Extreme Makeover: Guitar Edition – The Rounded 1964 Melody Maker

Here is a tale of sheer guitar modding madness. We present to you one of the wildest modded-out vintage guitars we’ve ever laid eyes on: a 1964 Gibson Melody Maker that’s been through an absolute whirlwind of changes.

This guitar has lived an interesting life, to say the least.

The Anatomy of a Mod Monster

Let’s break down the Frankensteinian transformation this guitar has undergone:

• Bye-Bye Horns: The original horns of the guitar were mercilessly cut off.
• Rounded Body: The body was rounded out, giving it a more, shall we say, “unique” look.
• HSH Pickup Configuration: The body has been routed for an HSH pickup configuration, because why not?
• Pickup Variety Pack: It sports DiMarzio humbuckers and an unidentified single-coil pickup.
• Selective Wiring: It’s wired with a 3-way switch and HH wiring. The single-coil pickup? Oh, it’s just for show – not connected at all.
• Khaler Locking Tremolo: A Khaler locking tremolo has been added, leaving the original bridge pole holes awkwardly exposed.
• Relocated Strap Buttons: The strap buttons have been repositioned, leaving previous holes as a permanent reminder of their nomadic journey.
• Changed Tuners: The tuners have been swapped, leaving a constellation of screw holes on the back of the headstock.

The Battle Scars

This guitar shows quite a bit of cosmetic wear from its adventurous past. Various scratches, scuffs, dents, and chips decorate its surface like badges of honor. The finish shows checking marks on the neck heel and the face of the headstock. There’s even a notable crack where the headstock meets the neck, but according to the seller, it feels structurally solid, so no glue was involved.

Why Such a Savage Mod?

Now, let’s address the burning question: why such a savage mod? We only have theories, and hypotheses but nothing to prove ‘em right… or wrong for that matter.

The first one that comes to mind is the Why Not? Theory. Perhaps the original owner woke up one day and thought, “You know what this vintage guitar needs? A complete overhaul!” When it comes to modding an instrument, most of us don’t think that way but some do! “Why not” is not a good enough reason to mess with a guitar… unless your a DIY adventurer!

What if this was just a Learning Experience? Maybe this was a DIY project gone wild. After all, what better way to learn about guitar mods than by turning a guitar into a modding playground? Fair enough but you don’t do that on a 1964 Gibson Melody Maker, do you? Harley Bentons and countless cheap guitars are out there for that very purpose!

No diss for the Harley Bentons and alikes but it’s true, right? These are perfect modding ground especially for those looking to improve their tone qualities. This leads us to the next theory…

Maybe we are looking at the result of a Quest for the Perfect Sound? The original owner might have been on an endless quest to find the ultimate tone. Thus trying every combination of pickups and hardware possible, and even getting ride of these useless horns in what can be described as a less wood is more tone unconventional approach.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was a Just for Fun Aesthetic Experiment? This could have been an artistic endeavor to create the most eye-catching guitar on the block. And it was all done for the sheer fun of it. Because sometimes, you just need to let your creativity run wild.

A Modding Marvel

This 1964 Gibson Melody Maker really shows the lengths some will go to personalize their instruments. Whether you see it as a modding marvel or a cautionary tale, one thing’s for sure – this guitar is anything but ordinary.

So, what do you think? Is this Melody Maker a masterpiece or a monstrosity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!