Gibson L-4 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1933), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This lovely L-4 dates to the early 1930's, a transitional time for the model as it evolved from its original 1910's oval hole format to the "modern" F-hole form it would eventually take. This version is a 16" archtop with a carved top and back, single bound, with a bound dot-inlaid fingerboard and pearl Gibson headstock logo and diamond inlay on the headstock. Around this time the L-4, which had at one point been the second in line Gibson guitar (below the L-5) at $150 was downpriced to a $100 midline instrument, with the new F-hole L-7 taking its old place in the catalog. The roundhole archtop is generally perceived as a bit of a hybrid instrument, with a sound that has some of the character of both flattop and archtop guitars. This is a very good sounding and playing L-4, with a surprising amount of power and a well-modulated tone.
Overall length is 40 1/4 in. (102.2 cm.), 16 1/8 in. (41 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). Very fine overall, nicely original with some average wear to the finish but no major repairs. There are some dings and moderate checking to the lacquer, but no large areas of finish loss. The only alteration is one tuner button was replaced long ago with a hand-made brass replacement, and two others have been visibly re-welded to the shafts. One of the nuts on the pickguard bracket is a replacement. Recently refretted and set up, this is an excellent player with a surprisingly versatile sound. Includes a nice OHSC. Excellent Condition.
