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1947 Gibson L-7
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Serial #: 99921, white Kalamazoo label
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .93/.98
Materials: Solid handcarved figured maple back; handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; solid maple neck and sides; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and compensated bridge, split-parallelogram mother of pearl fingerboard inlays and "crown" headstock inlay; pearl 'block script' Gibson peghead logo, triple-bound body, bound fingerboard and headstock.
Hardware: Original bound tortoise pickguard with nickel bracket, original compensated adjustable rosewood bridge. Vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners with single-ring tulip pegs, aged chrome trapeze tailpiece with raised parallelogram crossbar; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Introduced in 1932, the Gibson L-7 was Gibson' most popular professional sized archop, with the last noncutaway example rolling off the line in 1955. Identical in all but cosmetics to the costly L-5, the L-7 was highly prized by working players for it's warmth, projection and playability. This classic guitar is one of the final hundred instruments to bear the consecutive numbers of the original Gibson serial system, which began in 1905.
A remarkable find, this instrument is also the earliest Gibson guitar we have found to be graced with the postwar 'block script' logo, introduced late in this model year, and still in use to this day. Exceptionally light in weight, the guitar tips the scales at barely over 5lb, about as light as it is possible to carve a full-depth 17" archtop guitar. Well played and well loved, the guitar features highly figured solid tiger maple in the body, a finely graduated solid spruce soundboard, and deep walnut stained back and sides.
Remarkably, the original bound tortoise pickguard remains intact, with a few shims added to the thick original binding. The compensated adjustable bridge is original as well, with particularly vivid figure in its grain. A set of vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners have been restored to the peghead, along with the aged chrome trapeze tailpiece. The subtly shaded nitro sunburst finish is all original as well, and shows typical playwear of a long career, with scattered nicks and scratches here and there. Apart from a fine hairline crack across the neck heel, now soundly resealed, the guitar shows no other apparent structural repairs.
The neck profile is a classic gentle C, with smooth, low action over all-original fretwork, and a fresh high-precision setup. The combination of featherweight construction and years of vigorous play have given the instrument a notably open and resonant voice, clear and brilliant in acoustic response across the range. This veteran player combines the power and projection of a true big band cannon, with the signature warmth and woodiness we associate with this maker. A player's delight, and a true best buy in a classic Gibson archtop: 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 wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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 arched plush lined hardshell case.
