Toshima-Ku, Japan
About this listing
-Archtop guitars have played a pivotal role in Gibson’s history.Drawing on expertise gained from mandolin manufacturing, a variety of archtop guitars were developed throughout the 1920s and 1930s.The rich sound produced by their large bodies is truly unique, and these instruments were a staple of band lineups until the advent of the electric guitar.The design featuring a perfectly streamlined body arch is arguably Gibson’s signature style, and popular models today, such as the Les Paul and ES-335, carry on that legacy.While this newly arrived instrument takes after the mid-tier "L-7" model, it features highly unusual specifications. From the late 1930s through the wartime years of the 1940s, Gibson limitedly produced non-catalog, custom-order models dubbed "Special" for select instrument dealers.During this era, instrument production was strictly restricted due to wartime regulations. In response, Gibson assembled these special models using unused, high-end components left over in the factory—a practice known as a "floor sweep." Consequently, the wood quality is on par with Gibson’s pre-war golden era.It is highly probable that this particular guitar, distinct from a standard L-7, was crafted as part of this "Special" series. In terms of specifications, it features a single-bound body measuring approximately 17 inches, a carved spruce top, and maple sides and back. The notably chunky, thick neck is a 5-piece construction of maple/walnut/maple/walnut/maple, with a nut width of approximately 44mm.This one-of-a-kind, unique piece vividly reflects the improvisational nature of wartime manufacturing, born from a "mishmash" of available parts. In particular, its most prominent visual feature is the highly unique, organic inlay work, which is never seen on standard catalog models like the L-5 or L-7.The bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard features cell-inlays that appear to split the left and right sides, along with triangle inlays starting from the 3rd fret—a style reminiscent of Cromwell, one of Gibson's minor distributor brands.The headstock features the vintage "The Gibson" script logo used up until around 1934, which predates the actual manufacturing period of the guitar itself. Furthermore, instead of the classic Fleur-de-lis, a custom inlay designed to look like a flower viewed from the front is placed offset, giving it an organic, sophisticated, and dignified presence.Standard 17-inch high-end archtops, such as the L-5 and L-7, typically feature a floating extension where the higher frets of the fingerboard are elevated off the body to avoid dampening top-plate vibrations. However, on this instrument, the fingerboard extension sits flush, directly contacting the body top (non-elevated). As a result, rather than the sharp, forward-projecting volume typical of a standard L-5, this design yields a woodier tone with longer sustain, warmth, and depth.It delivers a resonance that is powerful yet subtle and delightfully percussive. Within its seasoned, broken-in tone lies a soft, lingering plumpness—a melancholic voice that gently evokes forgotten memories, creating a profound connection with the player.- The condition is excellent, showing no signs of its 90-year history; aside from a single crack repair on the body top, there is no significant damage.Frets, nut, and tuning pegs have been replaced.For further details, please contact the store.Hard case included.
PriceC$8,274.72
+ C$413.83 Shipping
