Jazz Guitar Beauty: Russ Hanchin’s Gibson L-7 1963

I recently noticed a post on Facebook by Virginia Jazz Guitarist Russ Hanchin welcoming his latest acquisition – a gorgeous 1963 Gibson L-7 – into his life. I immediately reached out to Russ and asked if he would share his beauty on Jazz Guitar Life, which he graciously agreed to. He also created a quick video for JGL which showcases the visual and aural beauty of this guitar. Thank you Russ! Enjoy 🙂

But first…

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Gibson L-7 1963

Essentially an economy version of the L-5.  Similar specs but less expensive appointments. Gibson was trying to appeal to the working musician with a more affordable archtop jazz guitar. I believe it was about half the price of an L-5.

This particular one, L-7c (cut away) came onto my radar only a few months ago – loved the sunburst finish on front and the Transparent stain on back. I had been searching for another Gibson for a while. I sold my 1998 Tal Farlow several years back and that was my last Gibson in the house. My first ‘good’ guitar was a Gibson ES-335 which my Dad bought for me way back when and I definitely felt something was missing with no Gibsons! 

Russ Hanchin 

Partial specs:

• 17” body
• 3 1/3” deep
• 25 ½” scale
• Double parallel position markers
• Spruce top
• Maple sides and back
• Maple neck
• Rosewood finger board