Gibson L7C- I cant put this thing down

**Max405** · 02-28-2015, 08:20 PM

Hi,
No other Guitar has ever inspired me as much as this guitar.
After a pro-setup and End Pin Jack install this guitar continues to blow me away. I am considering putting a Nice floater on it like a Kent Armstrong Adjustable PAF, Benedetto S6 or similar. My fear is it will probably give me feedback like crazy because it is a very "acoustic" archtop.
Any thoughts?

Please check out my new video with it. Round Midnight - Johnny Smith version.

**Klatu** · 02-28-2015, 08:30 PM

Real pretty tone and execution. I'm consistently impressed by the levels of talent to be found in this forum, as I can't imaging there being too many others with more.

**DRS** · 02-28-2015, 08:35 PM

Lovely playing.
Is this one of the new L7C?
Personally, I wouldn't put a floater in it. The K&K sounds very nice. Of course, it doesn't have the Zucker approved thunk but it sounds great!

**Jim Soloway** · 02-28-2015, 08:55 PM

It sounds just wonderful Joe. My thinking is that if it inspires you the way it is, then just leave it alone and enjoy the inspiration.

**Jim Soloway** · 02-28-2015, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Klatu

Real pretty tone and execution. I'm consistently impressed by the levels of talent to be found in this forum, as I can't imaging there being too many others with more.

Agreed. There are a whole bunch of really cool players here. It makes it a fun place to hang.

**Max405** · 02-28-2015, 09:23 PM

Guys,
I cant tell you how much that means to me.
This is an accomplishment to me. Hearing people that I really respect say my playing is good makes me feel like a million dollars.
Also, the advice you get here is priceless.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks guys..

Joe D

**Max405** · 02-28-2015, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by DRS

Lovely playing.
Is this one of the new L7C?
Personally, I wouldn't put a floater in it. The K&K sounds very nice. Of course, it doesn't have the Zucker approved thunk but it sounds great!

DRS, It is a 2006.
Thank you buddy.
Joe D

**jads57** · 02-28-2015, 09:56 PM

Sounds as good as any archtop acoustically as I've ever heard! These are shorter scale than the older L-7C I believe.
24&3/4's vs. 25 &1/2?

**Hammertone** · 03-01-2015, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by jads57

Sounds as good as any archtop acoustically as I've ever heard! These are shorter scale than the older L-7C I believe. 24&3/4's vs. 25 &1/2?

Yes. The concept was to build a "what if" guitar that combines some pre-war Advanced L7 design features (short scale, x-braced, small f-holes) with some more modern/custom features (P-style cutaway, double-trap fingerboard inlays, post-47 logo, sunburst on the back instead of dark brown). Good idea! Mandatory pron:

**Max405** · 03-01-2015, 01:15 AM

Thanks Hammertone. Looks great with out the Pickguard.
It feels 24-3/4ish. Maybe that's why I like it so much. It sets up easier to play than any guitar I've ever owned. I played a 1947 with a neck reset and it played exactly the same way.

Its a dream guitar.

Jads, thanks for your comment about the sound. I split the sound left mic'd and right with the definity so it sounds exactly the way you would hear it if you are playing with the amp to the right of you. Left ear picks up the guitar and the right ear picks up the amp. One of the top engineers in the business Kendal Stubbs showed that to me. Just a tiny bit of blend but mostly split. Only problem, no mistake goes unnoticed.. And I can make me some mistakes for sure...
JD

**osvi** · 03-01-2015, 01:57 AM

Really fantastic sound and fantastic playing Joe.
What is the guitar amp?

**Flat** · 03-01-2015, 03:00 AM

Yeah, I agree! That is just some really, really nice playing, Joe!

Sorry to add to the barrage of questions, but if you would indulge another ... what kind of strings? Flatwounds or round wounds?

Either way, it's a really lovely acoustic tone!

**Keira Witherkay** · 03-01-2015, 03:22 AM

yes great looking and sounding archtop.... very acoustic in tone which would be expected ....

and yes i echo the compliment on your playing ....very nice indeed,

true there are some awesome players on this site ...and above all everyone here is open to sharing their influences/technique/experiences/knowledge ...and we should never forget to thank the admins for such a great jazz guitar site.

**anothersixstringer** · 03-01-2015, 03:51 AM

blown away by the great playing and fantastic tone, absolutely superb job!

**rexi** · 03-01-2015, 05:46 AM

fantastic tone and great playing!! thanks for sharing

**Max405** · 03-01-2015, 10:14 AM

Hi all,
i really appreciate the words. Seeing the nice posts makes me proud. makes me want to practice more.
The strings were (I had to check), TI swing 12's.
No amp. Guitar + Definity (Left side), guitar +Blue bluebird mic (Right side) into my usb mixer and directly into my laptop. Recorded with youcam.
Once again, thanks everyone. You made me Feel like I accomplished something good.
Joe D

**iim7V7IM7** · 03-01-2015, 11:14 AM

Joe,

That was some wonderful playing of an exquisite arrangement (kudos).

Regarding your pickup question, it really depends on the sound that you are going after. I can tell you that if you would like a clear, but warm electric sound, one of Kent Armstrong's floating 12-pole piece customs is a great choice. It is not an easy install utilizing a modified pickguard. While I haven't played one, I do think highly of Jason Lollar and his Johnny Smith PU might be an easier install (Johnny Smith Style Humbucker). Mark Simon is a great local resource in Bridgewater nearby you if you don't know him (Mark Simon - Luthier).

A more acoustic sound can be had with a Barbera Soloist PU, but that is an even more complex install. I use mine to add some acoustic ambience into a clear, warm electric jazz tone. It sort of adds the sound that you as a player always here yourself into the amp mix. It works best with a two-way speaker to capture the acoustic harmonics and overtone content.

Good Luck

**Greentone** · 03-01-2015, 11:36 AM

Joe,

Very nice playing. I agree with the assessment that this forum features some of the best playing anywhere on the Internet.

The newer L7c is a very viable archtop instrument. I like the sound of the thin top and the 24-3/4" scale.

**vinnyv1k** · 03-01-2015, 02:25 PM

One of my favorite jazz standards. Beautiful playing Joe !!! Hold on to that L7. That one is special and Gibson is no longer making them.

**kamlapati** · 03-01-2015, 02:34 PM

Great playing, nice arrangement!

Of course you can't put it down.

**Max405** · 03-01-2015, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

Joe,

That was some wonderful playing of an exquisite arrangement (kudos).

Regarding your pickup question, it really depends on the sound that you are going after. I can tell you that if you would like a clear, but warm electric sound, one of Kent Armstrong's floating 12-pole piece customs is a great choice. It is not an easy install utilizing a modified pickguard. While I haven't played one, I do think highly of Jason Lollar and his Johnny Smith PU might be an easier install (Johnny Smith Style Humbucker). Mark Simon is a great local resource in Bridgewater nearby you if you don't know him (Mark Simon - Luthier).

A more acoustic sound can be had with a Barbera Soloist PU, but that is an even more complex install. I use mine to add some acoustic ambience into a clear, warm electric jazz tone. It sort of adds the sound that you as a player always here yourself into the amp mix. It works best with a two-way speaker to capture the acoustic harmonics and overtone content.

Good Luck

Thanks for your response. The reason I am thinking about a magnetic pickup is I wonder how it would sound running both a magnetic pickup and the Definity. I would do this through different amps. I am keeping the Definity. I like the look of the Benedetto s6 and I'm sure I will be happy with the sound. I will check out the lollar JS style. In fact, my tech begged me to use a JS style pickup if I did it because he would rather configure a neck mount. So a shadow and a bartolini is also in the mix.. Or I might just bag the whole and keep it the way it is. Thanks again 7's

**iim7V7IM7** · 03-01-2015, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Joe DeNisco

Thanks for your response. The reason I am thinking about a magnetic pickup is I wonder how it would sound running both a magnetic pickup and the Definity. I would do this through different amps. I am keeping the Definity. I like the look of the Benedetto s6 and I'm sure I will be happy with the sound. I will check out the lollar JS style. In fact, my tech begged me to use a JS style pickup if I did it because he would rather configure a neck mount. So a shadow and a bartolini is also in the mix.. Or I might just bag the whole and keep it the way it is. Thanks again 7's

If you have a two-channel amp like an AI Clarus, you run a stereo cable out of the guitar into each channel of the amp (Planet Waves makes a reasonably priced one). You can best control how much acoustic ambience you want to add to your magnetic tone. Give it a try if you add a magnetic PU.

Good Luck

**goldenwave77** · 03-01-2015, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by vinnyv1k

One of my favorite jazz standards. Beautiful playing Joe !!! Hold on to that L7. That one is special and Gibson is no longer making them.

Wonderful playing, and the instrument sounds great...really nice mix of depth and "cut" to it...the advice above is right on, definitely a keeper, and most of all...because it makes you want to pick it up and play it.

**larry "K"** · 03-03-2015, 12:34 AM

get a set of "Doug's Plugs". custom fit foam rubber "F" hole inserts. i never play a gig without having them in my case-just in case! They really do help cut the feedback when it rears it's ugly head. dougsplugs.com approx: $50.00 larry "K"

**barrymclark** · 03-03-2015, 07:40 AM

Minor thread derail. I have an old Gretsch New Yorker coming and I will be fixing it up and getting it refinished. The motif is actually based on an early L7. Looks very much like the finish you guys have. Anyways... nothing to do with nothing.