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Pricing and availability
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Description
Step into the world of sophisticated sound with the Gibson L4, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that echoes the timeless allure of jazz while embracing versatility across genres. Crafted with precision by Gibson's Custom Shop, this guitar is a testament to the art of luthiery, offering musicians a harmonious blend of rich tones and sleek aesthetics. At its core, the L4 features a carved mahogany back and sides paired with a spruce top, a combination that delivers a resonant bass and vibrant treble for a well-balanced sound. The Florentine cutaway not only enhances its elegant appearance but also provides smooth access to higher frets, making it a favorite for intricate solos.
Equipped with dual '57 Classic humbuckers, each with their individual volume and tone controls, the Gibson L4 ensures a wide palette of sonic possibilities. Whether you're exploring the depths of jazz, the twang of country, or the bite of blues and rock, this guitar adapts effortlessly to your style. Moreover, the one-piece mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and split-parallelogram inlays ensures not just playability but also a touch of vintage charm.
The Gibson L4 is more than just an instrument; it's a legacy continued through meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. Each guitar undergoes a precise Plek Pro setup, guaranteeing flawless intonation and a silky-smooth playing experience right out of the case.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody electric guitar with premium tonewoods and a Florentine cutaway
- Carved solid mahogany back and sides for rich, mellow tones with excellent sustain
- Carved solid spruce top for enhanced note definition and projection
- Dual '57 Classic humbuckers with individual volume and tone controls
- One-piece mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and split-parallelogram inlays
- Includes a Custom Shop hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity
Videos
Musician's Friend
Gibson L-4 CES Mahogany Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Gibson L-4 CES Mahogany Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Musician's Friend
Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany • SN: 10813001
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson L4 as played by Makis Ablianitis
Makis Ablianitis
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L4.
Setup and maintenance
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It's recommended to use very light strings (nine or less) to avoid potential intonation issues on older models, unless a wound G is used.
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Use cases and applications
Build quality
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The compensated bridge design requires specific string gauges, generally 11 or 12 with a wound G, for proper intonation.
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Early L-4 models often have walnut backs instead of the catalog-stated maple, due to a manufacturing transition until the 1930s.
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The original L-4s featured a one-piece non-height-adjustable wooden bridge, often replaced due to practical limitations.
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Features and functionality
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The early L-4 guitars feature oval soundholes, contributing to their unique warm, chunky sound with excellent sustain and bass response.
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The hybrid pin-trapeze tailpiece and double-bracket pickguard were original features often missing in vintage models due to wear or perceived nuisance.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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In this photoshoot Bowie can be seen with this guitar.
During the Divididos concert at Luna Park on September 4, 2015, Ricardo Mollo played a Gibson L4 with an E-bow, as seen in the YouTube video.
"My favorite electric is probably a 90s Gibson L4 hollow body and a 1960 Melody Maker."
This is one of the guitars that had been stolen from FG’s house in 2004.
In this Youtube vid a L4 is seen with Jan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG1QGJCWVkc
Jan Akkerman (Focus) comps a bit on his ’64 Gibson L-4. Check out Wolf Marshall’s in-depth “Fretprints” feature on Jan in the August issue.
His chickenscratchin’, choppy-grooved licks, and bluesy R&B lines (played initially on big, hollowbody guitars like Gibson L-4s, then later on Fender Telecasters) always popped out of the mix in the right places and added a “gut-bucket” feel to the band’s prominent horn section.
"“Living in Hawaii, I’m more appreciative of its wonderful Hawaiian motif.” This ’22 Gibson L-4 was given to Simmons by a friend for whom he posted bail. Pat Simmons/guitars photos: Nadav Benjamin."
Blues musician Sam Chatmon is pictured with a Gibson L4 semi-hollowbody electric guitar in a photo available from Worldmusic.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson L4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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