1935 Gibson L-4 versus 1934 L-7

[Texas Bill]

My Dad and I bought a ‘35 L-4 50 years ago, still got it. It was stripped when we got it, has kerfed braces everything else original. I’m looking at a ‘33-‘34 L-7 which looks like a clone of the L-4 although the L-7 has the original sunburst finish. Both 16”.

1. Is one model more desirable than the other?
2. Any structural differences?
3. What is the hierarchy of 30s Gibson archtops with the L-5 being at the top?

New the forum but not to Gibson guitars mostly 30s and 40s flattops.

Thanks

[icr]

You might want to track down the Gibson Catalog X from 1937.

They have the guitars presented in their own order of superioritiy. This may or may not be the value today.

Super 400
L-5
L-12
L-10
L-7
L-4
L-75
L-50
L-37
L-30
etc.

[Dennis D]

I've always liked this site :

Vintage Guitars Info - Gibson collecting vintage gibson guitars

Good Luck !

[Dennis D]

PS

FYI

If you happen to stumble upon a '37 L-7 , but 17 inch, grab it. I owned one and it'll always be my favorite sounding and playing guitar !

Just MHO of course.

[Jabberwocky]

1935 was a transitional year when the prior 16" L7 was bumped up to the 17" Advanced Model L7. The L4 was created to fill the 16" slot vacated by the L7. Essentially, the 33-34 L7 is the same guitar as the 35 L4 except for its kerfed braces- the L7 has solid braces. I am not certain I am correct so do your own research.

[Texas Bill]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. In the last week I’ve purchased a ‘33 L-10 and a ‘35 L-7. I’m friends with a gentleman named Joey McKenzie who is a great Texas Fiddle and Western Swing guitarist, I’m going to start taking lessons from him to up my game. I’ve spent my life around Texas Fiddling and have always wanted to improve my playing and better understand music theory. Better late than never I guess, at 65 I’m not getting any younger. I’ll post pictures when they both arrive.