Gibson Certified Vintage 1967 Gibson Melody Maker D, Fire Engine Red

1967 Gibson Melody Maker D, Serial Number 000164

Originally designed as a student model and an accessible entry point into playing guitar, this 1967 Gibson Melody Maker D shares much of the same DNA with its SG model siblings, with a look and sound uniquely its own.

Shipping ledger entries record two Melody Maker D guitars with this serial number—one shipped on December 22, 1966, and another on January 5, 1967. Although the visible potentiometer codes date to 1966, it’s likely both guitars would feature similarly dated components. To keep our naming conservative, we’ve opted to refer to this as a 1967 Gibson Melody Maker D.

Melody Makers from this era were primarily offered in two unique finishes—Pelham Blue and Fire Engine Red—which, on any other Gibson model of the time, would be considered custom colors. This example’s original Fire Engine Red finish is beautifully preserved, showing only mild checking and very light wear consistent with an instrument well cared for over the last 58 years. Aside from small nicks and dings and some light wear along the headstock edges, there are a few small “cable burn” marks—a reaction between the vinyl covering used on vintage cables and the nitrocellulose lacquer.

All electronics remain original, including the CTS potentiometers, Sprague disc capacitors, and the pair of dual Melody Maker single-coil pickups unique to this model. These pickups offer a distinctive voice—bright and chimey when played clean, with plenty of body and punch when overdriven. Although this guitar has the narrow 1 9/16" nut width, the medium C neck carve gives you plenty to hold onto, making for an easy and comfortable playing experience. The original frets are in excellent shape, with only light playwear visible.

All hardware is original and in very good condition, including the lightning bar wraparound bridge and short Maestro vibrola. This combination allows the flexibility to choose between a traditional wraptail stringing style, as on an SG Junior or Special, or to utilize the short Maestro for light vibrato work. The original Kluson Deluxe tuners are in excellent shape and function smoothly. This Melody Maker bridges the gap between 1960s Gibson craftsmanship and collectability and offers an approachable entry point into the world of vintage guitars.

The guitar ships in a new Lifton Historic black-and-goldenrod SG-style case, with the original chipboard case included as well.

This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Weight: 6.61lb
Depth at 1st Fret: .84”
Depth at 12th Fret: 1.01”