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2010 Gibson L-4CES, Single Pickup

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Serial #: 21349001, orange Custom Shop label; oval Master Model, signed and dated: 4/22/09.

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

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

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

Notes: One pickup. The rest is up to you.

Introduced in 1911 as an oval hole archtop, the L-4 is the oldest model name in the Gibson catalog. The company's top-of-the line guitar until the L-5 debuted in 1922, the L-4 was redesigned with f-holes in 1935. It's comfy 16" body has always been popular with players reluctant to wrestle a huge guitar, and its fast 24 3/4" scale rewards the hand with effortless stretch chords and lightning arpeggios.

This example is a very rare version of this model, built with a single pickup in the neck position, in the same fashion as the popular Was Montgomery L-5. At barely 6lb. 11 oz. the guitar is significantly lighter than the more common twin pickup L-4 as well. The 16" Florentine cutaway body shares the same dimensions as the ES-175, but built of all solid tonewoods, with a soundboard crafted of solid Sitka spruce, and a solid figured mahogany body and neck. In addition, the '57 Classic PAF pickup is positioned right at the end of the fingerboard for warmer tone, in contrast to the ES-175, with its neck pickup at what would be the 24th fret.

As found on the L-5CES, the L-4 is fitted with the ornate art deco tailpiece, bound tortoise guard and pearl inlaid bridge. The inlay pattern is a Gibson classic as well, as seen on the E-175, L-7, L-12, ES-350, Super 300 and other classic models. This handsome guitar is a product of the Gibson Custom Shop, and is somewhat lighter in weight, and warmer in voice than maple versions of the model. The neck profile is a gentle medium C, the 24 3/4" scale facilitates fast fingerwork and the voice is sweet and elegant. The contoured body is warmly resonant, and nicely resistant to feedback. In immaculate condition, this gleaming guitar shows no apparent playwear, and is complete with original factory paperwork, Certificate of Authenticity, and Gibson logo arched deluxe hardshell case.

Sadly, the L-4CES is out of production at this writing, making it an instant collector's item. Light, comfy, and right to the point. A rare bird: one only, 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 black Gibson logo arched deluxe hardshell case with plush lining.

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