Music

Serial #A-8811 is one of only 152 total L-7C's built by Gibson in 1951. Produced from 1948 to 1972, the L-7C (for Cutaway) was designed to be a more affordable alternative to Gibson's pricey L-5 line. The L-7 was essentially the same instrument with less bling, ie. extra bindings and inlays. The two guitars were built with the same dimensions and bracing. They shared the same tonewoods including carved spruce tops, carved maple back and sides and a maple neck (albeit using different material on the fretboard with ebony on the L-5 and Brazilian rosewood on the L-7). If instruments could talk, #8811 would, by all appearances, have a long and colorful story to tell. While little is known of its history, the condition of the guitar is structurally "very good". Cosmetically, it shows some age with bruises to the top and finish worn down on the back of the neck. There is also a 4" split on the side of the guitar near the bottom strap button though long ago was properly cleated. In the recent past, the L-7C was refretted and 'set up' at the legendary Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, CA. (See receipts in photos). The neck is straight, action low and the guitar plus beautifully. Non-original: At some point in its life, a Seymour Duncan floating pickup was installed. Wired thru the tail strap button, the pickup works well and sounds great. The pickguard and tailpiece both appear correct however are non-original. At one time the guitar had off-brand tuners but currently wears a set of Grover Deluxes. Just installed new Thomastik-Infeld 12/50 flat wounds strings. This L-7 looks cool and plays / sounds great, loud and clear acoustically or plugged-in. A great addition to any collection, #A8811 is a rare living, breathing piece of history that can and should be played and enjoyed.