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1961 Gibson L-4C
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Serial #: 29450, orange oval label
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16' Neck depth: .81/.88 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: 100% original nickel hardware includes Kluson Deluxe tuners, raised parallelogram trapeze tailpiece, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard, Brazilian rosewood adjustable compensated bridge.
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 gleaming guitar is one of just 52 examples shipped in its model year, and is certainly one of the most pristine examples we have ever seen. With all original hardware and finish in brilliant condition, it's clear this beauty has spent most of the last six decades soundly ensconced in its handsome original brown Lifton hardshell case.
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 nudges the scales at barely 5lb, another clue to its brilliant tone.
Remarkably free of checking, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, the shining Cremona sunburst finish shows little more than a few incidental nicks for its long career. The neck has one of Gibson's favorite profiles as well: a marvel of comfort, it combines a slim, elegant taper, with a full width 1 11/16" nut. With smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup, and fine original fretwork, the instrument is simply a delight to play.
A wonderfully versatile instrument, and don't hold your breath looking for a finer example. 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 flatwound strings. 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.
