Melody Maker by Gibson
Gibson's Melody Maker guitar was one of their lowest-price offerings. In fact, in each of Gibson's guitar model categories (Les Paul, Firebird, etc.), there were gradations of models, from cheapest to most expensive; and invariably, their cheapest models were their best selling items.
The Melody Maker represented a small line of guitars, lasting over a decade, which was geared toward the younger/student purchaser.
The original Melody Maker model featured a slab body, sporting a Les Paul Jr.-shaped body but 3/8" thinner, with wraparound bridge/ tailpiece, dot inlay fingerboard, narrow peghead, and a sunburst finish.
The original model featured single pickup covered in black plastic, although a two-pickup version was soon introduced (see accompanying photo).
The Les Paul Jr. style body gave way to a (symmetrical) double-cutaway in 1961, then a more traditionally SG-style body beginning in 1966.
Variations include a shorter-scale version available until 1970 and a 12-string version from 1967.
The model was introduced in 1959 and stopped production in 1971. Colors variously available through this period include cherry, orange sunburst, white, walnut, fire engine red, and Pelham blue.
The Melody Maker was replaced by the SG-100, then was reintroduced starting in 1986.
