1977 MK-81

Gibson / 1977 MK-81

"Gibson's New Endeavor"

In 1975, a guitar emerged that revolutionized Gibson acoustics.
The MK-81, manufactured by Gibson as a new guitar model, featured a headstock design departing from Gibson's traditional shapes, a body form with a smooth contour reminiscent of a classical guitar, and uniquely designed pickguards and soundhole decorations.

In fact, the MK models (commonly known as the Mark Series) included the MK-35, MK-53, and MK-72, with this model being the top-of-the-line.
Major differences include the side/back wood, position markers, and fingerboard material.

The Appeal of the MK-81, Reigning as the Top-Tier Model

The body top features spruce finished in a two-tone color.
Fine-grained spruce was selected.

The sides and back utilize rosewood with beautiful grain.
Maple is used on the MK-35/53.
Rosewood is exclusively used on the MK-72/81!

A uniquely designed thick pickguard is fitted.
Since Gibson catalogs show photos without pickguards, it's likely pickguards were offered as accessories.

The fingerboard uses jet-black ebony, featuring iridescent abalone block inlays.
The MK-35/53 has a rosewood fingerboard, while the MK-72 combines ebony and rosewood.
Additionally, the position markers are dot markers on all models except the MK-81.
This decoration truly symbolizes the top-of-the-line model.

The bridge uses ebony and features a unique design resembling a shamisen plectrum.
While the bridge shape is common across models, the material varies depending on the fingerboard wood.

The neck features beautiful tiger-eye figured maple.
The grain pattern shifts beautifully depending on the light and viewing angle.

The soundhole is adorned with ebony and two red lines framing the edge.
This design represents a unique decoration rarely seen on Gibson acoustic guitars.
Isn't this also a hallmark of Gibson's creativity and a major feature of the MK series?

The headstock design differs from Gibson's traditional style, featuring sharp angles.
The truss rod cover also matches the headstock design, sharing the same shape as the bridge cover.
Both the headstock and truss rod cover are adorned with two red lines.

The tuning machines feature gold Gibson Rotomatic tuners.
Gold is only used on the MK-81!
Also noteworthy is the SECOND stamp.
This stamp is applied during pre-shipment inspection to models that don't meet Gibson's standards.
This is by no means a negative; in vintage guitars, having this stamp is actually quite rare.

This unique model among Gibson acoustics unleashes a powerful, bold tone the moment you strum it.
It creates a sensation that makes strumming itself enjoyable.
You won't find many like it, giving it that "only those in the know recognize it" rarity.
If you're interested, please give it a try.

[Specs/Case]
TOP : Spruce
BACK/SIDES : Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE：Ebony
NECK：Flame Maple
NUT WIDTH : 42.5mm
SCALE : 646mm
CASE : Non Original Hard Shell Case

[Condition]
- Overall shows signs of use and weather checking, but possesses the distinctive character of a vintage instrument.
- Neck profile is neither too thick nor too thin; plays well with no buzzing or muffled tones.
- String height at 12th fret: 3.0mm (6th string side), 2.0mm (1st string side)
- Saddle relief: approx. 1.0mm to 1.5mm
- Bridge plate has been reinforced and repaired.
- Crack repair on left side of body top near fingerboard.
- Lock malfunction in center of hard case.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try instruments before purchase, we provide a 6-day trial period after delivery.
Please try the product thoroughly at home. If you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
※ Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.