Gibson L-4 (1940)

Description

While Gibson's L-4 model tended to stay surprisingly uniform from 1935 onwards, 1940 saw an odd redesign that lasted about a year-and-a-half and resulted in one of the more unique archtops the company produced in the post-Loar era. Unlike virtually any other Gibson jazz box you'll find, this L-4 features a full 25.5" scale length, as well as a wide 1.75" nut width and a longer headstock. While those shifts in dimensions may seem slight, it results in an instrument that plays rather differently from your usual L-4, with a more direct and percussive tone aided by the narrower 16" lower bout and relatively shallow depth. This isn't a delicate New York jazz archtop, it's a working man's club guitar for ripping your chunkiest voicings out at maximum volume.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, but features cosmetic wear relatively consistent with a guitar of its age. While the tuners, bridge, inlays, and tailpiece are all original, the instrument has unfortunately parted ways with its pickguard, and has been refretted as well. The finish has clearly been sprayed over and does not show the degree of checking one might expect on a guitar now in its ninth decade. Wear is fairly typical, and is most pronounced on the guitar's top, where some of the heavier divots have been drop-filled at indeterminate points in the past. A decal bearing the initials "M C S" was affixed to the lower bout on the treble side, most likely over 60 years ago - if your name happens to be Martin Charles Scorsese, this is the guitar for you! (Kundun, I liked it!) None of the finish cracks reach the wood underneath and none pose a threat to the structural integrity of the guitar. The set up is low and comfortable for all players, and fret wear is fairly minimal. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*