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

• Light scratches from normal use
• Some small dings
• Slight clear-coat fogging around the bridge
• Overall very attractive condition for a 2009 instrument

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

• Model: Gibson Custom Shop Doves In Flight
• Year: 2009
• Made in USA – Gibson Montana
• Serial Number: 01419001
• Finish: Antique Natural
• Finish Type: High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Body Style: Square-Shoulder Dreadnought
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: AAA Figured Flame Maple
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing
• Neck: 3-Piece Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: 20
• Nut Width: 1.60"
• Neck Depth: .85" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .92" at the 9th Fret
• Bridge: Ebony Dove Wing Bridge with Dove Inlays
• Pickguard: Ornate Dove-Inlaid Pickguard
• Inlays: Engraved Mother-of-Pearl & Abalone Dove Motifs
• Purfling: Abalone
• Tuners: Gold Grover
• Electronics: Professionally Installed LR Baggs HiFi Pickup System
• Weight: 5 lbs 4 oz
• Case: Original Gibson Hard-Shell Case

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.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the scratches, dings, slight clear-coat fogging around the bridge, and any other cosmetic wear.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many of our customers tell us their guitars arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we’re always happy to help!

This 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Doves In Flight in Antique Natural is an extraordinary example of one of Gibson's most elaborate acoustic designs. With its Sitka spruce top, AAA figured flame maple back and sides, ebony fingerboard, intricate pearl and abalone dove inlays, gold hardware, professionally installed LR Baggs HiFi system, and original Gibson hard-shell case, it combines serious acoustic performance with spectacular Custom Shop craftsmanship.

Professionally set up and ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006