Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Just got this 2008 Melody Maker last week...


old mark

Recommended Posts

Found it online at a GC in New Mexico and the price was very very right, came with a case...and it looked good, so I jumped...

 

DSCN1051_zps9c7a7419.jpg

 

I was very surprised when it got here...it looks like it has little playing time and NO real dings or fret wear...and it has what I think is a Callaham steel tailpiece, which I like very much - got one on my Les Paul Junior. And the case it came in is an SKB...so I feel like the guitar itself was free...msp_thumbup.gif

 

I have about 9 Gibsons now, various price ranges...I seem to really enjoy the "low end" models - My 2011 Junior - P 90, my 2012 Junior Special and my 2011 Traditional Pro P90...and now this MM...Can't say enough good things about them!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I guess no one likes Melody Makers here...But I do, and I just found a 2008 2 pickup MM single cut, also a Burst...It should be here next wednesday...

 

I was looking at an original early 60s single cutaway Melody Maker in a local store just a few weeks ago for around A$1800. I was tempted, but the price was on the high side and it felt more insubstantial than I remembered.

 

I had no idea they were still being made with the original shape.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was looking at an original early 60s single cutaway Melody Maker in a local store just a few weeks ago for around A$1800. I was tempted, but the price was on the high side and it felt more insubstantial than I remembered.

 

I had no idea they were still being made with the original shape.

 

Both of mine were made in 2007 or 08. Gibson has made several versions of the MM over the years, the latest is the Les Paul Melody Maker, which, IMO, is too far off the original. These older single cuts are about as close to the old ones as anything, and both of mine combined totaled around $650.

 

There are a lot of them around used but in good condition...they are worth hunting for!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Both of mine were made in 2007 or 08. Gibson has made several versions of the MM over the years, the latest is the Les Paul Melody Maker, which, IMO, is too far off the original. These older single cuts are about as close to the old ones as anything, and both of mine combined totaled around $650.

 

There are a lot of them around used but in good condition...they are worth hunting for!

 

I love the old style Melody Makers like the one you picked up. I agree the new ones are too far off the originals and I don't like the 2014 one at all! They should have kept them like the originals, which they seemed to do up until the last 4 years or so before they turned them into Les Paul MM's etc. Yours looks great and you should post a pic of the 2 p/up one too! You should do a full review, I'd be interested your overall opinions on your new purchases [thumbup]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK - here's a little bit on each...the single pickup model...

 

DSCN1051_zps9c7a7419.jpg

 

They were both made in 2007 - The "D" = double pickup - model was made on May 22, and the single pickup model was made on June 21. The 2 pickup Melody Makers were made in part of 2007 and part of 2008 and then discontinued.

 

The pickups are single coils with alnico magnet. My ONLY complaint on either of these guitars is the pots do not offer a very usable tonal range - I am thinking about changing them for better pots, but I'm just thinking about it...

 

Tone on the bridge pups are somewhere between a Telecaster and a P 90 sound, very interesting and VERY responsive to adjustment in the pickup height, as well as where you hit the strings relative to the bridge. There are some basic techniques that are well suited to single pickup guitars and I have been learning a lot of then since I got my 2011 Les Paul Junior over a year ago...

 

The MM's are very light, maybe 7 pounds or less, very chunky necks and comfortable to play. The thinner mahogany plank body VIBRATES and sounds good to play even unplugged...VERY resonant with a lot more sustain than expected. I found no serious intonation problems with the factory top wrap tailpieces...I have several '60's Junior tailpieces from older Gibsons and the new ones are heavier without the weight relief molded into the bottoms. I think they are very good on their own and do not plan to replace them. Tuners are the old standby Deluxe, which I like. Idid replace the knobs with amber Gibson knobs because I think they look better. I use Ernie Ball Slinky 10's on both guitars. Both are a real pleasure to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 pickup "D" model (For double pickup...)

 

DSCN1074_zps603d500f.jpg

 

 

ADDED- Here is a GREAT tutorial on various techniques to get more out of a single pickup guitar...

 

 

 

AND - Phil X demos a near immaculate 1960 Melody Maker...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqShSuKql1I

 

There are a few for sale in various places online right now... msp_thumbup.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for posting this Old Mark, I found your review very interesting...and that 2 p/up one looks great as well.

 

I've yet to try a MM, so your insight into the sound was very helpful as I always wondered what Gibson single coils would sound like. I know you can watch demos online, but even with fairly good speakers sometimes it's hard to hear what the guitar ACTUALLY sounds like unless you play it in person.

 

They certainly are a couple of very cool instruments you have there [thumbup]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for posting this Old Mark, I found your review very interesting...and that 2 p/up one looks great as well.

 

I've yet to try a MM, so your insight into the sound was very helpful as I always wondered what Gibson single coils would sound like. I know you can watch demos online, but even with fairly good speakers sometimes it's hard to hear what the guitar ACTUALLY sounds like unless you play it in person.

 

They certainly are a couple of very cool instruments you have there [thumbup]

 

I find I am playing them A LOT - they are so resonant I can strum them unplugged and I like the fat necks. I have yet to even clean up and change strings on the 2 pickup MM...

 

I'm going to be selling a few more of my "better" guitars because they don't get played as much as my LP Junior, LP Trad Pro P90 and these 2 MM's...If you can find one locally, I recommend you try it.

 

mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I find I am playing them A LOT - they are so resonant I can strum them unplugged and I like the fat necks. I have yet to even clean up and change strings on the 2 pickup MM...

 

I'm going to be selling a few more of my "better" guitars because they don't get played as much as my LP Junior, LP Trad Pro P90 and these 2 MM's...If you can find one locally, I recommend you try it.

 

mark

 

 

I just found a 2008 one at a bargain price I am considering picking up! Btw, I too have an LP Junior & I also have an LP Junior Special amongst many others in my collection.

 

I really like stripped down guitars like these and find they play and sound equally as good as some of my high end ones! In regards to the Junior I think just having 1 pickup makes you think more about how you can achieve certain sounds and also makes you think more about playing techniques. They are great instruments and hopefully I'll be adding a Melody Maker to the collection soon too!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Old Mark, I thought I'd update you...my Melody Maker (2008 also) single pickup arrived today!

 

Your review was spot on...I love it! Mine has a few dings, and needs a good fretboard clean up, but has no major issues. Intonation is spot on and it plays like a dream. The fat neck is much like my 57 Black Beauty Les Paul but without the gloss, which feels great. I love how light the guitar is too.

 

It sounds fantastic! The tone pot on mine is very responsive and it's a way more versatile instrument than I expected it to be and another welcome addition to my ever growing collection.

 

I think this forum needs a MM appreciation thread!...the 2007-2009 ones are hidden gems in Gibson's history [smile]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

I love my 2003 MM an absolute hidden gem, all gibson fans should have one of these in there collection. The 2003 was abit of a different take on the theme but its a real gem.

7A7D3401-FF5B-48CE-8A43-C00C3A4ED1CE_zps7hakpui3.jpg

 

Nice collection there [thumbup]

 

Since I got my MM a few months ago I've being playing it a lot and did some recordings too. Listening back it has a great bright & cutting sound, totally different from other single coil guitars and is very expressive. Interesting to see a P-90 on yours, I bet it sounds great. I'm a big fan of P-90's [thumbup]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice collection there [thumbup]

 

Since I got my MM a few months ago I've being playing it a lot and did some recordings too. Listening back it has a great bright & cutting sound, totally different from other single coil guitars and is very expressive. Interesting to see a P-90 on yours, I bet it sounds great. I'm a big fan of P-90's [thumbup]

 

Yeh it sounds lovely, having the tune o matic bridge makes a difference aswell, gibson did a really good job on the mm this year I recommend getting one if the opportunity arises. Just managed to get myself a 2014 melody maker aswell, so really happy with that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Found it online at a GC in New Mexico and the price was very very right, came with a case...and it looked good, so I jumped...

 

DSCN1051_zps9c7a7419.jpg

 

I was very surprised when it got here...it looks like it has little playing time and NO real dings or fret wear...and it has what I think is a Callaham steel tailpiece, which I like very much - got one on my Les Paul Junior. And the case it came in is an SKB...so I feel like the guitar itself was free...msp_thumbup.gif

 

I have about 9 Gibsons now, various price ranges...I seem to really enjoy the "low end" models - My 2011 Junior - P 90, my 2012 Junior Special and my 2011 Traditional Pro P90...and now this MM...Can't say enough good things about them!

 

Hi,do you know what is this pickguard hiding. Is the pickup routing big enough to fit p90 pickup?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I picked up my '61 MM late last year (equiv $500 USD) and its a nice lightweight guitar. It has the original pickup (the single coil blade pickup Gibson used in some guitars in the 50's) but I have considered swapping to a P90. I've also since installed lightweight tuners with plastic buttons as it would have had originally.

 

MM_zpsf64c07f6.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Found it online at a GC in New Mexico and the price was very very right, came with a case...and it looked good, so I jumped...

 

DSCN1051_zps9c7a7419.jpg

 

I was very surprised when it got here...it looks like it has little playing time and NO real dings or fret wear...and it has what I think is a Callaham steel tailpiece, which I like very much - got one on my Les Paul Junior. And the case it came in is an SKB...so I feel like the guitar itself was free...msp_thumbup.gif

 

I have about 9 Gibsons now, various price ranges...I seem to really enjoy the "low end" models - My 2011 Junior - P 90, my 2012 Junior Special and my 2011 Traditional Pro P90...and now this MM...Can't say enough good things about them!

Nice guitar , hope you enjoy it

 

 

4H

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Back again after a while...

 

Was reading a thread on the MM's on another site, and found a LOT of guys saying how they are junk, nor "real" Gibsons, badly made, etc...I guess that's why there are a few around for sale all the time...their bad reputation...but I get the feeling the complainers never played one.

 

I am surprised and glad to see so many replies and new MM fans and owners. They are such great players and I have been selling more of my "good" guitars since I got my Melody Makers.

 

I also found a 3rd one, single pup, all stock, basic black, 2008...Another great one!

 

ADDED this is a D model being used as a jazz guitar and doing pretty well at it...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S62fMVfK0s

 

I have no pics of my blackie yet, but will put them up when I get some...just had to replace my camera and have not yet figured it out....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Yeh it sounds lovely, having the tune o matic bridge makes a difference aswell, gibson did a really good job on the mm this year I recommend getting one if the opportunity arises. Just managed to get myself a 2014 melody maker aswell, so really happy with that.

Just got a 2009 modified mm with a difference which I'll put pics up off from a friend on Sunday.. I love it.. Two Seymour Duncan pickups + coil taps an it sings.. JBjr bridge an Lil59 in the neck work great together..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<a href="http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/gasman72/media/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh587/gasman72/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg"/></a>

Here is a couple of quick pictures I took of my modified mm ..

It's a huge sounding guitar an can't believe the way it feels for a cheap Gibson guitar which get so much bad hype.. Think this is a keeper as its so much fun ...

temporary_zpson7ux7e0.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<a href="http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/gasman72/media/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh587/gasman72/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg"/></a>

Here is a couple of quick pictures I took of my modified mm ..

It's a huge sounding guitar an can't believe the way it feels for a cheap Gibson guitar which get so much bad hype.. Think this is a keeper as its so much fun ...

temporary_zpson7ux7e0.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<a href="http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/gasman72/media/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh587/gasman72/Mobile%20Uploads/temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo temporary_zpsazh1pzwa.jpg"/></a>

Here is a couple of quick pictures I took of my modified mm ..

It's a huge sounding guitar an can't believe the way it feels for a cheap Gibson guitar which get so much bad hype.. Think this is a keeper as its so much fun ...

temporary_zpson7ux7e0.jpg

Nice Melody Maker. I have an 07 with the two pickups and it is an incredibly fun guitar to play. It is super light and with 9s on it, it is great for surf rock.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love mine with .Strung up with.11s on an its a great for chords an soloing.. Has nice comfy neck which begs to be played.. Really liking the lil 59 in the neck position an the jb jr in the bridge good but the in between an coil tap tones really work on this guitar.. Might not need to hunt for a les Paul now.. Did say might lol ..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Coming back to this thread...I sold both my reverse sunburst MM's...I now have 2 of the 2008 single pickup MM's in all black, a very thin application that lets wood grain and pores show, and puts out lots of sound...AND I just bought a beat-up 1965 double cut MM in Cardinal Red, should be here next week.

I have been selling a lot of my guitars lately, and will be selling a bunch more next week, and buying Gretsch and odds and ends...a 1950's Vega acoustic arch top jazz guitar, and an' 80's Carvin double cut, all maple and about 12 pounds, ebony. I just stumbled across the '65 Melody Maker and jumped on it...it's the year I graduated from high school, 52 years ago...

I better go take my nap now...:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...