Gibson Melody Maker Explorer, satin black, 2011. The Melody Maker line has produced some gems over the years, and this very short-lived model is a good example. It's a simple guitar: one pickup, one volume knob, wrap-around bridge... no nonsense. The solid maple body lends some snap and definition, and the high-output humbucker delivers a whole lot of crunch and growl. This one seems to love nothing more than palm-muted power chords; it'll happily eat those up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The super thin satin nitro finish lets the wood breathe and wears quickly to a streetwise legit-relic look. This is rudimentary riffstick, but it does what it does very well. Plus, it's got a funny Explorer shaped gig bag for extra kicks. 

Model: Gibson Melody Maker Explorer
Made: 2011, USA (serial 119211433)
Finish: black, satin nitrocellulose  
Body: maple
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, slim 60s shape, 12" radius
Weight: 3.040kg
Mods: none
Pickups: original Seymour Duncan HB-103 ceramic humbucker
Case: basic Gibson gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of dents on the end, as well as string winder scuffs on the top and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has some minor dimples along the back and bottom edges as well as some rub wear in the middle and on the edges from contact. The sides have some dimples on both horns, a couple of dents and dimples in the elbow area, dimples, scuffs and a tape burn near jack and some rub wear along the bottom edge. The front has some dimples behind the bridge and along the back edge, some rub wear and dimples on the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: the neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have very little wear, 9/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.