Brian Ray

Posted on Dec 07 2009 at 09:38 AM | My Gear Paul McCartney

I am really fortunate to have a collection of wonderful vintage guitars I’ve collected through my life. I often turn to my favorite acoustic, my Gibson Dove.  You can see me playing it on video on the Paul McCartney site as well as this one, now on YouTube.

But there’s something special about this Gibson Dove. About 8 years ago I was looking for a vintage 1960-1964 Dove because they were made differently at that time. I jaywalked from one store to another one day trying to find it. The last store on the block had this one, a perfect 1963 Dove. I was approached by a salesman.. Well, it happened to be the guy who ran and owned Ace Music in Santa Monica, Ca.. the same place I went every Saturday to gawk at guitars and guitarists as a 12 year old kid! He once asked my mom for babysitting fees~

hahahaha.. what a perfect purchase.

It not only has a very unique sound and touch, but in its own right, it’s a work of art with its inlaid and hand painted pick guard.
 
I am often asked if I prefer the Dove over a Hummingbird. 

The answer is…. it just depends on what I am playing and the tone I am trying to achieve.  The Dove has maple sides and back, the Hummingbird has mahogany.  Though only a slight difference, it’s subtle and audible to me.

Do you have a favorite acoustic?

Would love to hear from the community.

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