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2010 Gibson L-4CES

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Serial #: 12460001, orange Custom Shop label; oval Master Model, signed and dated: 7/17/10.

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 Tuneomatic bridge with inlaid feet; Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups; 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. 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 with a huge guitar, and its fast 24 3/4" scale rewards the hand with effortless stretch chords and lightning arpeggios.

This example is the most up-to-date version of this venerable model, and it incorporates design features from a number of Gibson's most distinguished guitars. Just as found on 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.

This handsome guitar is a product of the Gibson Custom Shop, and is fitted with twin gold '57 Classic PAF pickups. With a solid carved figured mahogany body and neck, the L-4CES is somewhat lighter in weight, and warmer in voice than maple versions. 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 superb condition, this handsome guitar shows no apparent playwear, and is complete with original tags, 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. True carved top tone, in a compact, affordable package. 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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