1963 Gibson Melody Maker D: The Two-Pickup Double-Cutaway Variant

The 1963 Gibson Melody Maker D is the two-pickup version of Gibson’s budget solidbody, built on the double-cutaway body that replaced the original single-cutaway shape in 1961. 1963 also brought more rounded body edges, horns that point farther from the neck, and, for the first time, a Cherry finish option alongside the standard sunburst. Edgewater Guitars buys vintage Gibson solidbodies nationwide. Call or text (440) 219-3607.

Last Updated: July 2026

What Makes the 1963 Gibson Melody Maker D Significant?

• Two pickups: the D designation means two single-coil pickups, two volume and two tone controls, and a three-way selector, rather than the standard single-pickup layout.

• Refined double-cutaway body: 1963 brought more rounded edges and horns set farther from the neck compared to the earlier 1961-1962 double-cutaway.

• Cherry finish introduced: 1963 is the first year Gibson offered a Cherry finish option on the Melody Maker D, alongside standard sunburst.

• Maestro vibrato option: available on the D starting in 1962, and still available in 1963.

What Is a 1963 Gibson Melody Maker D Worth? (2026 Reference Value)

We do not yet have a completed purchase on a 1963 Melody Maker D to cite as a real paid figure, so the range below reflects our estimate of what a fair, honest buyer typically pays for a clean, all-original example, once you account for the inflated asking prices you will often see in online listings.

Reference value for a clean, all-original 1963 Melody Maker D: $1,800-$2,500. A factory Maestro vibrato or the rarer Cherry finish can add to that.

See our full Melody Maker value guide for how the single-pickup years compare.

How to Identify a 1963 Gibson Melody Maker D

Confirm two pickups, the rounded double-cutaway body, and the finish, then verify the year with our Gibson serial number lookup and our Melody Maker dating guide.

Sell Your 1963 Gibson Melody Maker D

Edgewater Guitars buys vintage Gibson Melody Makers nationwide with free, no-pressure appraisals and fair, honest offers. To sell yours, request a free estimate.

What is different about a 1963 Melody Maker D?

1963 brought more rounded body edges and horns set farther from the neck compared to the earlier 1961 to 1962 double-cutaway, and it is the first year Gibson offered a Cherry finish option on the Melody Maker D alongside standard sunburst.

How much is a 1963 Melody Maker D worth?

A clean, all-original 1963 Melody Maker D is generally worth $1,800 to $2,500 as a reference point. A factory Maestro vibrato or the rarer Cherry finish can add to that.

See also: Melody Maker value guide and our Melody Maker dating guide.