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1934 Gibson L-7

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Serial #: 91061 white oval label.

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 3/4"

Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; solid mahogany neck, solid figured maple back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, variegated mother of pearl inlay fingerboard inlay and fleur de lis peghead inlay; bound fingerboard, peghead and body.

Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes "Pat. Pend" trapeze tailpiece, Grover Sta-Tite open back tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge. Vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard.

Notes: If you always admired the superlative L-5's of the 1920's, but blanched at their astronomical prices, this is a guitar you should know about. Many folks feel that Gibson never surpassed the classic lines and magnificent tone of the original Lloyd Loar body design. The guitars are extraordinarily lightweight, with elegantly slim f-holes and some of the most delicately carved tops Gibson ever made. The resulting instruments possess a richness and transparency that is remarkable for instruments of any size.

The original 16" L-7 is a rare guitar, in Gibson's catalog for two years only between 1932 and 1934. Produced with the same body as the 20's L-5, the L-7 was adorned with variegated pearl fingerboard inlays somewhat fancier than it's costlier cousin. (Similar to those found on Gibson's Nick Lucas model, these inlays were left over stock from Gibson's ornate Mastertone banjos of the 20's.) Parallel braced for power like the L-5, the 16" L-7 was discontinued later this year, when Gibson upsized the model to a 17" X-braced body.

This example has been well maintained, with all original nickel hardware, a handsome flame maple back, and a finely graduated solid spruce soundboard. At a phenomenal 4lb 10 oz, the instrument is exceptionally light in weight, and deftly balanced on he lap or the strap. The neck has a comfy traditional V profile, and was made in the last year for the generous 1 3/4" nut, with smooth low action over fine pro fretwork in the original style, and a fresh high-precision setup.

The deep Cremona sunburst finish is original, and largely free of pick and buckle wear, showing some light normal checking and a few scattered lacquer nicks. Some clear overspray has been added to the back of the neck, along with a small section of replacement binding. A single tiny hairline crack at the treble soundhole has been cleated long ago, and a small screw hole has been filled right under the strings. The voice is clean, clear, brilliantly resonant, and wide open, with the sort of natural reverb we associate with a very finely carved top.

With tone, playability, and styling comparable to the classic L-5, at a fraction of the cost, this rare model is an unbeatable value, and a top performer for the serious player. One only: call now.

Setup: The trussrod tension and neck relief have been adjusted; bridge height and compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge conditioned; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. Action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with .013 phosphor bronze strings.

Case: Deluxe fitted arched black plush lined hardshell case.

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