Gibson L7C 1950s w/ factory mods from the 1960s

Gibson L7C

Year: 1950s
Origin: Kalamazoo, MI. USA
Color: Sunburst
Neck shape/Frets: Original (see: tiny) 1950s frets are in good shape. The neck shape is round and could be described as somewhere between a ’58 and a ’59 Gibson neck. It’s apparent that the neck (and this guitar in general were well cared for but the neck’s original thin nitrocellulose finish and many decades of service has resulted in a feel that is fast and fun to play. Couple this with the round shape of the neck and the low action and this one is a real joy to experience. Nut Width: 1 11/16
Case: Comes with original Lifton case that is in beautiful condition
Modifications/Repairs: This 1950s L7C began life, like all L7 models as an acoustic guitar. It’s previous owner wanted to amplify his playing however so according to him he sent the guitar to Gibson in the 1960s and Gibson gave it the full treatment of that time. The Gibson factory routed the top and added the latest and greatest pickups from the time; what we now refer to as “patent sticker” humbuckers. The bridge was upgraded to a nylon saddle ABR-1 and the electronics were added to support the humbuckers. The finish on the back of the body, neck and headstock is unquestionably original 1950s factory Gibson but we believe the top was resprayed at Gibson in the 1960s when the electronics were added. The tuners and tailpiece original to the guitar. In the sound hole there is even a phone number written in faint pencil and it’s a Kalamazoo number! How cool is that?
Cosmetic Condition: Very Good with some light pitting of the finish on the headstock and some small marks in a few spots on the guitar. There is some oxidation on the nickel tailpiece
Operational Condition: Fully-Functioning
Description: Here’s an opportunity for the serious player to obtain an incredible instrument that’s as rare as it is fine. The L7C was one of Gibson’s finest hollowbody guitars ever produced and the 1950s is arguably the greatest decade for this instrument. The solid spruce top is loud and resonant when motivated by a chord or single note and the maple back and sides are notable for their subtle (and hard to capture on camera) but beautiful “tiger striping” figuring. The tone from this L7C is lively, rich and full of musical overtones and having the advantage of some 70 years of aging has likely only added to its wonderful voice.
All this would be enough to excite any guitar player but the fact that this L7C was updated in the mid1960s by Gibson with “patent sticker” humbuckers an ABR-1 bridge and more means this suberb guitar is also superbly useful. We likely will never again see another example of a 1950s L7C modified in the 1960s by Gibson so we’re hoping this one not only goes to a great home but also into great hands that can access the full voice of this great ol’ Gibson.