Gibson 1977 Melody Maker Double - Tobacco Sunburst

The 1977 Gibson Melody Maker: Iconic Simplicity for Punk and Alternative Pioneers

A Revival of a Classic Design

The 1977 Gibson Melody Maker double-cutaway marked a rebirth of the iconic "student instrument" with modern updates for improved performance. Crafted with a solid mahogany body and neck, this guitar retains its vintage vibe with a nitrocellulose sunburst finish and set-neck construction. It’s a guitar that embodies the raw, stripped-down ethos of punk and early alternative music, famously embraced by artists like Joan Jett.

Upgraded for Enhanced Playability

This iteration of the Melody Maker includes a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Gibson stop tailpiece for superior stability and intonation. The original single-coil neck pickup, embossed with the Gibson logo, is complemented by a Rio Grande Jazzbar P90 bridge pickup for a versatile tonal range. With a 3-way selector and Gibson’s classic control layout, this guitar adapts effortlessly to a variety of playing styles while maintaining its minimalist charm.

Built for Comfort and Durability

The "C"-profile mahogany neck offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience, paired with a 24.5" scale length and a 12" fingerboard radius for effortless fretting and bending. Light wear, consistent with its age, gives this guitar authentic character, while aftermarket Kluson tuners ensure reliable tuning stability. Moderate fretwear in the first position leaves plenty of life for continued use.

Vintage Aesthetic with Aftermarket Details

The black aftermarket pickguard and aftermarket bridge pickup blend seamlessly into the vintage design while adding a unique touch. Original CTS pots dated 1975, along with the Gibson-embossed single-coil neck pickup, enhance this guitar’s authenticity. Despite some minor volume imbalance between pickups, this Melody Maker is a roadworthy, functional piece of rock history.

Specifications

• Model: Melody Maker Double
• Year: 1977
• Body Wood: Mahogany
• Finish: Nitrocellulose, sunburst top
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: C
• Neck Attachment: Set-neck
• Neck Depth at 1st Fret: .890"
• Neck Depth at 10th Fret: 1.070"
• Scale Length: 24.5"
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Crown Height: .035"
• Fret Crown Width: .110"
• Inlay Material: Faux MOP dots
• Nut Material: Original synthetic
• Nut Width: 1.72"
• Pickups:
  • Neck: Stock single-coil pickup
  • Bridge: Rio Grande Jazzbar P90, RWRP (aftermarket, dated 2010)
• Bridge Type: Nickel Tune-O-Matic
• Hardware: Nickel
• Control Configuration: 3-way pickup selector, four pots (individual volume and tone), reversed wiring for neck and bridge volume/tone controls
• Potentiometers: Original CTS pots, dated 1975 (codes read 1377536)
• Tuning Heads: Aftermarket Kluson tuners, nickel finish, plastic keystone buttons
• Pickguard: Black aftermarket, close match to original with bridge pickup cutout
• Radius: 12"
• Condition: Light dings and wear throughout, belt buckle worming on the back.

This guitar ships fully insured with signature required.

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***This item is at Five Star Guitars on consignment. As a result, all sales are final.***