If you’re in the market for a truly inspiring vintage acoustic, this 1974 Gibson Dove Custom deserves your full attention. Crafted during a distinctive era in Gibson’s history, this Dove exemplifies everything players seek in a classic American-made instrument: visual elegance, robust construction, and a voice that has only grown richer over the past five decades.
 
Introduced in the early 1960s, the Gibson Dove was conceived as a square-shouldered counterpart to the Hummingbird, offering a slightly brighter tonal profile and a refined aesthetic. By the early to mid-1970s, the model was officially designated the “Dove Custom”, reflecting both its high-end appointments and its elevated place in the Gibson acoustic lineup. These Norlin-era Doves are particularly notable for their unique construction choices—choices that have since earned a loyal following among collectors and players alike.
 
A key structural hallmark of this era is the double-X bracing, a design sometimes debated but, on standout instruments like this one, capable of producing an impressively bold and responsive sound. This Dove Custom is absolutely one of those standout examples: the top resonates with striking openness, projecting a clear, chiming high end alongside a warm, focused low register. Whether strummed with authority or played with a lighter fingerstyle touch, this guitar sings with a dynamic presence that outperforms many expectations for mid-’70s acoustics.

This 1974 Dove Custom features a solid spruce top, prized for its clarity and dynamic range. The maple back and sides—a signature element of the Dove design—provide crisp articulation, tight low end, and that classic Gibson brightness. The three-piece maple neck with its comfortable profile offers excellent stability. Combined with the double-X bracing, these materials create a distinctive voice: clean, resonant, and beautifully balanced.
Cosmetically, this instrument is in remarkably clean condition for its age. The finish retains a rich luster, the binding is tight and well-preserved, and the maple displays the visual charm and attractive grain for which these Doves are known. Frets retain plenty of life, the neck is true, and the guitar feels solid and inspiring in hand.
The only noteworthy deviation from originality is the replaced pickguard. The original, like many from this era, had deteriorated to the point of disintegration. A tasteful replacement is installed, while the original pickguard is included for authenticity and collector value.
 
Completing the package is the original Gibson hard case. The handle has been repaired, but the case remains fully functional and offers that iconic vintage presence.
 
Overall, this 1974 Gibson Dove Custom stands out as a superb example—well cared for, musically vibrant, and steeped in history. For players seeking a lively vintage Gibson with projection and soul, or for collectors looking for a clean Dove from this period, this guitar is a rare and rewarding find.