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1954 Gibson L-4C
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Serial #: A-17169, white label. FON#: Y6908-221
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16' Neck depth: .89/.98 1st/10th frets
Materials: Carved bookmatched solid spruce top; slab-cut arched maple back; solid mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; parallelogram fingerboard inlay and thistle peghead inlay; 3-ply body binding, bound fingerboard.
Hardware: Original nickel raised parallelogram trapeze tailpiece and Brazilian rosewood adjustable compensated bridge. Vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe style tuners with single-ring tulip keys; 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard.
Notes: One of the best-kept secrets in the vintage Gibson line, the L-4C is exceptionally comfortable to hold, and positively zippy on the fingerboard. Introduced in 1949, the same year as the ES-175, the L-4C shares the same body shape and scale length as its electric cousin. But while its counterpart has an all-laminate body, the L-4C boasts a solid carved spruce top, which sounds terrific whether amplified or unplugged. And the lovely Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is suspended over the soundboard, with plenty of clearance for the installation of the floating pickup of your choice.
This striking guitar is one of just 66 examples shipped in its model year. The solid carved soundboard has been nicely aged, giving it a clear, open voice: bright, even and sparkling with natural reverb. Exceptionally light in weight, the instrument tips the scales at a phenomenal 4lb 14oz, another clue to its brilliant tone.
Interestingly, the guitar was factory fitted with an L-5 style bound tortoise pickguard, which has be faithfully re-created by Mirabella, and the tuners are vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe style, with smooth modern15:1 gearing. The neck has a solid gentle C profile, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup, with fine pro fretwork.
Well maintained, the instrument shows gleaming all original Cremona sunburst finish, with some light normal checking and a few scattered pick marks and finish dings. A single resealed crack has been soundly reglued years ago, extending from the tailpiece along the bass side.
A wonderfully versatile instrument, this handsome guitar delivers true vintage tone, and classic '50's appeal. One only: call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with light relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case.
