Excellent condition, no issues whatsoever. Additional photos available upon request.
This 16” model is quite rare, and I have not seen another one for sale anywhere. The Spann book puts this at 1934, the first year of f-holes for the L-4. This guitar is 100% original, except for the added strap button, and a plugged strap button hole on top of the neck heel. There are some scratches and wear on the top and belt-buckle scratches on the back, but no cracks or repairs of any kind that I can find. The neck angle is perfect with very low action, and negligible fretwear on what appear to be the original frets. There is also some playwear on the back of the neck, and the neck is a comfortable slim V profile. This guitar truly "plays like butter" all the way up the neck, and has that wonderful feel of a vintage Gibson that has been loved. It is not as loud as 40s Gibson 17" archtops that are bigger and have the more aggressive neck angle, but it sounds sweeter and is a fine guitar for solo or small ensemble.
More features: 3 color sunburst Nick Lucas style inlays
bound headstock bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard original hardware, pickguard, tuners, and tailpiece, all in fine shape w/no issues 1 & 3/4” nut width curly maple back and sides hand-carved adirondack spruce top original ebony bridge that does not appear to have been shaved
Here is a similar one from arctop.com that I believe sold a few years ago for $3500:
I only have a cheap case for this guitar, but it will be packed accordingly and fully insured through Heritage.
I am a professional musician and avid vintage guitar collector. I’m happy to provide precise measurements and references to serious buyers, so you can purchase from me with confidence.
This 16” model is quite rare, and I have not seen another one for sale anywhere. The Spann book puts this at 1934, the first year of f-holes for the L-4. This guitar is 100% original, except for the added strap button, and a plugged strap button hole on top of the neck heel. There are some scratches and wear on the top and belt-buckle scratches on the back, but no cracks or repairs of any kind that I can find. The neck angle is perfect with very low action, and negligible fretwear on what appear to be the original frets. There is also some playwear on the back of the neck, and the neck is a comfortable slim V profile. This guitar truly "plays like butter" all the way up the neck, and has that wonderful feel of a vintage Gibson that has been loved. It is not as loud as 40s Gibson 17" archtops that are bigger and have the more aggressive neck angle, but it sounds sweeter and is a fine guitar for solo or small ensemble.
More features: 3 color sunburst Nick Lucas style inlays
bound headstock bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard original hardware, pickguard, tuners, and tailpiece, all in fine shape w/no issues 1 & 3/4” nut width curly maple back and sides hand-carved adirondack spruce top original ebony bridge that does not appear to have been shaved
Here is a similar one from arctop.com that I believe sold a few years ago for $3500:
I only have a cheap case for this guitar, but it will be packed accordingly and fully insured through Heritage.
I am a professional musician and avid vintage guitar collector. I’m happy to provide precise measurements and references to serious buyers, so you can purchase from me with confidence.
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 12 years ago |
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| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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