Gibson L-7 Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1937)
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Item # 10990
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Gibson L-7 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1937), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides re- finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, period hard shell case.
This is a player-grade example of an attractive pre-war Gibson archtop, the new-for 1935 "Advanced" 17" body L-7. Priced at $125.00 this model was the least expensive of the improved "Advanced" larger-bodied line of orchestra guitars but still a substantial professional grade instrument. It offered the same basic playing features as the L-5 with less expensive woods and trim, although not a plain guitar by any means.
This 1937 guitar has been completely refinished but still looks and sounds good. The most striking feature is the features the elaborate "picturebox" fingerboard inlay introduced in 1934, a distinctive look for this period. It features the shorter 24 3/4" scale length which was changed in 1937 and the X-braced top which would be discontinued by 1940. This is a beautiful looking and smooth sounding swing-era guitar, re-worked some time ago but still a good player's instrument that would grace any bandstand.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.).
This 85+ year old guitar has seen substantial professional work done but shows not much subsequent play wear. It has been completely refinished in lacquer in a style consistent with its original look and feel; this is a nicely done job and appears to have some age to it. Internally a cross brace has been neatly added, cut into the original X braces directly under the bridge. It is likely the top was perceived as sinking and this was done to correct it. The back was removed for this procedure, and some spots around the rim are not trued up completely evenly, especially the lower bout bottom. The top center seam has been resealed under the tailpiece, and the back seam off the heelblock; these appear to have been done after the refinish.
The hardware is a mix of eras; the pickguard and tailpiece are more recent; the bridge base appears original and correct but the saddle, though it appears to match, is not the standard Gibson fitting. The tuners amazingly remain the original riveted Grovers. A modern strap button is fitted at the endblock, the hole for another is on the bottom of the heel. The guitar was refretted some time back with wire somewhat taller than the original but not overly wide; the nut is an eccentric looking if functional, older piece.
While no longer substantially original this guitar still performs as it should, with a powerful sound that can be pushed without getting thin. This would be an excellent gigging period acoustic archtop, which can be rode hard without diminishing any "collectible' appeal. It is housed in a worn but functional period HSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.
This is a player-grade example of an attractive pre-war Gibson archtop, the new-for 1935 "Advanced" 17" body L-7. Priced at $125.00 this model was the least expensive of the improved "Advanced" larger-bodied line of orchestra guitars but still a substantial professional grade instrument. It offered the same basic playing features as the L-5 with less expensive woods and trim, although not a plain guitar by any means.
This 1937 guitar has been completely refinished but still looks and sounds good. The most striking feature is the features the elaborate "picturebox" fingerboard inlay introduced in 1934, a distinctive look for this period. It features the shorter 24 3/4" scale length which was changed in 1937 and the X-braced top which would be discontinued by 1940. This is a beautiful looking and smooth sounding swing-era guitar, re-worked some time ago but still a good player's instrument that would grace any bandstand.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.).
This 85+ year old guitar has seen substantial professional work done but shows not much subsequent play wear. It has been completely refinished in lacquer in a style consistent with its original look and feel; this is a nicely done job and appears to have some age to it. Internally a cross brace has been neatly added, cut into the original X braces directly under the bridge. It is likely the top was perceived as sinking and this was done to correct it. The back was removed for this procedure, and some spots around the rim are not trued up completely evenly, especially the lower bout bottom. The top center seam has been resealed under the tailpiece, and the back seam off the heelblock; these appear to have been done after the refinish.
The hardware is a mix of eras; the pickguard and tailpiece are more recent; the bridge base appears original and correct but the saddle, though it appears to match, is not the standard Gibson fitting. The tuners amazingly remain the original riveted Grovers. A modern strap button is fitted at the endblock, the hole for another is on the bottom of the heel. The guitar was refretted some time back with wire somewhat taller than the original but not overly wide; the nut is an eccentric looking if functional, older piece.
While no longer substantially original this guitar still performs as it should, with a powerful sound that can be pushed without getting thin. This would be an excellent gigging period acoustic archtop, which can be rode hard without diminishing any "collectible' appeal. It is housed in a worn but functional period HSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.