Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Thinline ‘Art Deco’ – 1 of 1, Preowned 2011 Gibson

Introduced in 1911 as an oval hole archtop, the L-4 is the oldest model in the Gibson catalog. The company’s top-of-the line guitar until the L-5 debuted in 1922, the L-4 was redesigned with f-holes in 1935. It’s comftorbale 16″ body has always been popular with players reluctant to wrestle with a huge guitar, and its fast 24 3/4″ scale rewards the hand with effortless stretch chords and lightning arpeggios. The L-4 CES is crafted with a solid carved Sitka spruce top, and fitted with the ornate art deco tailpiece, twin gold humbuckers, bound tortoise guard and inlaid bridge. The 16″ Florentine cutaway body shares the same dimensions as the ever-popular ES-175, as well as the inlay pattern, which is found on the L-7, L-12, ES-350, Super 300 and other classic models.

This truly spectacular Custom Shop L-4 CES is literally the only one of it’s kind – ever! Custom ordered in 2011, this one-owner guitar features the classic L-4 aesthetics with a couple of notable changes; a fabulously detailed Ruby Red / Copper mosaic pickguard, sublime Paua inlays and logo, and a striking, incredibly crafted Art Deco-pattened back, created from precisely cut individual tonewood pieces.

This pattern had previously only been featured on a limited run of less than a dozen L-5 and Super 400 guitars designed by Bruce Kunkel, which have easily commanded prices of over $40,000AUD on the few times that they have been offered for sale. This one-off design is the only example that we have ever seen of the Art Deco pattern being used outside of this impossibly rare series, and the only example of an L-4 with this pattern that is known to exist. In short, it’s impossibly rare, and it’s mind-blowing that it even exists!

This 2011 guitar has had a single owner since new, and is in wonderful condition. There’s the tiniest oxidisation to the gold hardware, and minor polish swirls – we’re splitting hairs here though, because it really is in remarkable condition. The finish on the top and binding has aged slightly to a gorgeous, creamy colour over time, but shows no pick wear or dings whatsoever. 

It feels and sounds phenomenal, as you would expect from one of Gibson’s high-end Custom Shop archtop guitars. It’s warm, fat and clear, with incredible clarity and depth, and wonderful note definition. It’s a classic Gibson archtop sound, with extra bass and harmonic complexity. The pickups are capable of fat, warm jazz tones, wonderfully rich rock tones, and everything in between. It’s surprisingly versatile, and just begs to be played. 

This is a rare and exciting find, and sure to be the jewel in any serious archtop guitar collection. An inspiring, electrifying example of Gibson’s craftsmanship, and truly a playable work of art. Includes original hardshell case and warranty certificate.