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Description

The Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany embodies the rich heritage of jazz guitar craftsmanship while offering a modern twist for today's discerning musicians. Drawing from its storied past, this hollowbody electric guitar marries the classic allure of archtop design with the demands of contemporary playability. The solid carved spruce top and carved solid mahogany back and rims create a resonant body that delivers warm, full-bodied tones, perfect for jazz aficionados and blues enthusiasts alike.

Crafted with a one-piece mahogany neck and a 24 ¾ inch scale length, the L-4 CES offers a smooth playing experience that’s accentuated by its 20-fret Indian Rosewood fingerboard. Pearl split parallelogram inlays offer a nod to vintage aesthetics while maintaining a timeless elegance. The ES rounded profile ensures comfort during extended sessions, making it a reliable companion whether on stage or in the studio.

The guitar's sound is powered by two '57 Classic humbucking pickups, providing versatility across genres with their rich, vintage-inspired tones. Coupled with two volume and two tone pots, along with a 3-way pickup selector switch, you have precise control over your sound. Gold hardware and a distinctive L-4 T-style tailpiece add to its visual appeal, while the hard-working ABR-1 bridge ensures tuning stability and intonation.

Key Features:

  • Solid carved spruce top with carved solid mahogany back and rims
  • One-piece mahogany neck with 24 ¾ inch scale length
  • 20-fret Indian Rosewood fingerboard with pearl split parallelogram inlays
  • '57 Classic humbucking pickups with individual volume and tone controls
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Gold hardware with L-4 T-style tailpiece and ABR-1 bridge
  • Comes with Custom Shop case and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany
Year 2004 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson L-4
Model Sub-Family Gibson L-4 CES
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany best suited for?

The Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany is ideal for jazz and blues due to its warm, rich tones produced by the hollow body and '57 Classic humbucking pickups.

How does the mahogany body of the Gibson L-4 CES affect its sound?

The mahogany body provides a warm, resonant tone with a strong midrange presence, making it perfect for jazz and blues styles.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany?

The Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany features a comfortable set-neck construction, offering smooth playability and easy access to the upper frets.

Are the '57 Classic humbucking pickups suitable for high-gain music styles?

The '57 Classic humbucking pickups are designed for vintage tones, excelling in clean and overdriven settings typical of jazz and blues, but they may not provide the high-gain output preferred for heavier music styles.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany includes a Custom Shop case for protection and easy transport.

What is the finish style of the Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany?

The guitar features a gloss finish in a faded tobacco sunburst, enhancing its classic aesthetic appeal.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany • SN: 11203001

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany  •  SN: 11203001 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany • SN: 11203001

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany  •  SN: 10813001 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany • SN: 10813001

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany  •  SN: 10135002 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany • SN: 10135002

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany.

User experience

  • A custom shop L-4 CES mahogany was returned due to poor playability and tone, described as less jazzy than an American pro tele.

    Source
  • A 2004 L-4 CES was praised for a fantastic sound, compared to a mini, slightly thinner L-5 with smoother mids and less bass.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The L-4 is described as lacking the "thunk" of a 175 and the "snap" of an L5, offering the worst of both worlds.

    Source

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