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1937 Gibson L-7 'Advanced Model'

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Serial #: 94118

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .90/1.00

Materials: Solid handcarved maple back, sides and neck; handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, mother of pearl "picture frame" fingerboard inlays; narrow script Gibson peghead logo with "vase and curlicue" inlay; triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.

Hardware: All original nickel hardware includes 'stacked diamond' trapeze tailpiece; adjustable compensated ebony bridge saddle with rosewood base; nickel Grover Sta-Tite tuners; adjustable truss rod, bound tortoise pickguard.

Notes: Regular visitors know that we have a special place in our hearts for the X-braced Gibson archtops of the '30's. In 1934, to meet the increased demands for volume required by the Big Band era, Gibson increased the body size of its professional guitars from 16" to 17" in the lower bout. Just as significantly, Gibson introduced the X-brace support system for the first time in their archtop guitars. The X-brace had been used by Martin for some time, and has in recent decades found wide popularity with top builders like Benedetto and others for it's warm woody tone, with greater sustain and bass response.

The L-7 was Gibson's most popular 17" guitar, with the same size, scale and materials as the L-5. Interestingly, the L-7 of this era had a much more ornate inlay pattern than it's spendier cousin. This example shows the rare 'stacked diamond' trapeze tailpiece, shallower arch, and smaller f-holes of the prewar 17" 'Advanced model' bodies.

This handsome guitar has all original hardware, and shows lovely flame maple figure under the deep walnut finish. Well maintained, the instrument is without pick, buckle, thumb or fretwear. The gentle C neck profile is comfy and solid in the hand, with smooth low action over fine recent fretwork and a fresh high-precision setup. The top, back and sides show no cracks or structural repairs, and the neck has been freshly reset, giving the instrument excellent bridge height. The original deep Cremona sunburst finish is all intact, and protected with a light clear true nitro lacquer overspray. A single lateral crack at the neck heel has been soundly repaired, and fully inspected at our shop, and the 'G' string tuner has been replaced with a prewar Grover Sta-Tite machine of slightly later vintage.

All hardware is original, including the rare 'stacked diamond' trapeze tailpiece, seen this year only, and the 20's style thin script Gibson peghead logo, seen here in its last year. The ornate 'picture frame' inlays were borrowed from the Mastertone banjos of the 20's as well, along with the 'vase and curlicues' peghead decor. And remarkably, the original bound tortoise pickguard remains in splendid condition, quite a rarity for instruments of this era.

At a mere 5lb 3oz, the instrument is extraordinarily light in weight, and effortlessly balanced on the lap or the strap. With its finely graduated X-braced soundboard, the voice of the guitar is notably open, even and deeply resonant, with excellent sustain and superior bass response: great for chord melody, vocal backup, fingerstyle play or recording. A superb player, with the matchless resonance of the X-braced soundboard, and the best value in this classic model we've had in many a year. One only, call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge 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 oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.