1934 Gibson L-7 16" Loyd Loar Sized Archtop Jazz Guitar

If you've always admired the great Loyd Loar L-5s of the 1920s but shuddered at their exorbitant pricing, this is a guitar you should know. Many people believe that Gibson's classic design and excellent tone of the Loar guitars were never equaled. The early 1930s L-7s were constructed on the same line and to the same specs as the classic Loar guitars.

Original 16" L-7s are rare guitars that were only available in Gibson's catalog for two years, from 1932 to 1934. The L-7, which shared the same body as the 20s L-5, was embellished with variegated pearl fingerboard inlays that were slightly fancier than its more expensive cousin. (These inlays, like those seen on Gibson's Nick Lucas model, were leftover stock from Gibson's opulent Mastertone banjos of the 1920s.) The 16" L-7, which was parallel braced for power like the L-5, was discontinued later this year when Gibson upsized the model to 17" X-braced bodies.

Scale length: 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.)

Nut Width 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.)
Lower Bout: 16 1/16 in. (40.8 cm.)
Overall length: 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm.)
End Block Depth: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.)
Serial Number: 91134
FON: 1077
Body: Maple 
Neck: Mahogany

This example is a true classic under-the-bed example. It is in wonderful condition and must have remained safe in its equally clean case for many years. It has a lovely vintage correct pick guard and bracket, which were recently installed. It has some light finish checking throughout. This includes a couple deeper lines under and next to the pick guard, probably from the original guard gassing off, none of which are visible from internal inspection. That process has also lightly stained the last few inches of the fingerboard on the tongue area and the binding in that area. It has been expertly set up for maximum playability and volume. Action at the 12th fret is 3/32 (2.4mm) on the bass side and 5/64 (2mm) on the treble.

Excellent Condition