What model Gibson is this?????

[DMgolf66]

I assume it's pre-war?
L-50?



Thanks folks

[ThatRhythmMan]

Could it be an x-braced L-7 with the windowpane inlays replaced with simple blocks. The headstock looks consistent with that era L-7, except a smaller script than is usually seen on those. Do you know if its 16” or 17”? Looks kind of like 17”, but I may be fooled by the angle of the photos.

It could just be a transitional model of whatever it is. I’ve seen several variations of different specs of just L-50s, like they were either mixing an matching parts or always experimenting.

[Sam Sherry]

Could it be an x-braced L-7 with the windowpane inlays replaced with simple blocks.

I think you're on to something there.

Following that trail, we are looking for a guitar with the peghead-veneer commonly found on L-7s but without a window-pane at the first fret.

That leads to the L-12:

Do you know if its 16” or 17”?

Concur; that's the key question for dating.
16" = early 30s

It could just be a transitional model of whatever it is. I’ve seen several variations of different specs of just L-50s, like they were either mixing an matching parts or always experimenting.

My longstanding guess is that Golden Age variations weren't so much about conscious experimentation; they were using today's parts inventory to complete and ship instruments today. "Grab that neck, Joonyah. Somebody upstairs is waiting to get paid for that guitar."

[ThatRhythmMan]

I think you're on to something there.

Following that trail, we are looking for a guitar with the peghead-veneer commonly found on L-7s but without a window-pane at the first fret.

That leads to the L-12:







Concur; that's the key question for dating.
16" = early 30s



My longstanding guess is that Golden Age variations weren't so much about conscious experimentation; they were using today's parts inventory to complete and ship instruments today. "Grab that neck, Joonyah. Somebody upstairs is waiting to get paid for that guitar."

I think you're on to something there.

Following that trail, we are looking for a guitar with the peghead-veneer commonly found on L-7s but without a window-pane at the first fret.

That leads to the L-12:







Concur; that's the key question for dating.
16" = early 30s



My longstanding guess is that Golden Age variations weren't so much about conscious experimentation; they were using today's parts inventory to complete and ship instruments today. "Grab that neck, Joonyah. Somebody upstairs is waiting to get paid for that guitar."

I’ve seen advanced L-7s with no 1st fret marker. The L-12 typically had the windowpane inlays on the 16” guitars, going away on the advanced model at which point they also started to have sunburst backs and maple necks. The tuners on the guitar in question look like ones I’ve most commonly seen on ‘34-‘35 models.

I’m definitely leaning toward this being a transitional model with mixed specs and probably some modification. I love seeing these oddballs.


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[customxke]

Couldn't it also be a '35-'36 L4 with replaced fretboard/inlays, if it's a 16" guitar?

[AllanAllen]

I can't help date the guitar, but that Elvis tapestry is fantastic.

[ThatRhythmMan]

Couldn't it also be a '35-'36 L4 with replaced fretboard/inlays, if it's a 16" guitar?

Seems possible, although they usually seem to have had the narrower headstock shape.


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[omphalopsychos]

Looks to me like a x braced advanced L7 with a replaced fingerboard, which is also TRM's first guess. I very highly doubt it's 16". Even with the horrible lens distortion of phone cameras the proportions are still all wrong.

I used to own one of those x braced L7s. One of the few guitars I really regret selling.

Here's one in action.

[wintermoon]

I wouldn't buy it, it needs 4 new strings or at least 4 used ones

[skykomishone]

Looks like that to me too, 'O'.

[skykomishone]

Kind of gets the old juices flowing!

[Dennis D]

If that guitar could talk - - -

Wonder how long that strap's been on there ? Long enough to have the strings stain it......... : )

But yes that's an L-7 headstock w/ what look like original tuners, and t/r cover......I'd just doubt that someone would remove those picture frame inlays, but ??
I'd be leaning towards the 'use up the old parts' suggestion, and transition model......
I'm assuming the label's missing, but can the FON be found ?

But good luck.....

[ThatRhythmMan]

If that guitar could talk - - -

Wonder how long that strap's been on there ? Long enough to have the strings stain it......... : )

But yes that's an L-7 headstock w/ what look like original tuners, and t/r cover......I'd just doubt that someone would remove those picture frame inlays, but ??
I'd be leaning towards the 'use up the old parts' suggestion, and transition model......
I'm assuming the label's missing, but can the FON be found ?

But good luck.....

Yeah, probably not replaced fretboard inlays, BUT a lot of them have segments that have fallen out and replacing the picture framed portion with simple blocks would be much easier than redoing all of the irregular shapes, so I figured it’s a possibility.


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[DMgolf66]

UPDATE:

Just heard back from the owner finally and it is an L-7. He gave me the FON , but I couldn't write it down.

Anyway, there is binding that is missing on the neck which needs to be addressed. There is also a crack on the top that will need to be assessed as well.

He has a buyer coming today with $2k in cash which he said he will take if buyer is happy with it after in person inspection.

[skykomishone]

4 2 K I'd be on that, probably.

[jads57]

Now if it just had a Stop Tail Piece and PAF’s, Lol!

[deacon Mark]

I would not pay $1k for it a mess.

[skykomishone]

It will take some dedication and coins. No doubt Deacon!

[starjasmine]

Pretty big crack on the back, as well.

[icr]

2k seems like a lot for a project guitar of uncertain model.

[Dennis D]

1935 Gibson L-7 Archtop Acoustic Guitar W/OHSC Block Inlays | Reverb


.....Well, I'll be - here's another one just offered for sale, w/ block inlays.........This one w/ L-7 label....go figure......

[wintermoon]

^ Look how caustic those celluloid guards are, another example where the fumes went straight through the case lid.

[ThatRhythmMan]

1935 Gibson L-7 Archtop Acoustic Guitar W/OHSC Block Inlays | Reverb


.....Well, I'll be - here's another one just offered for sale, w/ block inlays.........This one w/ L-7 label....go figure......

That’s the same guitar.

It’s evident in these pics that show the block inlays more closely that they are celluloid and done kind of sloppily. It’s either replaced inlays or an entire replaced fingerboard for sure. I’m leaning toward just replaced inlays.

Also, he slapped a ridiculous looking cutaway sized pickguard on the poor thing.


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[omphalopsychos]

Hoping to do the future buyer a service.

[wintermoon]

I think it might be too late for that Juan, like 30 yrs too late