Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar 

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

My Dove is a '69 that came with a nylon-saddled Tune-o-matic bridge (!). Once I had it replaced with a bone bridge it was a totally different instrument. Over the years it's been refinished (pickguard deteriorated and exuded some nasty stuff that stained the top) and refretted, so it's not worth much but it's a great player. I also have a Taylor 814ce (rosewood), a Guild F212XL (mahogany) and a Gibson J-200 (also maple) - compared to the others, it's got a lighter, brighter tone and somewhat less volume. It's a good choice for acoustic blues IMO. I found that phosphor bronze Elixir strings really woke up the tone and gave it a snappier voice. The fingerboard is about 6mm narrower at the nut than the others, so it may not be well suited to players with big hands. No issues at all with construction, other than the mysterious dissolving pickguard that Gibson replaced under warranty. It's worth EVERY DIME of its price!

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The Dove is as classic as they get. Stunning looks and a rich original tone you can't get with any other guitar. This is my favorite guitar to sing over, by far. Now the bad news. The 3 piece neck frequently twists during the first year or two. I've had three doves that all had the same neck problem and know of at least 2 others.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I travel and play all over the states with this guitar and it still gives me chills. I would have bought this again if I had too. Simply Amazing! The big round sound and big body makes it hard to set it down.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I just picked up a Gibson Dove from a local guitar store tonight. I have a 1968 well worn Gibson Hummingbird that I love. Same body size approximately. The Dove feels great and has great playability. What I like most about this guitar is it's voice---nice midrange to bright---which has to do with the wood combination. Not as bright as a Taylor. Acoustic guitars are a funny thing in some way in that you really need to play them to make an informed decision. I have been looking at a Gibson Blues King---totally different body and make up, it's essentially a very nice parlor guitar---but I think for what I do writing and performance wise the Dove is a better fit. I played the guitar at an open mic after buying it and the pickup system in the Dove is quite good. I would highly recommend this guitar if you are in the market in investing in a relatively high end quality instrument.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I first played a Hummingbird back in the early 60's when I was working in a music store... love at first strum.... couldn't afford it since I was a working musician using a Fender Jaguar and Jazz Bass...Fast forward to late 70's... wife bought me a Dove... for C&W and blues a superior guitar to the Hummingbird. My '79 Kalamazoo-Made Dove is the best guitar I've ever played...bar none! Deep rich tones... and a "boomer"... It's Dark-Dark Sunburst...almost Black... VERY pretty!

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I wanted so bad to like this guitar. I really did. I tested it out at the Gibson Showcase in Nashville. It's one of the most beautiful instruments I've ever seen, action is pretty good, and feels pretty comfortable. BUT... the sound is mediocre at best. It sounded weak for the size, almost empty. More mud than musical. I compared it to my Martin and an Epiphone Masterbuilt with nylon strings. It loss both times. It's got no brightness at all. Maybe it would be good for rhythm with an electric playing over it, but honestly I would prefer something brighter.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The Gibson Dove is the only acoustic guitar I have bought twice, and honestly, I like thie one better than the 70's Dove I owned. From blues to bluegrass the tone, action, and resonation is beyond reproach. When I bought this, the competition was a Taylor 814CE,A Gibson SJ200, and a Hummingbird. The Dove delivers the highs needed for bluegrass and the bottoms for blues. I also own a Guild D40 that has the action, but not the highs og the Dove. You won't need another acoustic if you shell out the money for a real Dove.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Personally I prefer jumbos to dreadnaughts; I also thought that THAT sound professionals got was all in the electronic massage they gave their signal. I tried Martins and Ovations, both more and less expensive, but when I picked up the Gibson Dove it was love at first strum. There was THAT sound; something that should probably be miked rather than plugged into an amp. The other big selling point for me, and I didn't realize it immediately, is this guitar has a tangible personality to it that I didn't find in the others. You can push it and it always rises to the occasion (while staying in tune better than I thought possible. Bottom line: you could pay twice as much and not get half the guitar that the Gibson Dove is. Do NOT try the Dove out if you can't afford it, you'll be broken hearted until you can. Oh yeah, and jumbos aren't that great after all.

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

That's right. I own both a Gibson Dove and an Epiphone Dove. I bought my first Gibson Dove in 1968 and traded it for a 1908 Gibson harpguitar 10 years ago. That's the only thing I ever would have traded it for. I always missed it and got myself an Epiphone Dove and it brought back all the memories ... yet I was determined to find out for myself why the Gibson model goes for so much more than the Epiphone & the best way to do that was to play them side by side. Not only is the difference to be found in the details but also can be heard in the sound of each. The Gibson has an amazing low end and warmth to it and has much better projection; like a professional singer that sings from the diaphragm that hardly needs a microphone to be heard. Gibson has thoughtfully included quality active electronics so I don't have to wish they had until I take it to a shop and have it done as I had with my 1968 Dove. I am so glad I own this and believe it or not I still love the Epiphone Dove for how great it sounds -- as long as the Gibson isn't nearby and I still have to hand it to Epiphone for offering an affordable model that sounds and plays so good but the Gibson is worth the price. There were rumors that the new ones don't measure up to the old ones but don't believe it. Gibson Dove has my vote for King of the Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitars. Where do I vote?

Comments about Gibson Dove Modern Classic Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I just purchased my Dove after a thorough search of Taylor, Martin and Gibson. It was down to the Taylor 814CE and the Dove. I?m sure I would have been happy with both. The Taylor had great action and a nice sound, but the Dove?s sound was richer. From what I?ve found, unlike Taylors, some Gibsons are not ideally set-up when they arrive at the store. Mine was with GREAT action, and plays and sounds terrific! It also sounds great using the pickup. I think this is the last acoustic guitar that I will ever need or want.