Gibson L-4 1935 sunburst

Body size: lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 ¾" Nut Width: 1 ¾"

Materials: parallel-braced solid spruce top; solid mahogany neck, solid figured maple back, solid maple sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, variegated mother of pearl inlay fingerboard inlay, 'fleur-de-lis' peghead inlay; bound fingerboard, peghead and body.

Hardware: Original hardware includes compensated ebony bridge, original nickel trapeze tailpiece, nickel Grover Sta-Tite tuners with scalloped keys. Correct pickguard.

This series guitar was created by legendary designer Lloyd Loar. The original issue Gibson L-5 remains one of the world's most sought-after guitars. With it's comfortable 16" body, generous 1 3/4" nut, and lightly braced top, the original L-5 combines tone and playability in a manner many feel is unsurpassed to this day. The bad news is that Gibson discontinued the 16" L-5 by 1936. And if you've looked for one in recent years, you also realize they fetch a king's ransom. But rather than end that design, Gibson changed the inlay and gave it another name: the L-4.

Introduced in 1912, the L-4 was one of Gibson's top-of-the line guitar, and remains its longest lasting model, still in production to this day as a cutaway electric. The L-4 was produced with a round hole exclusively until 1934, when this version was offered with optional f-holes. Built on the same forms as the 20's L-5, the f-hole L-4 differed mostly in cosmetics from its costly cousin. Same scale, f-holes, fingerboard dimensions, bracing, and a solid mahogany neck for lighter weight and better balance. Interestingly, the variegated floral 'Roy Smeck' fingerboard pattern, borrowed from 20's Mastertone banjo inlays, is even more ornate than the L-5, which offered only simple blocks. This version, with the slim, elegant bound peghead, and narrow script logo was offered only until around 1939.

This instrument has enhanced bass response and sustain, in a manageable compact size. The delicately carved top and lightweight body produce a remarkable tone and volume.

With a fine grained, bookmatched solid spruce top, the guitar has a figured maple back and sides with dark walnut finish. There is a repaired crack in the back which is clearly visible in the photos. It is stable and does not distract from the instruments sound, tone or volume.
Original nickel hardware includes the 20's style trapeze tailpiece, compensated adjustable ebony bridge, and original Grover Sta-Tite tuners with scalloped keys. The Cremona sunburst finish is all original, and in very good condition, apart from typical finish checking and playing scratches. 
The buyer will pay $85.00 flat rate for shipping and insurance in the lower US States.