History of Gibson Dove

This is a Dove guitar from its very first year of production. The serial number printed on the orange label allows us to identify the year of manufacture. Only 17 Doves were produced in 1962, far fewer than the total number of original D-45s and SJ-200s, making this a rare and valuable instrument from that year that is rarely seen on the market.

The dove and flower design on the pickguard is iconic to this model, but on this particular guitar, you can see that the stem of the flower has thorns. As for what the flower motif represents, the official description does not specify the type of flower.
It might be more accurate to consider it an abstract floral design rather than a specific variety, but personally, I think it might be Rosa acycloalis (wild rose). It has striking five pink petals and yellow anthers, and the stem is covered in thorns.

Among the pieces we have examined so far, some with a 1962 serial number have this thorn design, but we have not yet found any from 1963 onwards. Also, since the carving is done by hand, there are individual differences in the size of the dove's beak, the number of feathers, the color of the flowers, and the arrangement of the branches and leaves.

The Dove's initial release year featured a cherry sunburst finish, while the natural color was introduced the following year, in 1963.
This particular guitar was originally a cherry sunburst, but it has faded and now looks like a natural finish. This is a common aging process seen in Gibson flat-top cherry sunburst guitars from 1963 to 1966.
I've never seen a 1962 serial number guitar faded this much. If you look closely, you can see the original cherry color remaining on the lower left of the body, indicating that the color was originally very dark.

That presence is evident, having overcome countless challenges. This is an incredible debut.

This is also a Dove guitar from its very first year of production. The orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock allow us to determine the year of manufacture.
Compared to the previous one, you can see that the cherry sunburst finish is still clearly visible.

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

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

The figured maple used for the sides and back also matches the reddish paintwork. The Dove's list price at the time was $360. The Hummingbird was $265, so the Dove was positioned as the top-of-the-line square-shoulder model. Considering that the J-200, the top-of-the-line flat-top model, also has a maple body, it can be said that the vibrant look and sound of maple were part of Gibson's aesthetic.

The serial number printed on the back of the headstock indicates that this particular guitar was manufactured in 1963.
A stunning cherry sunburst finish. Unfortunately, the orange label is missing, but it's in fantastic condition, showing no signs of its more than 60 years of age.

One minor specification change is that, similar to the Hummingbird, the bridge plate has been changed from one layer to three layers.

This is a guitar from the first year of the natural color production. The manufacturing year can be identified by the orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock. After the Dove guitars began shipping in 1962, the natural color versions began shipping the following year, in 1963. Only 29 guitars were shipped in the first year of the natural color production. Like the 1962 version, this is a rare guitar from that year.

As with the relationship between the J-45 and J-50, the natural finish required a more selective selection of spruce for the body top, making it more expensive than the sunburst finish. However, from 1963, the prices became uniform for the J-45/J-50, Hummingbird, and Dove (price differences reappeared for each model from the late 1960s). Among the jumbo-sized flat-top models, the J-200 and SJ (Southern Jumbo)/SJN (Country Western) continued to be more expensive with the natural finish. For the SJ/SJN, the prices became equal in 1964 (price differences reappeared later in the year), while the J-200 continued to have a price difference even after 1970.

In addition to the coloring, another distinctive feature is the truss rod cover with the name "DOVE" on it. It seems that the same one as the Hummingbird was used in the very early models, but it is thought that this particular truss rod cover began to be used around 1963.

The orange label and the serial number printed on the back of the headstock indicate that this is a 1964 model. Even among the earlier models, you can notice individual differences if you examine them closely.
Most notably, this particular specimen has a body width of 403mm, which is less than 16 inches, about 5mm narrower than usual. The waist of the body is also 271mm, about 10mm narrower than usual. Comparing them side-by-side, you can see that the body is slimmer.

Furthermore, the bridge on which the TOM is installed has a deep cut on the neck side, and you can see that there is a radius (R) in that area. This radius was also present in the 1963 model.

Bridge braces change from quadrilaterals to hexagons and are also larger in size.
This specification change is the same as for 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 at and compare the individuals in the first half of the collection, you will notice individual differences.

Most notably, this particular specimen has a body width of 403mm, which is less than 16 inches, about 5mm narrower than usual. The waist of the body is also 271mm, about 10mm narrower than usual. Comparing them side-by-side, you can see 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.

If you look closely at and compare the individuals in the first half of the collection, you will notice individual differences.

Most notably, this particular specimen has a body width of 403mm, which is less than 16 inches, about 5mm narrower than usual. The waist of the body is also 271mm, about 10mm narrower than usual. Comparing them 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.

The tuning pegs used are Grover 102N.
The tarnished nickel plating and the milk bottle-shaped shaft cover with the patent engraved on it give it a vintage feel.
Around this time, Grover tuners began to be used, but Kluson waffleback tuners were also continued to be used.

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'll rarely see. The coloring is a tobacco sunburst, which was first seen in 1966, and this finish is also not seen on Dove guitars from the 1960s.
In addition to this color, the pickguard has a simple tortoiseshell pattern,
At first glance, it looks like a jumbo-sized version of the CF-100,
The bridge, characteristic of Dove Records, features a handwritten "Dove" signature on the label.
The truss rod cover has the word "CUSTOM" inscribed on it.

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

While a 1967 model might evoke an image of a bright, red cherry sunburst, this one features the more faded cherry sunburst finish common up to 1966. It harmonizes beautifully with the cherry color of the sides and back, creating an overall elegant and vibrant impression. The tuning pegs have been replaced, but 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 notable feature of this year's model is the change in the cherry sunburst color of the body top; unlike the cherry finish which was prone to fading, this model retains a vibrant red color even after nearly 60 years.

Another change is the method of attaching the pickguard.
It appears to be secured with screws, just like the J-45 and Hummingbird. 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 top of the body are very striking.
Speaking of Gibson's double pickguards, although it's a different model, you can see Bob Dylan playing a J-200 sunburst with a double pickguard on stage at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
In addition to this, it's a premium model that gained popularity among country musicians and in the rock scene due to its flashy appearance, and was also used by the Everly Brothers.

The double pickguard on the Dove is also a rare item.
The thick tortoiseshell pickguard is adorned with the iconic "dove" in shimmering pearl.
The floral pattern features a wonderful design with colors such as red and green.
Moreover, two of them are placed symmetrically on each side, creating a harmonious arrangement.

Combined with TOM's use, this guitar has a strong rock feel to it.

Based on the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this guitar was manufactured in 1969.
Up until this point, the Dove hadn't undergone any major changes in appearance, but from this year onwards, the bridge specifications changed. The saddle was changed from TOM to a wooden adjustable saddle, the same type used on the J-45 and Hummingbird. The dove inlay on the bridge remained, but the mother-of-pearl dot was gone. The pickguard was attached with five screws. It was made of a reddish resin material, the same as that used on the J-45 from 1964 onwards. The Gibson logo on the headstock omitted the dot on the "i," a design that symbolizes 1969. The nut width was also changed to 43mm, indicating a shift from the narrow neck characteristic of the late 1960s to a regular neck.

Elvis Presley, known as a musician who loved Dove guitars, used a customized 1969 Dove that was a gift from his father, Vernon Presley. Elvis Presley used that guitar on numerous stages from 1971 to 1975. In particular, his appearance with it at the legendary "Aloha from Hawaii" concert in 1973, which was broadcast via satellite to countries around the world, remains vividly in the memories of fans. And in 1975, during a performance in Asheville, North Carolina, there is an anecdote that he handed the guitar to a fan in response to the audience's enthusiasm. The Elvis Dove has a design that symbolizes "rock and roll," with its black finish and name inlay on the fretboard, but it also shares the original Dove rosewood bridge with this guitar.

Based on the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, this guitar was manufactured in 1969.
This guitar has similar specifications to the previous one, but its distinguishing feature is the ebony bridge. It has a regular 43mm nut width neck. The Gibson logo lacks the dot on the "i". Otherwise, it's based on 1960s specifications.

This year was also a transitional period for specification changes leading up to 1970,
- 3-piece maple neck
-Schaller tuners with Gibson logo
- Schaller tuners (some with Gibson logo)
- Truss rod cover with the DOVE logo, black in the center and white on the outside.
Some individuals exhibit these kinds of specifications.