands as it is true to a student profile. But this actually helps make the neck very fast and for the price it is unbeatable. Add to this fact it is an American Gibson, and you can’t go wrong. I bet it is probably too good to be true as Gibson will probably retire it as they list it on their website under designer guitars, and those usually get limited runs. Well, that would be even another reason to pick up one or two!
August 17th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
i like cows
January 31st, 2009 at 6:54 am
Me too!!!!!!!!!!