You don't always get what you pay for!

I posted some of this in the 2014 Gibson line up bashing thread. While I'm not someone who likes change for change sake I like what I just stumbled upon so here goes.....

I have to say that the 2014 LP Melody Maker in TV yellow I just bought used but in mint condition is the best bang for the buck guitar I've owned in many a moon. This thing is LP meets Tele on steroids. Killer neck with a full and beefy profile. Very nice dark rosewood board. The P90S pickups have a clarity and definition to them that the Gibson P90's I have in my CS 1960 Special don't have. Gibson may be onto something in the way they designed the P90's with alnico slugs instead of adjustable pole pieces. They really are great sounding on this guitar. The maple neck as opposed to mahogany may also contribute to some of the Tele-like spank.

The matte finish was truly awful so I spent an hour with some McGuires polish and buffed the lacquer to a nice low sheen that looks really great. Could be buffed out further if desired. The wrap tailpiece intonates perfectly with 10's. The nut is cut well and the action is perfect for my style, low with just enough to get my fingers under the strings for bends. Kluson tuners are just fine with no slippage whatsoever. The body is about is the same thickness of an SG. The belly cut out on the back is very comfortable IMO. Not crazy about the new speed knobs, they will be gone soon, and I wished they had left the stupid 120th anniversary inlay off the neck. Changed the truss rod cover out to a plain one.

I have a 2001 R8 CA, 2005 CS 1960 Special and a SG Classic along with various Telecasters and Strats so I am comparing this guitar to some serious competition. It holds its own with no need for apologizes.

Used, I paid less than half of what the internet sites are selling them for, but even at full price these things just scream. I'm not a purist so I don't mind these new twists on things. Its certainly is no Melody Maker that's for sure. I have no idea why they would call it that. If you find one cheap I highly recommend. IMO Gibson hit a home run on this one. If you are looking for a way to get into the world of P90's you may want to consider one of these LP MM's.

http://i62.tinypic.com/sb7eqp.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/25u1o4n.jpg
http://i62.tinypic.com/4hjmg.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/oadnid.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/35lhgy1.jpg

Gibson still gets it right a lot of times. Sure, I wish my Std Faded had come with bumblebee caps and better wiring, but it's still a hell of a guitar, a good product that lives up to the name.

Just give me a plain ole' USA Jr.

3 piece body I don't care.

I was really excited for that same guitar. I ordered one. When it came in, I was disappointed with the fret work. I immediately drove it to my luthier to ask his thoughts on fret dressing. He pointed out the broken headstock.

It became a Memphis 339 later that day. That became an ES-Les Paul last week.

My friend bought one for his son a couple weeks later and that one plays and sounds excellent.

Just a quick add... I saw a 2014 Anniv Melody Maker in a shop used for $100 more than I paid for one new. It lasted a week. Those things are definitely gonna be a budget guitar to recon with.

I got one used at Guitar Center Yesterday for $399. I think it is pretty cool. The ES-125 pickups(P-90S) sound great.

Texas Blues said:

Just give me a plain ole' USA Jr.

3 piece body I don't care.

Click to expand...

This. 1 P90, 2 knobs, NO FREAKIN' ELECTRIC TUNERS!!!!! and
reasonably cheap - the $599 street one they had out a couple years ago was, if not perfect, pretty durn close.

Here is an interesting article about the P-90 Slug pickups made exclusively for the 2014 Melody Maker (link)

I am itchin' for some P90 gloriousness..

Looking for a used one..
Please let's keep the adoration here..so we can grab these BEFORE the onslaught..

My lips..and keyboard is sealed on this issue

Sam Ash is selling them for $499

http://www.samash.com/2014-les-paul-melody-maker-electric-guitar-glpmm14xx-p