Dove, manufactured in 1962

Gibson / 1962 DOVE

The DOVE debuted in 1962 as the top-of-the-line model in the Square Shoulder series.
Only 17 units were shipped in its first year, and this instrument is one of those rare examples.
It has gained popularity for its luxurious appearance—distinct from the Hummingbird in its side and back woods, pickguard design, and bridge—features befitting a flagship model. Here, we’ll take a closer look at this first-year DOVE.

—The Dove Design Symbolizing Peace

The DOVE’s iconic pickguard design is said to have been conceived by Hartford Snyder, who was a Gibson craftsman at the time. The dove, symbolizing
peace, is outlined in mother-of-pearl and features carvings of a perch, leaves, thorny branches, and rose-like petals.
Each carved motif is vividly colored with colorful ink.

The top of the square-shoulder body is made of spruce and finished in a cherry sunburst color.
This first-year DOVE, which still retains its vivid reddish hue even after more than 60 years, is a rare and valuable instrument that is hard to come by.

The sides and back are made of maple finished in a cherry color.
The figure-patterned maple reveals different expressions depending on the viewing angle—a feature unique to the DOVE.

The fingerboard is made of rosewood, and—like the Hummingbird—features double parallelogram inlays that accentuate its luxurious appearance.

The mahogany neck has a slim profile, offering a comfortable grip.
The scratches on the back of the neck, accumulated through countless performances, tell its story.

The large bridge, unique to DOVE, features dove-motif decorations on both sides. Another major highlight is that
DOVE is equipped with a dedicated Tune-O-Matic.

The headstock is adorned with Gibson’s modern logo as well as a crown inlay, signifying a high-end model. The
bell-shaped truss rod cover does not bear the “DOVE” engraving.

The tuning machines are KLUSON MH-500VX (commonly known as “Waffleback”) tuners.
Since Gibson switched to GROVER 102 tuners in the mid-1960s, this model—which still uses the Waffleback tuners—is a rare find!

While it is a rare item simply because it is from DOVE’s first year of production, what’s even more surprising is that it retains a distinct reddish hue and remains in beautiful, crack-free condition.
Many people likely came to admire this model after seeing it used by Elvis Presley and Keith Richards.
Please take this opportunity to enjoy this instrument.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Maple
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 43mm
SCALE: 643mm
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case

[Condition]
- The cherry color with lingering reddish tones and the weather checking throughout give it a distinctive vintage charm.
- There is no muffled sound or buzzing, and it is in excellent playing condition.
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.0 mm on the 6th string, 1.9 mm on the 1st string. - String action can be adjusted up or down using the Tune-O-Matic bridge
.
- The bridge plate has been repaired.
- The pickguard has been reattached.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we are unable to offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchase when selling via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to try out the product
at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *The customer is responsible for
round-trip shipping costs.