Gibson L-4 CES - USA 1997

Introduced in the early 1950s, the Gibson L-4 CES was developed as Gibson responded to growing competition from electrified archtops used by working jazz players who wanted warmth, clarity, and comfort without the size and formality of an L-5. By offering a slightly smaller body with a carved top and electric pickups, Gibson created a refined but more approachable archtop that balanced acoustic character with modern amplification, aimed squarely at professional players navigating louder bands and club environments.

Finished in Cherry with gold hardware, the L-4 CES delivers a rich, rounded tone with excellent note separation and dynamic response, particularly well suited to traditional and modern jazz playing. Equipped with flatwound strings, it offers a smooth, controlled feel and a warm, focused sound straight out of the case.

This 1997 example is in excellent condition, showing only minor player wear throughout. It presents extremely well and comes supplied with its original Gibson hard shell case, making it a clean and desirable option for players seeking a classic archtop with modern reliability.

Specs:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.3mm

Nut Width: 43.2mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.6mm

Weight: 3.42 kg

Year: 1997

Body Style: Hollowbody archtop electric

Top: Carved spruce

Back & Sides: Carved maple

Finish: Cherry

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Pickups: Gibson humbuckers

Hardware: Gold

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3 way toggle

Strings: Flatwound

Case: Original hard shell case included

Crafted in: USA