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c.1970-2 Gibson L-7C
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Serial #: 190111, stamped in peghead.
Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .82/.93, 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid carved spruce top; solid figured maple back; three-piece maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard with split-parallelogram mother of pearl inlays.
Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes Gibson/Kluson Deluxe tuners and compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid foot. Vintage correct hardware includes chrome trapeze tailpiece with raised parallelogram crossbar, vintage toned 5-ply pickguard. Gold Armstrong floating JS humbucking pickup, with volume control and 1/4" jack.
Notes: The Gibson L-7C was produced between 1948 and 1972, and was constructed with the same body size, bracing and scale length as its upscale cousin, the L-5C. And like the L-5, this classic model features all solid, all carved construction, including a back carved of solid carved rock maple.
This distinctive guitar is one of the last L-7s ever built: one of just 40 examples produced between 1970 and the model's demise in 1972. While Gibson's records don't permit a precise dating between those years, this instrument exhibits features we've never seen on any other example of this venerable model. Both the fingerboard and bridge are crafted of solid ebony, the bridge foot is inlaid with pearl on either side, and the peghead is trimmed in an extravagant 5 plies of binding, all features usually reserved for Gibson's top-line L-5.
Weighing in at just a hair over 6lb, the instrument is light and well balanced, with a smooth, rich acoustic voice. Well maintained, the guitar is remarkably free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The tobacco sunburst finish appears to have been professionally applied several decades ago, and is subtly shaded from rim to rim. The neck has a contemporary, gentle D profile, easy in the hand, with a full width 1 11/16" fingerboard, and smooth, low action over a fresh high-precision setup. Finally, a floating Armstrong JS humbucking pickup delivers warm, classic tone, with a pickguard mounted volume control and 1/4" jack.
A true rarity, and an outstanding player, this unique guitar offers vintage Gibson tone and feel, at a working performer's price. 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. Action is set from 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with medium gauge .012 nickel roundwound strings.
Case: Deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case.
