How’s about this awesome 1944 script logo, Gibson L7 in rare original Factory Black?

Introduced in 1935, the ‘Advanced’ L7 joined the Gibson family along with the ES300, with an increased 17” body and parallelogram inlays, retaining the maple back and sides and carved spruce top of its L5 sibling.

This is a superb example, in fact you have to look in disbelief before you can appreciate the amazing condition this one is in considering its 77 years of age. The Factory Black finish has a few marks, mainly along the sides but it really is quite something and has certainly not been abused. There are a few dings and scratches in a couple of places though none of this really detracts from the overall look of the instrument.

The original pickguard crumbled a long time ago so we managed to source a historically correct, high quality, bound repro guard to put on it together with a new mounting bracket and we think you will agree, it really does look the part.

The chunky C neck has a really nice feel with a bound fretboard and parallelogram mother of pearl inlays. The script logo headstock has the now iconic crown inlay emblazoned upon it, framed by the continued binding. The wartime open back Kluson tuners still work very well and the whole thing makes for a very impressive package. The neck has a smooth finish and there are a few patches of wear though this isn’t extensive. The frets have plenty of life left in them.

The plastics are in good condition as is the hardware and rosewood bridge which yes, it original, in fact this style of bridge was only used in 1944 so we have been told.

The guitar comes with the original black Lifton hardshell case that like the guitar, is in exceptional condition.

The L7’s reputation was built on being able to keep up with a horn section and this one is no exception. It has an authoritative voice acoustically that has a wonderful three dimensional quality that’s so evocative of the period.

The definitive archtop, this L7 would make stunning addition to anyone’s collection…