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1989 Gibson L-4CES

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Serial #: 81789580, oval Master Model label, Inspection label signed and dated, James Hutchins: 8/7/89.

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .80/.94

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 was the longest lived 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 was the final version of this venerable model, now out of production for a number of years. Accordingly, 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 exceptional 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 finger work and the voice is sweet and elegant. The contoured body is warmly resonant, and nicely resistant to feedback. Some natural variation in the wood grain is visible on the back, but the instrument remains in virtually unplayed condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, with all original hardware, finish and electronics.

This handsome guitar comes complete with its original deluxe brown Gibson logo arched hardshell case, with silk coverlet. A versatile instrument in a distinguished lineage that spans almost a century of gorgeous, hard-working guitars. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with Thomastic medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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.

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