{"product_id":"vintage-gibson-l-7-special-usa-1940s","title":"SOLD - Vintage Gibson L 7 Special – USA 1940s","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOLD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 1930s and 40s were true golden eras for Gibson’s archtop line - a period that produced many famed instruments that have stood the test of time. Choice maple and spruce was abundant, and this guitar is built with stunning pieces of both woods. This L-7 Special is an outstanding testament to the quality and enchantment of the era.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIntroduced in 1932, the Gibson L-7 was Gibson’s most popular acoustic archtop ever. Identical in all but cosmetics to the L-5, it remains the outstanding value in a true pro-sized all-carved Gibson archtop. In fact, it is believed that around a hundred or so L-5 bodies were used in the construction of Gibson L-7s and L-10s during this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGibson L-7 Specs –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eArched solid spruce top\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eF-holes  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRaised bound pickguard  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBound body  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCarved maple back\/sides  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMahogany neck  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e14\/19-fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl multi-design inlay  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAdjustable rosewood bridge\/trapeze tailpiece  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBound blackface peghead with pearl fleur-de-lis\/logo inlay  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThree-per-side tuners with plastic buttons  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e16” or 17“ body  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApprox 1200 mfg. 1932-1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut this one is certainly a bit “special” in that it has some features that were a grade above the standard L-7 of the era. They include the quite beautiful and incredibly detailed hand tooled headstock inlay, the unique “arrow head” fingerboard inlays, the straight sided shape of the pickguard and the fabulous, almost glowing birds eye maple figuring on the back and sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe actually only know of one other guitar of this spec – and that one belongs to legendary US guitarist Arlen Roth, and his looks to be exactly the same as our listing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo quote Arlen from a 2008 Vintage Guitar magazine interview – “\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs far we know, this carved-top Gibson is one of a kind, but the dimensions are the same as an L-10 or L-7,” Roth said. “It was ordered from the factory around 1934 with Bella Voce inlay on the headstock, like a Gibson banjo. It sounds amazing – great for chunk-chunk rhythm like the old Western swing records where the rhythm guitar almost sounds like a hi-hat.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWell, it looks like it may be not one of a kind, but it may be one of only two. The last photo in our listing is Arlen Roth’s L-7 Special – as far as we can see, it sure looks like the twin of this one !\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis guitar has all of the playing wear you would expect for a vintage guitar of this age. The finish is nicely but naturally checking, and there are a few dings and dents here and there. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMost importantly, this lovely old girl is structurally in good shape. No cracks, splits or repairs that we can see. The original frets are showing a little wear down low, but a refret is still a while away. The tuners have been replaced with Gibson Deluxe units, but the original strip tuners are in the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe neck is a chunky profile but not too huge. Truss rod is present and works fine. It is straight with a medium low action, and comfortable to play in all positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe passing of time has done wonders for this guitar, mellowing the overall tone while adding a certain depth and dynamic quality not found in new production instruments. Because the fingerboard is raised above the soundboard, the entire top is able to vibrate and respond freely. It is quite loud and projects very well - rhythm chords in particular are powerful and clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is a lovely old Gibson archtop, probably one of very few made during the war era, and sporting some very special features that makes this pretty close to a “one-off”, if not one of two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eComes in what looks like its original fitted hard case in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMore pics to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reemes Music","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53839056994623,"sku":"RMC-MUS-G78643397","price":2247.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/7535\/9039\/files\/Vintage_Gibson_L_7_Special_USA_1940s.jpg?v=1782094993","url":"https:\/\/www.reemesmusic.com\/products\/vintage-gibson-l-7-special-usa-1940s","provider":"Reemes Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}