Explanation
Gibson / 1963 DOVE
—First-Year Model in Natural Finish
In 1962, the DOVE debuted as a square-shouldered body model following the Hummingbird.
While the Hummingbird features a hummingbird sipping nectar from a flower on its pickguard, the DOVE features a dove perched on a branch—reminiscent of Rosa acicularis—resting its wings.
The 1962 DOVE was released in Cherry Sunburst, but the Natural color was added to the lineup the following year, in 1963.
In addition to offering a warmth and subtlety distinct from the Cherry color, it beautifully highlights the pickguard design.
Scale Length and Bridge
Furthermore, while the Hummingbird has a medium scale, the DOVE has a long scale, resulting in a longer string length.
Also, while the Hummingbird features an adjustable saddle, the DOVE employs a Tune-O-Matic bridge.
As a result, it produces a crisp, well-defined, and punchy rock sound.
—Unnoticeable Specification Changes Although the DOVE debuted
in 1962, some specifications were changed as early as the following year.
Specifically, the bridge plate.
While the 1962 DOVE used a single-piece maple bridge plate, the design was changed to a three-piece construction starting in 1963.
We speculate that this change was likely made to increase the thickness of the bridge plate for added strength, thereby ensuring the durability needed to secure the left and right bolts of the Tune-O-Matic and to add depth to the tone.
You can appreciate the rarity and artistry unique to this instrument—features such as the beauty of the maple wood characteristic of high-end square-shoulder models, the engraving and coloring of the pickguard, and the dove inlay made of mother-of-pearl.
[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Maple
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
BRIDGE: Rosewood
SCALE: 647mm
NUT WIDTH: 42mm
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that as this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our store’s inspection.
- A
crack in the lower right corner of the pickguard has been repaired (glued). - Both the
body and neck have been relacquered.
[Playability]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.0 mm on the 1st string side. - String action can be adjusted up or down
using the Tune-O-Matic bridge.
- There is no muffled sound or buzzing; the instrument plays well.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 Months]
[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
- Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing by mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
- Please take your time to try out the product at home; if you are not satisfied,
we will issue a full refund. *The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.
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Warranty for Used Products
Please click here for detailed warranty terms.
Electric Guitars / Electric Basses / Effectors / Amplifiers (Adjustment Warranty: Up to 5 years)
If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will provide service free of charge. The warranty period varies by product.
Acoustic Guitars (Peace of Mind Warranty: Up to 6 months)
For defects arising from normal use, we will provide free service for either 1 month or 6 months after purchase.
Wind Instruments (Up to 1 Year)
Upon arrival, we clean the interior of the instrument, replace consumables as needed, and perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. If the instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound during normal use, we will repair it free of charge.
◯ There is no warranty on junk items.