Gibson Melody Maker Explorer, satin blue, 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 shows off it's natural tonal properties, all while looking superb and oozing attitude. The blue is really eye catching, it's very cool. It's always suppressing how well-balanced an Explorer is; this sits nicely on your lap or hangs perfectly from a strap... all the better for diving around a stage on. If you've got a hankering for loud noises and need a guitar that'll match you for cantankerous attitude, this'll do just fine.

Model: Gibson Melody Maker Explorer
Made: 2011, USA (serial 116810628)
Finish: satin blue, nitrocellulose  
Body: solid maple, total guitar weight approx 3kg
Neck: quatersawn mahogany, rosewood board
Mods: none
Pickups: original Seymour Duncan HB-103 ceramic humbucker
Case: original Gibson gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The nitro finish wears pretty quickly, so the back of the neck has rubbed to gloss. There's some wood exposed on the bottom corner near the output jack, and another mark near the rear strap pin.  There's some light (barely there) scratches on the back and the occasional dimple on the front, as well as some play-scratches on the guard. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very little wear, 9/10 for life left. No headstock breaks. Heaps of swagger!