The Gibson L-7 has consistently been a player favorite - the wallet friendly alternative to the acclaimed L-5. Since their original inception in the mid 30's, they've been appearing on the bandstand offering exceptional nearly amplified acoustic tone ever since. Earlier examples would undergo changes to bracing patterns in a burst finish, with the blonde iterations like that seen here not being produced until 1940 - a specification left for only the finest instruments.

From the family of the original owner, this 1940 Blonde example is one such fine instrument, complete with everything to compete with its fancy L5 counterpart - with a much more approachable price point that has consistently increased in value. By this point, this body was constructed with a carved spruce top, with a 17" lower bout (this particular one measuring a hair smaller at about 16 7/8"). Laminate flame maple back and sides, seen here with a solid one piece that looks absolutely incredible. Fully bound, the binding is in great shape without shrinkage. The interior wall of the F holes has been painted white. It has an era correct hanger tailpiece that is not original, but a suitable fit for the guitar - the original likely long gone. Rosewood bridge, the action super playable with plenty of room for adjustment at the thumb screws. The original pickguard is present with original mounting hardware (one replaced screw), the guard has been cut for a pickup to be placed at the neck. Cosmetically, the body is in great shape, free of cracks or structural damage - just simple checking, mild binding discoloration, and light surface play wear (notable south of the pickguard). Internally, it has the standard issue two tone bar bracing - still with earlier white Kalamazoo label.

The neck is designed with the standard 25.5" scale length, the nut width measuring 1 23/32". It is constructed out of two very nice pieces of flamed maple with a rosewood center strip - the fingerboard full bound and made of rosewood with the iconic split parallelogram inlay. The frets are original, the nibs still visible albeit a bit separated from the fret ends. The frets themselves are clean less some notable play wear in the treble side around the 7th position. The fingerboard itself is clean and free of indentation. The neck is nice and straight with a great neck angle as mentioned previously - the bridge still with plenty of room for adjustment - the action measuring a low 4/64" in height at the twelfth fret of the first string and about 5/64" on the sixth. The notes ring true in each register without issue - plenty of sustain and power. The peg head veneer features the iconic 40's "fat script" and crown MOP inlay. Evidence of past Kluson tuners are present - it is currently setup with era correct open gear non-stamped Grovers (one missing a mounting screw, with a different footprint - and another with a replaced sprocket screw).

Includes original red line hardshell case.