GIBSON GUITAR VALUE BY SERIAL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER

The Melody Maker was produced through 1970 before it was rebranded as the SG-100/SG-200/SG-250 series.

It also followed design changes similar to the Les Paul Junior with the introduction of a rounded double-cutaway body in 1961, and then an SG-style body in 1963. The affordable Melody Maker became Gibson's best-selling solidbody guitar by the mid-1960s. A 3/4-sized Melody Maker debuted the same year as well. The Melody Maker was essentially a budget version of the Les Paul Junior with a thinner body, a narrow headstock without the wings, and a thinner pickup with no pole pieces. In 1959, Gibson introduced the Melody Maker sans any mention of the Les Paul name on the guitar. It was expensive, however, and plans were already underway by the end of 1953 to produce a more affordable model called the Les Paul Junior.īy the late 1950s, the Les Paul Junior was outselling all other Les Paul models combined, and Gibson took note of how well Fender's budget-model Musicmaster was doing. Gibson first introduced the solidbody Les Paul guitar in 1952, and it quickly became very popular.

GIBSON GUITAR VALUE BY SERIAL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER

Up until 1961, Gibson dated solidbodies by utilizing the first number of the serial number to indicate the last digit of the year built, confirming that this Melody Maker is a 1960.Ī quick glance at the Melody Maker shows the similarity in design to the timeless Les Paul. The Melody Maker was just one of many guitars released under Ted McCarty's term as president and visionary of Gibson between 19. Cheap to produce and popular with the emerging rock 'n' roll scene, Gibson made thousands of them in the 1960s. Gibson's Melody Maker was the ultimate guitar for beginners in the late 1950s and early 1960s. While money talks and a lot of guitar owners might be quick to action, it's important to be informed about the assets you have so you can make the best financial decision. A ballpark value and any other information about this guitar would be appreciated.Ĭool guitar! Let me start by saying that it's a smart move to find out what your guitar is really worth before you consider selling it. A local music store offered me $450, but I don't know if this is a fair price or not. The case is a little rough, but still very usable. It's in good condition for its age, and everything works except the tone knob.

I believe it's somewhere around a 1960s model, but I'm not sure. I'm 72 and retired now, and played it some when I was very young. I'm hoping you can provide me some information about my Gibson Melody Maker guitar.

Gibson guitar value by serial number