Showroom Spotlight | Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1963 Dove Dark Natural Light Aged
Few acoustic guitars carry the same presence and history as the Gibson Dove. Originally introduced in 1962 as Gibson’s second square-shoulder acoustic after the Hummingbird, the Dove quickly became a stage and studio favourite for some of music’s most iconic artists. Its distinctive look, bright projection, and powerful voice made it instantly recognisable, and it has been seen in the hands of legends including Elvis Presley, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and Rush’s Alex Lifeson. The Murphy Lab Aged 1963 Dove takes everything that made the original so special and recreates it with an authenticity that only Gibson Custom can deliver.
The Murphy Lab, led by Tom Murphy, specialises in giving modern instruments the look and feel of vintage golden-era Gibsons. This 1963 Dove has been expertly aged to replicate the subtle wear and character of a treasured guitar that has spent decades being played. From the lightly worn nitrocellulose finish to the intricate details of the hardware, every element is crafted to feel like a genuine vintage instrument. The result is a guitar that looks and feels lived-in from the very first strum, inspiring the same connection as a well-loved original.
The Dove’s voice has always been unique within the Gibson acoustic line-up. A thermally aged Sitka spruce top pairs with flame maple back and sides, giving the guitar a bold, articulate sound with strong projection. Where the Hummingbird is known for its warm midrange, the Dove offers more brightness and clarity, making it an excellent choice for players who want a sound that cuts through a mix without losing depth. Traditional X-bracing enhances resonance, allowing the top to vibrate freely and produce the lively, punchy character that players have celebrated for over sixty years.
The 25.5-inch scale length adds extra tension, further shaping the tone with a focused low end and shimmering highs. It is a guitar that excels at both strummed rhythm work and fingerstyle playing, offering enough headroom to handle dynamic strumming while remaining detailed and expressive when played softly.
Visually, the 1963 Dove is as striking as ever. The Dark Natural top contrasts beautifully with the Cherry back and sides, creating a timeless aesthetic that defined the early 1960s. The pickguard, decorated with hand-stamped vines, flowers, and the iconic mother-of-pearl dove, remains one of the most recognisable features of the model. The rosewood bridge carries matching dove inlays, while the headstock features the Gibson logo and crown inlays in mother-of-pearl, reinforcing its status as a true Gibson classic.
The Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1963 Dove truly is a guitar designed to capture the sound, feel and spirit of the originals, but with the reliability of a modern build. From the Kluson tuners to the hand-aged finish, every detail just grabs your attention. At Peach Guitars every Murphy Lab guitar is photographed individually, so the guitar you see is the one you receive. Each instrument is carefully set up by our team to ensure it plays perfectly straight out of the case.
