Gibson L-7 (1946)

Gibson's L-7 is one of the most revered models from the company's lineup of classic archtops, and even decades after their initial production run, are still sought after by jazz guitarists everywhere for their authentic, punchy tone. This one, from 1946, has quickly become a shop favorite, with lots of vintage punch and panache that simply can't be found in the new stuff. Incredibly open and loud cuts of Adirondack spruce and maple combine with truly old-school craftsmanship for some of the best snap and snarl you'll ever hear from a guitar without a pickup, but without sacrificing any of the warmth and character you'll want for playing ballads and standards. It's also hard to get over the vintage sunburst finish, practically synonymous with Gibson's acoustic instruments of this era.

While some parts are non-original, this guitar is overall in very good condition and boasts a comfortable set up with a straight neck. Playing wear is fairly typical for a guitar approaching 80 years of age, with consistent amounts of scuffs and dents all over the top, and lighter wear on the back. One three-and-a-half inch crack extends from the bottom of the back diagonal towards the center, and has already been glued and is at this point very stable. In addition, there is extensive finish checking (typical for a vintage Gibson), with fine finish cracks on all planes of the guitar. Aftermarket alterations include a non-original pickguard, bridge, and truss rod cover, but all other hardware appears to be original, as is the hard-shell case, which comes included with the instrument.

Specifications

Top Wood: Adirondack spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Maple 
Width at Nut: 1.75"
Bracing Pattern: Tone bar
Scale Length: 25.38" 
Frets to Body: 14
Fingerboard and Bridge Wood: Brazilian rosewood
Body Binding: Cream
Headplate Material: Ebonized holly
Headstock Inlay / Logo: Gibson script logotype with crown in mother-of-pearl
Neck Binding: Cream
Neck Shape: Gibson L contour
Fingerboard Side Dots: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets 
Fingerboard Inlay: Reverse trapezoids in mother-of-pearl at frets listed above
Pickguard: Non-original black pickguard
Tuners: Nickel-plated open-gear with cream buttons
Electronics: None
Case: Original hard-shell case