Dove Natural, manufactured in 1963

We’re revealing all the details on the Gibson DOVE, manufactured from 1962—its debut year—through 1969!

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Gibson / 1963 DOVE NATURAL

We’ve just received a DOVE from the first year of production in the natural finish—only 29 were shipped.

The Dove was introduced in 1962, following the Hummingbird (1960–), Gibson’s first square-shoulder model.

A look at the price guide from that era reveals that while the Hummingbird was priced at $265, the Dove was priced at $360, positioning it as the top-of-the-line model among the square-shoulder guitars.

The use of a maple body (similar to the J-200—I believe that using maple bodies for high-end models is part of Gibson’s aesthetic)

the T.O.M. (Tune-O-Matic) bridge and waffle-back tuners are hallmarks of Gibson’s high-end models.

Furthermore, the inlays on the pickguard and bridge fully express the Dove’s unique character.

I believe it was quite innovative in the tradition of flat-top guitar making (such as the D-28 and J-45) for such decorative elements to be derived from the model name itself.

As mentioned at the beginning, this 1963 Dove is characterized by its natural finish.

In 1962, only Cherry Sunburst models were shipped; the natural finish was not introduced until 1963. Only 29 DOVE NTs were shipped that year, making it extremely rare, especially considering how few may still exist today.

Not only does this 1963 Dove feature the construction characteristic of Gibson’s early 1960s models—such as a 17-degree headstock angle and a regular neck with a nut width of 42–43 mm—but it was also the year the Dove model’s design was solidified, as evidenced by the “DOVE” lettering on the truss rod cover and the smaller adjustable saddle studs.For a detailed history of its evolution, please refer to the document attached at the beginning of this text: “History of Gibson Dove—The History of Rock and Folk Played by the Dove of Peace.”

In addition to its square shoulders, the combination of a maple body and T.O.M. (Tone-On-Mass) results in a sound that is both vibrant and robust—so sturdy that one is tempted to describe it as “sturdy”—making the DOVE truly one-of-a-kind; I believe the early models, in particular, represent the pinnacle of this series.

[Specs/Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Maple
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42.5mm
SCALE: 643mm
CASE: Non-Original Hard Shell Case (Gibson 1970s)

[Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 3.0mm on the 6th string side, 2.
2mm on the 1st string side - Fine string action adjustments are possible via the adjustable saddle.
- The nut and bridge pins have been replaced.
- The neck has been relacquered.

- There is touch-up paint on the back of the headstock where there was a dent. This is not a repair mark from a break or crack.

- There is a mark where the output jack was located on the side of the body.

- There is a crack repair on the lower right corner of the body top. (It has been glued only and is not reinforced, but it does not affect playability.)

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing 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. *You are responsible for
round-trip shipping costs.