2004 Gibson L-4 CES Archtop Electric (SOLD)

This wonderful 2004 Gibson L-4 CES archtop electric sports the vintage burst finish and maple back and sides. The Gibson L-4 CES has many visual similarities to the popular Gibson ES-175 such as the body dimensions, florentine cutaway and mahogany neck. However, the L-4 has a carved, solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge base.

While this guitar's body uses maple laminate for the back and sides, the Gibson L-4 CES is now built using mahogany for those parts.

The L-4 was introduced in 1911 and has basically been in production since, in one form or another. In the 1930's, there was a major shift in archtop design from round soundholes to F-holes, and the pickups and florentine cutaway were added in the 1950's. Towards the end of the 1980's, this design settled as the L-4 CES (cutaway electric spanish) and it's been the same since. Some models are available with mahogany back and sides.

This 2004 example of the Gibson L-4 CES is in very good playing condition - it has been refretted with a slightly larger wire than Gibson uses, and there are very low miles on the new frets. It is currently strung with 11-50 flat wounds. A brown Gibson hardshell case is included.

Learn more about the current version of the L-4 CES at the Gibson Guitars website here!