Gibson L-4 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1939), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, maple body, mahogany neck, hard shell case.
This fine pre-WWII L-4 is a actually bit of a stylistic throwback; although built in 1939, the features are more typical of an early/mid 30's guitar. The L-4, originally retailing at $100, was by this point the most expensive 16" wide archtop guitar offered by Gibson, the models above from the L-7 on up having been "advanced" to 17" bodies. The earlier L-7 had in fact been identical to this L-4, one of the many confusing marketing moves perpetrated by Gibson during the Depression!
With its 16" body, small unbound f-holes and deep "V" profile neck, this L-4 is the closest thing remaining in Gibson's late 1930's line to the original 1924 L-5, the first modern archtop. With fancy Lucas-style fingerboard inlay and "vase and curlicue" inlaid bound peghead, this L-4 is in some ways fancier than many earlier, more expensive Gibsons. B
Besides looking very stylish, this L-4 is a very nice guitar for a range of musical applications, equally at home in early jazz and blues or more recent styles.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
Very nice condition overall; appears all original except the pickguard, which is the correct style, but looks more like a 1950's fitting. Finish has minor dings and scrapes and some light "strap burn" on the back near the heel.
Plays perfectly and has a great driving tone -- not as smooth as the typical swing-era "advanced" Gibsons. Excellent Condition.
