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2003 Gibson L-4CES

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Serial #: 23003008, orange Custom Shop label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid carved Sitka spruce top; arched flame maple back and sides; solid mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; dual-parallelogram mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and thistle peghead inlay; triple bound top, bound back and fingerboard.

Hardware: All original gold hardware, including Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups; L-5 style deco tailpiece; Grover Rotomatic tuners; compensated Tune-o-matic bridge with inlaid feet; 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; gold bell knobs.

Notes: Introduced in 1911 as an oval hole archtop, the L-4 is the oldest model name in the Gibson catalog. Redesigned with f-holes in 1935, the compact 16" body has always been popular with players reluctant to wrestle with a huge guitar, and its fast 24 3/4" scale rewards the hand with easier stretch chords and more nimble leads.

While a few examples were built by special order in 1958 only, and reissued in 1969 in a batch of just 9 instruments, the L-4CES did not become a regular offering in the Gibson catalog until 1986. This model incorporates design features from a number of Gibson's most distinguished guitars: like the L-5CES, the L-4 is crafted with a solid carved Sitka spruce top, and fitted with the ornate art deco tailpiece, bound tortoise guard and pearl inlaid bridge. The 16" Florentine cutaway body shares the same dimensions as the ever-popular ES-175, as well as the inlay pattern, which is found on the L-7, L-12, ES-350, Super 300 and other classic models. Differing from the ES-175 however, the L-4 neck pickup is placed right at the end of the fingerboard, for a warmer voice through the amp.

This rare ebony finish example has a solid carved spruce soundboard for maximum acoustic fidelity, and unlike current models with mahogany bodies, this guitar is built with arched maple back and sides, the interior of which shows some attractive flame figure. The neck profile is a gentle medium C, and the '57 Classic humbuckers are fat and sweet. The 16" body is comfy to hold, and nicely resistant to feedback. In superb condition, the guitar is 100% original, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and bears its original Certificate of Authenticity.

An elegant and versatile instrument in a distinguished lineage that spans almost a century of gorgeous, hard-working guitars. Call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original Gibson logo arched deluxe hardshell case with plush lining.

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