Gibson Melody Maker LP, 2009, satin white. This is a pretty simple thing, but many of the best things are. You get one single coil pickup, a knob each volume and tone and... that's it. Tone-wise, this does a couple of things really well. Firstly, with the knobs dimed, it offers a bright, snappy, Telecaster-ish tone with a thick midrange and a huge attack... perfect for obnoxious country or rockabilly riffs. Second, wind back the tone knob and you get a spanky, warm growl that's superb for dirty blues. There's none of the bling or flashy confidence or a regular LP, but this has a downtown swagger all it's own. The super thin satin nitro finish is ageing like a champ with heaps of rub wear and dimples showing off the rich mahogany below... you don't want this kind of guitar looking too clean, so the rough edges add to the charm. The thin body is super light and nicely balanced, so it's easy on the back and the fingers. Plug straight into your preferred tube amp and you'll soon remember that this whole guitar playing thing is actually pretty fun.

Model: Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker
Made: USA, 2010 (serial 017090392)
Finish: satin white, nitro
Body: solid mahogany, thinline depth
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale slim 60s profile, 12" radius
Weight: 2.715kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gibson alnico single coil
Case:very basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's some marks on the end of the headstock and some light scuffs near the logo. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's some scuffs and rub wear behind the nut, a black mark on the lower side of the back around the 4th fret and some standard minor dimples and rub wear. The back has dimples on the top and bottom horns, a bald patch approx 1cm across in the middle and some rub wear along the back edge. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body and some scuffs near the jack, as well as a bald patch of rub wear on the bottom edge near the bottom horn. The front has dimples behind the bridge, in the elbow area and near the jack, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, nothing nasty; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.