“Lee, I can see it now.”

See what?

“How you’re going to spin this Flying V Standard. You’ll probably go off on one of your tangents, making some wild comparison or something equally absurd. Can’t you, for once, just give it to me straight—up and down, like 6 o’clock?”

Since you’re asking so nicely, let’s see if I can do just that—straight up and down, like 6 o’clock.

At present, there are 10 of these available on Reverb and one other with the Maestro tremolo. This particular one? Excellent vintage condition.

Now, what’s the deciding factor for you—condition, reputation, or price?

“That’s it, Lee—it’s the price, the condition, and… how about free shipping?”

Ah, price and free shipping—the Amazon effect. You shop for the “cheapest price” on some nondescript item, and next thing you know, the doorbell rings and voilà—your prize arrives. That coveted cat-butt tissue holder, perfectly paired with your Godzilla garden gnome. But what’s often overlooked in that scenario? Reputation.

So what’s it worth to you to buy with certainty?

“But, Lee, come on—I’ve bought from so-called ‘reputable dealers’ before and been let down.”

I hear you. But here’s the thing—you didn’t buy it from me.

Which brings us to this vintage Gibson Melody Maker, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, back when a guitar didn't need 47 switches and a degree in electrical engineering to get the job done.

As for this little darling? Original dual single-coil pickups with enough bite to sound like a surprised victim after being chased by a pit bull. Mahogany body and neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and that nifty Maestro Vibrola. Simple? Certainly. Effective? Ask anybody who's ever plugged one into a cranked Marshall.

Original finish, hardware, electronics, and pickguard? All present and accounted for. The neck is straight, the frets are excellent, and the patina? Well, people, nearly six decades will do that to you.

Case? A period-correct Epiphone affair, because even this old girl deserves something respectable to travel in.

In closing, I know times are tight. I also know I’m in the luxury business. I’ll price it fairly—and then, yes, you can haggle like a rug merchant. Can you imagine walking into Walmart and going full Monty Hall on their asses.? Only in the guitar business… or the Twilight Zone.

Is that straight up enough for you?