History of Gibson Dove

This is a model from the very first year the Dove was produced. The serial number printed on the orange label confirms the year of manufacture. Only 17 DOVE guitars were produced in 1962—far fewer than the total number of original D-45s or SJ-200s—making this a rare and valuable instrument that rarely appears on the market.

The dove and flower design on the pickguard is emblematic of this model, but you can see that the stems of the flowers on this particular pickguard have thorns. As for what this floral motif actually represents, the specific type of flower has not been officially identified.
It may be natural to view it as an abstract floral design rather than a specific variety, but personally, I believe it might be Rosa acicularis (wild rose). It features five distinctive pink petals and a yellow center, and the stem has thorns.

Among the examples I have examined so far, some models with 1962 serial numbers feature this thorn design, while I have not yet confirmed its presence on any models from 1963 or later. Additionally, since the engraving is done by hand, there are individual variations in details such as the size of the dove’s beak, the number of feathers, the flower’s color, and the arrangement of the branches and leaves.

The finish for the first year of the Dove’s release is said to be Cherry Sunburst, with the Natural color reportedly shipping starting the following year, 1963.
This particular guitar was originally Cherry Sunburst, but it has faded to look more like a Natural finish. While this is a common sign of aging seen in Gibson Flat Top Cherry Sunburst models from 1963 to 1966,
I have never seen a 1962 serial number guitar fade this much. Upon closer inspection, the original cherry color remains on the lower left side of the body, revealing just how deep the color once was.

It exudes a presence that suggests it has weathered countless stages. It’s an incredible instrument, even for a first-year model.

This is also a model from the very first year the Dove was introduced. The year of manufacture can be identified by the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock.
When compared to the previous model, you can see that the cherry sunburst finish is still well-preserved.

The pickguard features a design without thorns on the stems, and the colors of the flowers and leaves, as well as the arrangement of the petals, are also different.

The Tune-O-Matic bridge is also a hallmark of this model.
This specification was first introduced on the 1961 J-200. It adds a mechanical nuance to the powerful sound of the 16-inch body.

The figured maple used on the sides and back also complements the reddish finish. The list price for the Dove at the time was $360. Since the Hummingbird was priced at $265, the Dove was positioned as the top-of-the-line model in the square-shoulder series. Considering that the J-200, the top-of-the-line flat-top model, also features a maple body, it’s clear that the glamorous appearance and sound of maple were central to Gibson’s aesthetic.

Based on the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1963 model.
It features a beautiful cherry sunburst finish. Unfortunately, the orange label has peeled off and is missing, but it is in excellent condition that belies its age of over 60 years.

As for minor specification changes, similar to the Hummingbird, the bridge plate has been changed from a single piece to a three-piece stacked design.

This is a model from the first year of production for the natural finish. The year of manufacture can be identified by the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock. After shipments of the DOVE began in 1962, shipments of the natural finish began the following year, in 1963. Only 29 units were shipped in the first year of the natural finish. Like the 1962 model, this is a rare and valuable instrument.

As with the relationship between the J-45 and J-50, the natural finish required more carefully selected spruce for the top, so it was positioned as a higher-priced option than the sunburst finish. However, starting in 1963, prices were standardized across the J-45, J-50, Hummingbird, and Dove models (price differences reemerged for each model starting in the late 1960s).Among the jumbo-sized flat-top models, the J-200, SJ (Southern Jumbo), and SJN (Country Western) continued to be priced higher in the natural finish. For the SJ and SJN, prices were standardized in 1964 (though price differences reemerged in the latter half of the year), while the J-200 maintained a price difference even after 1970.

In addition to the color scheme, the truss rod cover bearing the “DOVE” name is also a distinctive feature. It appears that the same cover as the Hummingbird was used initially, but it is believed that this truss rod cover began to be used around 1963.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1964 model. Upon closer inspection and comparison with other early models, individual variations become apparent.
One major difference is that this model has a body width of 403 mm, which is less than 16 inches—about 5 mm narrower than usual. The waist of the body is also 271 mm, about 10 mm narrower than standard. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the body is slimmer.

Additionally, the bridge, which features a T.O.M., is deeply carved on the neck side, and you can see an "R" marked in that area. The 1963 model also had an "R."

The bridge plate has changed from a square to a hexagonal shape and is also larger in size.
This specification change is the same as on the J-45.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1964 model.

If you look closely and compare it with other early models, you’ll notice individual variations.

Most notably, this model has a body width of 403 mm, which is less than 16 inches—about 5 mm narrower than usual. The body waist is also 271 mm, about 10 mm narrower than standard. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the body is slimmer.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1964 model.

Even among the earlier models, if you look closely and compare them, you’ll notice individual variations.

Most notably, this model has a body width of 403 mm, which is less than 16 inches—about 5 mm narrower than standard. The body waist is also 271 mm, about 10 mm narrower than standard. When compared side-by-side, you can see that the body is slimmer.

Based on the orange label, the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, and the bridge specifications, this is a 1966 model.

It features Grover 102N tuners.
The patina on the nickel plating and the milk bottle-shaped shaft covers stamped with the patent number give it a vintage feel.
Although Grover tuners began to be used around this time, Kluson waffle-back tuners continued to be used as well.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1966 model.

This is a Dove cutaway model that you’d be hard-pressed to find. The finish is a Tobacco Sunburst, a color seen starting in 1966, which is also a finish not typically found on 1960s Dove models.
Combined with this color and the simple tortoiseshell pickguard,
it looks at first glance like a CF-100 jumbo size,
but the Dove-specific bridge and label feature the word “Dove” written in cursive.
The truss rod cover is inscribed with the word “CUSTOM.”

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1967 model.

While 1967 models are typically associated with a bright, red cherry sunburst, this one features the fading cherry sunburst finish common until 1966. It harmonizes beautifully with the cherry color of the sides and back, giving the guitar an overall beautiful and vibrant appearance. Although the tuners have been replaced, they complement the gold hardware very well.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1967 model.

A characteristic of this year is the change in the hue of the cherry sunburst on the body top; it is no longer the type of cherry that faded easily, and even now, nearly 60 years later, the vivid red color remains.

Another notable change is the method of attaching the pickguard.
As with the J-45 and Hummingbird, you can see that it is secured with screws. There are five screws in total.

Based on the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1968 model.

The two pickguards mounted on the body top are truly striking.
Speaking of Gibson double pickguards, although it is a different model, you can see Bob Dylan playing a J-200 Sunburst equipped with a double pickguard on stage at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
In addition to this, the Everly Brothers and others made this premium model popular among country musicians and in the rock scene due to its striking appearance.

Dove’s double pickguard is also a rare item.
The thick tortoiseshell-patterned pickguard features the iconic "dove" adorned with lustrous pearl,
and the floral pattern features a beautiful color scheme of red, green, and other hues.
Moreover, two of these are symmetrically placed on both sides, creating a harmonious look.

Combined with the T.O.M. finish, this is a guitar brimming with rock spirit.

Based on the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1969 model.
While the Dove had not undergone any major cosmetic changes up to this point, the bridge specifications were revised starting this year. The saddle was changed from T.O.M. to a wooden adjustable saddle, the same type used on the J-45 and Hummingbird. The dove inlay on the bridge remains, but the mother-of-pearl dots have been removed.The pickguard is secured with five screws. It is made of the reddish resin material used on the J-45 starting in 1964. The dot on the “i” in the Gibson logo on the headstock has been omitted, a design characteristic of 1969. The nut width is 43mm, indicating a shift from the narrow neck typical of the late 1960s to a standard neck.

Elvis Presley, known as a musician who loved his Dove, played a customized 1969 Dove that was a gift from his father, Vernon Presley.Elvis Presley cherished that guitar on numerous stages from 1971 to 1975. In particular, the image of him holding it during the legendary 1973 concert “Aloha from Hawaii,” which was broadcast via satellite to countries around the world, remains vivid in the memories of fans.There is also an anecdote from 1975, during a performance in Asheville, North Carolina, that he handed the guitar to a fan, as if in response to the audience’s enthusiasm. While the Elvis Dove features a black finish and name inlays on the fingerboard—a design that seems to symbolize “rock ’n’ roll”—it shares a common feature with this guitar in that it also has the Dove’s original rosewood bridge.

Based on the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this is a 1969 model.
While the specifications are similar to the previous model, this one is distinguished by its ebony bridge. It features a standard neck with a 43mm nut width. The Gibson logo lacks the dot above the “i.” Otherwise, it is based on 1960s specifications.

As this was a transitional year leading up to the specification changes of 1970,
- 3-piece maple neck
- Schaller tuners with the Gibson logo
- Schaller tuners (some with the Gibson logo)
- A truss rod cover with the "DOVE" name, black in the center and white on the outside
can be found.