1961 Gibson Melody Maker D Singlecut Tobacco Sunburst w/case

6lbs 8oz.

Rare find! This is in very good condition for its age. Plays great and functions as it should. The original wraparound tailpeace broke and was replaced with a MojoAxe one. Original is included. We believe that tha volume and tone knobs have been replaced. Everything else appears original. Includes vintage press-board case. See all pics. Pleanty of scratches, dings, blemishes and real relic-ing. 

The 1961 Gibson Melody Maker Singlecut represents the final production year of the original "Type 1" slab-body design before Gibson transitioned to the double-cutaway "Type 2" style later that same year.  As a result, single-cut models from 1961 are among the rarest and most desirable variants of the Melody Maker line, often commanding higher prices due to their scarcity and proximity to the 1959–1960 "Golden Era" specs. 

The Gibson Melody Maker was introduced in 1959 as a budget-friendly alternative to the Les Paul Junior, featuring a thinner body and simplified hardware. The single-cutaway body style was produced from 1959 until early-to-mid 1961. By late 1961, Gibson had fully switched to the double-cutaway design, making the 1961 single-cut models the last of their kind. 

These instruments are highly collectible because they retain the classic Les Paul Junior silhouette while offering a lighter, more resonant playing experience. They are often ink-stamped with serial numbers, a characteristic of this specific production window.

The 1961 single-cut model retains the core construction features of the late 1950s Melody Makers, distinguishing it from the subsequent double-cut models. 

• Body: Thin slab mahogany (approx. 1 3/8" depth), significantly thinner than the Les Paul Junior. 

• Finish: Typically Sunburst (often dark three-color), with the mahogany grain visible through the translucent stain. 

• Neck: One-piece mahogany set-neck with a "C" profile. The headstock is narrower and straighter than standard Gibson models of the era. 

• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood with dot inlays and 22 frets. 

• Scale Length: 24.75".

• Nut Width: Approximately 1 11/16". 

• Bridge: Aluminum wrap-around bridge/tailpiece.

• Pickups:

  • Single Pickup: Standard configuration with one small single-coil.

  • Double Pickup (Melody Maker "D"): A rarer variant featuring two single-coil pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and four control knobs (2 volume, 2 tone). 

• Electronics: All components mounted on a single-ply pickguard for easy removal.

Due to their short production run, 1961 single-cut Melody Makers are valued higher than later double-cut or SG-style versions. Prices fluctuate based on originality, condition, and whether the guitar is a single or double-pickup model. 

Since 1979, we at Mom's Music have worked hard to make the Louisville, KY music scene something special.  Now, we’re working hard to share what makes us great with the world.  We take pride in our care and attention to detail regarding every instrument and musician that comes through the store, and every instrument we receive gets a thorough inspection and setup when it arrives in our shop and prior to shipment.
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