Explanation
Gibson / 1977 MK-81
"A New Endeavor from Gibson"
In 1975, a guitar appeared that revolutionized Gibson Acoustic.
Featuring a headstock design that departed from Gibson’s traditional shapes, a body shape with the smooth contours of a classical guitar, and unique pickguard and soundhole decorations, the MK-81 was manufactured by Gibson as a new model.
In fact, the MK series (commonly known as the Mark Series) included the MK-35, MK-53, and MK-72, with this model being the top-of-the-line version.
The main differences lie in the wood used for the sides and back, the position marks, and the fingerboard material.
—The Appeal of the MK-81, Reigning as the Top-of-the-Line Model
The body top features spruce finished in a two-tone color scheme.
Spruce with a fine grain has been selected.
Rosewood with a beautiful grain is used for the sides and back.
Maple is used for the MK-35/53.
Rosewood is used exclusively on the MK-72/81!
The pickguard is a thick, uniquely designed piece.
Since Gibson’s catalog features photos of the guitar without the pickguard, it can be inferred that the pickguard was provided as an accessory.
The fingerboard is made of jet-black ebony, featuring iridescent abalone block inlays that shimmer.
The MK-35/53 has a rosewood fingerboard, while the MK-72 features a mix of ebony and rosewood.
Additionally, all models except the MK-81 feature dot position marks.
These decorations truly symbolize a top-of-the-line model.
The bridge is made of ebony and features a unique design resembling a shamisen plectrum.
While the bridge shape is common to all models, the material varies depending on the fingerboard.
The neck is crafted from beautiful tiger-eye figured maple.
The grain pattern is beautiful, shifting depending on the light and viewing angle.
The soundhole is adorned with ebony and two red lines that frame the edge.
I believe this design is a unique decoration rarely seen on Gibson acoustic guitars.
Isn’t this another example of Gibson’s creativity and a major feature of the MK series?
The headstock features a sharp-edged design, differing from Gibson’s traditional style.
The truss rod cover also matches the headstock design, featuring the same shape as the bridge.
Both the headstock and the truss rod cover are adorned with two red lines.
The tuning machines are equipped with gold Gibson Rotomatic tuners.
The gold finish is exclusive to the MK-81!
Another point of interest is the "SECOND" stamp.
This stamp is applied during pre-shipment inspection to models that do not meet Gibson’s standards.
This is by no means a negative feature; in fact, vintage guitars with this stamp are actually quite rare.
This model, which stands out even among Gibson acoustics, produces a powerful, bold tone the moment you strum it.
It creates a sensation that makes strumming a joy.
It’s unlike anything else out there, giving you that sense of rarity where “those in the know will recognize it.”
If you’re interested, please give it a try.
[Specs/Included 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]
- While there are signs of general wear and weather checking, it exudes the unique character of a vintage instrument.
- The neck shape is neither too thick nor too thin, and the instrument plays well with no buzzing or muting.
- String action at the 12th fret: 3.0mm on the 6th string, 2.0mm on the 1st string
- Saddle height: approx. 1.0mm–1.5mm
- The bridge plate has been reinforced and repaired.
- A crack repair is visible on the left side of the fingerboard near the top of the body.
- The lock in the center of the hard case is broken.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]
[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer you the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchasing, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.
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Electric Guitars/Electric Bass/Effector/Amplifiers (Adjustment Warranty: Up to 5 years)
If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will repair it free of charge.The warranty period varies by product.
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We will provide free service for defects arising from normal use for 1 or 6 months after purchase.
Wind Instruments (Up to 1 year)
Upon arrival, we clean the interior of the instrument, replace consumables as appropriate, and perform repairs and maintenance as needed. If the instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound during normal use, we will provide free service.
◯There is no warranty on junk items.