For Sale: 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Doves In Flight – Antique Natural | LR Baggs HiFi | OHSC
Up for sale is a 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Doves In Flight in beautiful Antique Natural, complete with its original Gibson hard-shell case.
The Doves In Flight represents one of the most elaborate and visually striking interpretations of Gibson’s legendary Dove ever produced. Built by Gibson’s acoustic craftsmen in Montana, it takes the classic square-shoulder Dove platform and elevates it with AAA figured flame maple back and sides, an ebony fingerboard, abalone purfling, gold hardware, and an incredible collection of individually engraved mother-of-pearl and abalone dove inlays throughout the guitar.
From the doves traveling across the ebony fingerboard and headstock to the ornate bridge and pickguard, nearly every detail makes it clear that this is something far beyond a standard production Dove.
An LR Baggs HiFi pickup system has been professionally installed, giving this guitar an excellent amplified voice while retaining its natural acoustic character.
Condition
Very Good – 8.5/10
There is some slight milky/cloudy appearance in the clear coat surrounding the bridge. This type of cosmetic fogging or "blushing" can occur in the finish around areas where moisture, temperature changes, and finish stress are concentrated.
This is cosmetic only. The bridge is solid and is not lifting.
We want to make this particularly clear so there is no confusion between the cosmetic appearance of the finish and an actual structural bridge issue.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
There are no cracks, breaks, or structural issues. The guitar has been professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier and plays beautifully.
The original Gibson hard-shell case is included.
Specifications
Doves In Flight Inlay Work
The extraordinary inlay work is what immediately separates the Doves In Flight from virtually every other Gibson acoustic.
The guitar features an elaborate collection of individually engraved mother-of-pearl and abalone doves, with the design extending across the fingerboard, headstock, bridge, and pickguard.
Rather than simply repeating the traditional Dove motif, the fingerboard creates the appearance of doves actually moving in flight along the neck.
The ebony fingerboard provides a beautiful dark background for the pearl and abalone work, allowing every individual inlay to stand out.
Combined with the abalone body purfling, gold hardware, figured maple, and Antique Natural finish, the result is one of the most ornate and immediately recognizable acoustic guitars Gibson has produced.
AAA Figured Flame Maple
Underneath all of the ornamentation is a serious acoustic guitar built from premium tonewoods.
The solid Sitka spruce top is paired with beautifully figured AAA flame maple back and sides, giving the Doves In Flight the powerful yet articulate personality associated with Gibson's maple-bodied square-shoulder acoustics.
The maple is particularly striking beneath the transparent Antique Natural finish, allowing the figuring to remain fully visible rather than hiding it beneath a darker sunburst.
It's a guitar that looks impressive from across the room but becomes even more interesting as you examine the smaller details up close.
Tone & Feel
The Doves In Flight isn't simply a showpiece—it has the sound to match its appearance.
The Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and dynamic range, while the maple back and sides give the guitar a clear, focused response with excellent note separation.
The longer 25.5" scale length contributes to its strong projection and articulate attack. Big open chords remain defined even when played aggressively, while individual notes have plenty of clarity for flatpicking and melodic work.
The ebony fingerboard adds a smooth, precise feel under the fingers.
This particular neck measures .85" at the 1st fret and .92" at the 9th fret, giving it a comfortable profile that gradually fills out as you move up the neck.
At 5 lbs 4 oz, the guitar feels substantial and resonant without being excessively heavy.
Most importantly, it plays and sounds fantastic.
Professionally Installed LR Baggs HiFi
An LR Baggs HiFi pickup system has been professionally installed and sounds fantastic.
The HiFi system is designed to capture more of the natural character and dynamics of the instrument than a traditional undersaddle pickup, making it an excellent match for a high-end acoustic like this.
It gives the guitar an excellent amplified voice for live performance, recording, rehearsals, or direct connection to an acoustic amplifier or PA.
Truss Rod Covers
The guitar is currently fitted with a genuine Gibson Custom Shop flared-bell truss rod cover, which was purchased for the guitar because its more ornate appearance complements the Doves In Flight aesthetic beautifully.
Importantly, the original "Custom" truss rod cover is also included, so the guitar can easily be returned to its original appearance.
Original Gibson Hard-Shell Case
The guitar comes complete with its original Gibson hard-shell case.
Having the original case is an important addition to a special Gibson Custom Shop acoustic like this and provides excellent protection for storage, transportation, and shipping.
As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos of the actual instrument are provided. Toward the end of the photo set, I include close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly highlight any wear. We don’t just describe condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises.
Many customers comment that our guitars arrive in better condition than expected.
We offer fast, secure shipping anywhere in the continental USA with two flat-rate options:
FedEx Ground: $100
FedEx Next Day Air: $160
Every guitar is professionally packed and fully insured for transit. We require a signature upon delivery to protect both you and the instrument — minimizing any risk during shipment.
We’re experienced in shipping worldwide. For international orders:
Customs & Duties Prepayment is now required.
This ensures we are not left with unexpected charges and significantly streamlines customs clearance — your gear clears faster with no delays.
Shipping Cost: Use the calculator at checkout for accurate rates.
Customs Estimate: Contact us directly if you'd like a quote for your country’s import fees.
With over 18 years of experience selling premium guitars and basses both locally in Salt Lake City and online, Guitar Chimp has built a reputation for:
✅ Top-Quality Instruments
✅ Accurate, Honest Listings (real photos, no surprises)
✅ Professional Setups by Our In-House Luthier
Every instrument is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and setup before it leaves our shop — ensuring it arrives ready to play.
Check our reviews and feedback to hear from hundreds of satisfied players around the world.
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Jerald
Guitar Chimp 🎸