Product: CMI Melody Maker Copy
Price Paid: #100 used
Submitted
09/14/2005
at
04:35am
by
Kenneth
Features
:
7
I believe this was made in Japan during the 70's. It has 22 frets, 3-way pick-up selector, 2 volume/tone pots. Has 2 P90 pickups, not sure of make. Body probably plywood with a layer on the top and bottom of a more attractively grained wood. Very nicely done two-tone sunburst finish. Looks pretty similar to an old Gibson melody maker, double cutaway body, wrap-around tailpiece, widish slimish gibson scale neck. Has newer tuners that work fairly well.
Sound
:
8
I play blues classic rock and a bit of Jazz, this can do a passable attempt at any of these styles, but the P90 blues tone is great. Don't know if it is because it is old, but rich, dark, dirty blues come out of this without any problem from both pickups. Also very nice bright higher register stuff. Would make a good slide guitar, but never tried that because action is so playable.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
No idea about factury set up, pickups were fine. No real flaws, just a few scratches and dings. Everything is well done, although the logo looks a little cheap, but this was never a high end guitar. What is surprisingly good about this guitar is the neck. The frets are small, but the neck is amazingly fast. It has a nice dark piece of rosewood on it, and fast legato stuff is incredibly easy - easier than any other guitar I have played. No fret buzz anywhere. The neck is absolutely straight as an arrow.
Reliability/Durability
:
6
I am not totally convinced by the replacement tuners - an upgrade here would not go amiss. The guitar would need this before I would play it live. I would not consider using it (or any other) guitar without a backup. The bridge is so simple it is rock solid, as is everything else.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Company long gone
Overall Rating
:
7
I have been playing 11 years, main axe is a Heritage les paul (fabulous guitar) but I still like this for blues. If it were stolen/lost no chance of finding another, I have only ever seen or heard about this one. I like the playability, lightness, LOVE the p90 blues tone, it is a really nice little unusual guitar. If you find one of these they are definitely worth a look. Massively superior to a new import knock off, age has given it a very cool, unique sound. As is would be fine for a hobbyist or a learner, with some hardware upgrades would be OK for gigs too.
