This is a 1986 Melody Built in the Gibson Custom Shop by their in-house luthiers as part of a limited production run. Unlike most Melody Maker's of this era it is fitted with Gibson Humbucking pickup as standard, offering a more denser and rockier tone. As with all Melody Makers, the playability is terrific, with a great neck and easy action. The Custom Shop stamp is present on the back of the headstock, and below the Made In U.S.A. stamp is the 'SEC' initials, an abbreviation for Second. This means the guitar was snagged on final inspection due to a minor imperfection. It is rumoured that Gibson employees would sometimes deliberately mark a guitar knowing that it would fail inspection and would be sold off at a reduced price to them! Most reside state side, so its fairly unusual to encounter one here in the UK. There are a few dings on the bodywork, as expected from a 30 year old guitar. But the playability remains very good, and the frets are in great condition too. Comes with its own period fitted hard case.