1941 Gibson L-4 [Natural]

What a great deal on a genuine WWII-era Gibson archtop! 

Gibson's L-4 models from this era are an interesting hybrid in that they are part 16 inch L-5 or L-7, but with the back construction of the "ES" (Electric Spanish) series like the ES-150. The carved spruce top has tone bar bracing, and the two-piece curly maple neck has a rosewood fingerboard and inlays much like an L-7 of the same period. Original natural finish throughout, with original tuners and bound faux tortoiseshell pickguard and tailpiece. And the bridge is an old Gibson bridge, but is ebony while the fingerboard is rosewood. However, this is from a period when Gibson sometimes put ebony bridges on higher archtop models with rosewood fingerboards, and variations in tailpieces also appear. So while we don't want to claim these two parts are original, we're also not going to claim they're replacements. It has been refretted, and it's an excellent job with the original size frets (The original frets are in the case) As a result, this L-4N plays and sounds like the best '30s 16-inch Gibson archtops, with crisp trebles, lots of volume, and a nice balanced chord "chop" tone that's perfect for swing or other applications where the projection of an archtop is critical to an authentic acoustic sound. The neck has a C-shape profile and lacks the "hard V" shape that makes many Gibson guitars from earlier in the 1930s more difficult to play (at least for some of us).

Yes, the original lacquer finish on this L-4N has crazing, but if you look at these photos you'll see that it's the kind of lacquer crazing Gibson fanatics wish for. The crazing lines are in a fine pattern, and lend an attractive patina to the overall look of the guitar. Gibson had only been offering the blond, or natural, finish option for a few years at this point and finish an example with its original lacquer untouched and in this condition is a rare find in itself.

Highlights

• Carved Adirondack Spruce top
• Solid Maple sides, Laminated back
• 14 fret body
• Ebony Bridge
• Bound Rosewood Fretboard
• Curly Maple Neck
• Tone Bar Bracing
• Serial Number: 97330

Case included is a high-quality "red line" hardshell, an excellent reissue of the black cases Gibson used around the same period when this L-4 was made.

This item falls under our vintage/used policy, and is therefore ineligible for return.

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Unless explicitly stated, items not marked "Brand New" fall under our vintage/used policy, and are therefore ineligible for return.

 

New items listed with a serial # in the description are for that specific guitar (you will receive the exact piece pictured)

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*Regular online store hours are 10:00 – 19:00 PST Monday – Friday. We will respond as soon as possible during regular hours. After hours we will do our best to respond quickly, but may be unable to answer specific questions that require having the item in hand.

 

Trades:

We are only able to process trades on items brought in person to our store. We are unable to accommodate trades over the internet/long distance. We are happy to assess any trades you can physically bring to our shop!

WARNING: This product may expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to Prop 65 website (on the OEHHA section of the ca.gov site).

California Proposition 65 WARNINGS:

California's Proposition 65 requires special warnings for products that contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm if those products expose consumers to such chemicals above certain threshold levels. We cannot reliably determine which products may contain such chemicals, so we are warning you that all the products we sell, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: New Electrical cords and cables, and especially used and vintage products, such as Guitars, Basses, Horns, Amplifiers, PA gear, Mixers, Patch Bays, Effects Pedals, Speakers,  Keyboards, Processors, Interfaces, Microphones, Headphones, Cables, parts and accessories which were typically made using LEAD SOLDER, may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, wash hands after handling.

WHO WE ARE:

Guitar Showcase, located in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA has been serving musicians since 1965 offering the widest selection of new musical instruments as well as the most sought after vintage instruments on the planet. Our staff of seasoned musicians is ready to help you find the best instrument for you, whether you are a beginner looking for your first instrument, or a vintage collector looking for the crown jewel of your collection. Guitar Showcase is an authorized dealer for many of today’s biggest brands including Fender, Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Mesa/Boogie, Ibanez, Marshall, Taylor, Martin, and many more… visit us at or contact us to ask about our massive selection of new, used and vintage instruments, and when in Silicon Valley, please stop by for a visit and see the Vintage Vault with hundreds of iconic Vintage and Collector Instruments as well as hundreds of other instruments.

PAYMENT TERMS:

Guitar Showcase accepts PayPal or Reverb Direct payment for most listings. The exceptions are some products sold outside the United States, and some Vintage or Consignment Instruments, please call or email for details.

SALES TAX:

Guitar Showcase collects sales tax on all orders shipped to California at the San Jose. CA rates.

SHIPPING TERMS:

Orders are shipped 1-3 business days after payment is received and verified. All items are professionally packaged and fully insured. Signature confirmation is required. If you need special arrangements, please call or email us before buying.

RETURNS - NEW GEAR:

Defective items can be taken to the nearest Factory Authorized Service Center. For items damaged in shipping, please email us for help in processing a claim. If you just changed your mind or are unhappy with your purchase of a new item, please contact us directly before proceeding. Most new items may be returned within 14 days of receipt (see exceptions below). The buyer is responsible for shipping cost both out and back, any Credit Card Fees, and a standard 15% restocking fee. (If you received Free Shipping on your order, the value of the uncharged shipping cost will be deducted from your refund.) Items must be returned complete with all originalpackaging/manuals/warranties/accessories/etc., in brand-new condition, and showing no signs of wear or use; if any of these conditions is lacking, the return may be subject to a further handling or re-stocking fee at Guitar Showcase’s discretion. Refunds will be processed only after evaluation of the returned item.

(Exceptions: copyrighted works such as books/cds/dvds/software are non-returnable; due to health regulations, mouth-blown instruments, headphones,earbuds or in-ear monitors, or any other product that has bodily contact - including microphones - are also non-returnable. Also see Used/Vintage Gear below.)

USED/VINTAGE GEAR:

Used and Vintage gear is, by definition, old and fragile. This gear is subject to age and handling wear. Scuffs and scrapes, dents and dings, repairs, modifications and replacements all are to be expected. So, while Guitar Showcase strives to accurately document and describe each piece we list, we can only accept responsibility for what we detail in the listing and what is visible in the photos. Guitar Showcase is eager to verify any additional details necessary to address any concerns you may have: just make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding or buying.  Beyond this, Guitar Showcase can offer no guarantee and can accept no returns on Used or Vintage gear. Please be sure you know what you are buying, and please do not think that older, used and Vintage Instruments should be set up in perfect playing condition.

For high priced Vintage instruments, we highly recommend that you either have a local friend try the Instrument or come in and try it in person.

CONSIGNED GEAR:

Some of the gear in the Guitar Showcase eBay store is listed on behalf of a consignor. These pieces are not the property of Guitar Showcase and as such we can accept no returns on any consigned equipment. Consigned gear is also subject to the same stipulations as Used and Vintage gear, as described above. Please make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding on or buying any consignment item.

INTERNATIONAL SALES:

Some listed items that contain Rosewood and other protected species may be ineligible for international sale; please make sure to read listing details carefully. For eligible sales, Guitar Showcase is happy to offer international shipping through USPS to select countries, with calculated shipping cost based on location.  Please contact us PRIOR to purchase for an exact shipping quote to your country. Due to additional expense and complication, we are unable to accept returns on any international sales and all payments must be pre-arranged, please contact us for details. CAUTION, SEE BELOW!

Beginning Jan.2, 2017, CITES documention is required for import and re-export of many newly listed wood species (including all Rosewoods, not just Brazilian) and items made from them (like Guitars and their parts). These new rules will not allow the import or export of most Vintage Guitars and many newer Guitars and other instruments. We are not able to furnish the required permits at this time, and in the foreseeable future. You may be able to carry a personally owned Instrument across your border, but we cannot guarantee this, nor be responsible for the consequences and you are advised to check with your Country’s authorities before attempting to do so. The Instruments may be confiscated by Customs or Border Authorities!   For more information, see the FWS . gov site.