Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop Elvis Dove Overview
This stunning US-made electro-acoustic guitar boasts a truly luxurious look, a stage-ready tone and serious rock ‘n’ roll heritage.
King Of Rock And Roll
Elvis Presley is one of the most significant figures in music and cultural history. His music, incredible voice and electric stage performances were key in paving the way for rock ‘n’ roll to enter the mainstream. From guitar icons like Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck to songwriting stalwarts like the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, the effect that Elvis Presley has had on other legendary artists is immense. By wearing his influences on his sleeve and vocally supporting African American artists such as B.B. King, Ivory Joe Hunter and Fats Domino, Elvis helped open the door for Black music.
Custom Spec
The Gibson Elvis Dove dreadnought acoustic guitar pays tribute to a customised 1969 Gibson Dove that was regularly played by the King of Rock and Roll between 1971 and 1975. The history of the original instrument is steeped in generosity. It was purchased by Elvis’ father, Vernon Presley, as a present for his son. Vernon requested a range of customisations that are present in this modern incarnation, including the Ebony finish and luxurious gold-plated hardware. The distinctive finish was specially chosen to reflect Elvis’ recently earned black belt in karate.
Serious History
The most notable appearance of Elvis’ Gibson Dove guitar was the famous Aloha From Hawaii concert, the first televised programme to be broadcasted across the globe via satellite. Elvis parted ways with his Gibson Dove in an extraordinary feat of kindness. During the last performance of a three-night tour, Elvis bestowed the Dove acoustic to audience member Mike Harris - who was understandably shocked! After sitting with the guitar for the rest of the show, Harris was given a police escort out of the building.
Vintage Spec
As with Elvis’ '69 model, the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop guitar features Maple and back sides complimented by a solid Sitka Spruce top. The traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing plays a huge part in the Gibson Elvis Dove’s enveloping tone. Whether you’re strumming frenzied rock ‘n’ roll rhythms or gently fingerpicking, you can count on the Gibson Elvis Dove to sound top-notch.
Beautiful Voice
The period-correct combination of Maple and Sitka Spruce imparts a resonant, responsive character with a potent brightness and clarity that sits brilliantly within an ensemble mix. Balancing the crisp attack of the Maple/Sitka body is the solid Mahogany neck, a staple Gibson tonewood that’s praised for its warm and rich sound. The neck is carved to a robust Round profile that fills the hand nicely.
Elegant Looks
Topping the Mahogany neck is a smooth Indian Rosewood fretboard and 20 Standard size frets. The 12" radius fingerboard is adorned with gorgeous mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays. Other visual appointments include the Rosewood Dove bridge with mother-of-pearl inlays, gold-coloured strap buttons, “ELVIS” truss rod cover and Grover Keystone tuners.
Stage Ready
The Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop have primed the Elvis Dove guitar for live performance by equipping it with an LR Baggs VTC under-saddle pickup. This premium pickup precisely conveys all the detail and nuance of the Gibson Elvis Dove’s sweet natural voice when you’re plugged into an amp or PA. The discrete soundhole mounted Volume and Tone controls maintain the guitar’s classic aesthetic.
In addition to the Gibson Elvis Dove guitar itself, you also receive a sturdy hardshell for safe storage between gigs, rehearsals or practice sessions.
If the bold, commanding tone of a Jumbo is more your thing, take a look at the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop SJ-200.
You don’t need to be a fan of the King to appreciate the wonderfully rich tone, inviting playability and sophisticated look of the Gibson Elvis Dove acoustic guitar.
- Body Shape: Dove
- Body Material: Maple
- Top: Sitka Spruce
- Back: Maple
- Side: Maple
- Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
- Binding: 5-ply Top, 3-ply Back, Single ply Fingerboard
- Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Profile: Round
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Number Of Frets: 20
- Frets: Standard
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.725"
- Inlays: Mother of Pearl Parallelograms
- Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue
- Finish: Gold
- Tuner Plating: Gold
- Bridge: Rosewood Dove with Mother of Pearl Dove Inlays
- Saddle Material: Bone
- Tuning Machines: Grover Keystone
- Pickguard: Vintage Dove Shape, Plain Black with White Bevel
- Truss Rod: Adjustable
- Truss Rod Cover: Black, Vertical "ELVIS"
- Bridge Pins: Tusq
- Strap Buttons: Gold
- Under Saddle Pickup: LR Baggs VTC
- Controls: Soundhole Mounted Volume and Tone
- Output Jack: 1/4" Endpin Jack
- Preamp: LR Baggs VTC
- Strings Gauge: .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
- Case: Gibson Hardshell