Genuine 1951 Gibson L-7C Archtop For Sale

Gibson produced the L-7C (for cutaway) from 1948 until 1972. Designed to be a more affordable alternative to their 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, ebony on the L-5 and Brazilian rosewood on the L-7).

One of only 152 total L-7C's built in 1951 (99 in sunburst and 53 in natural), by serial # sequence it is estimated that #A-8811 was constructed in the summer of that year. If instruments could talk, this one would, by all appearances, have a long and colorful story to tell. Unfortunately, however, little is known of the history of A-8811.

Cosmetically, the guitar shows its age (I would like to think at the hands of a journeyman musician) with some visible bruises to the top and much of the finish worn from the back of the neck. There is about a 4" split in the the lower bout which has been cleated.

Structurally, the condition of this guitar "Very Good".

In the recent past, the guitar was refretted and "set up" at the legendary Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto. (See receipts in photos). As a result, it plays beautifully.

Non-original: At some point in its life, a Seymour Duncan floating neck pickup was added. It is wired thru the tail strap button and sounds great. The pickguard and tailpiece are non-original and 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.

Looks cool and plays / sounds great! It is loud and clear acoustically or plugged-in. A-8811 would be a great addition to any collection. More importantly, this is a terrific piece of history that can/should be played and enjoyed.