With a factory order number and specs placing this Gibson L-4 with a date of 1934, this guitar was made toward the very end of the run of the L-4 as a round hole archtop. According to Spann's Guide to Gibson, the serial number would make this one of very last guitars from 1934. Following the transition of the L-7 to a 17-inch "Advanced" model, the L-4 would transition to fill its spot as a 16-inch f-hole archtop. The round hole L-4 lasted from 1928 to 1934 and filled an interesting spot, being in some ways in between a round hole flattop and an f-hole archtop.
This guitar is punchy, but with less of a mid-range focus heard from a 16-inch Gibson f-hole guitar. It has lots of volume with a distinctive warm tone that is also more on the flattop end of the spectrum than the preceding oval hole version of the L-4, but also much more balanced than most flattops.
The guitar plays very well The original ebony bridge has room for adjustment up or down as the player prefers. The neck has a V-shaped carve, fairly typical of mid-1930s Gibson guitars. The overall feel is comfortable for those who like the V-shape, and is great for those who like to wrap their thumb over to fret low strings.
This L-4 was refretted at some point. While these newer frets show some wear, they have lots of life left in them. The guitar plays beautifully with all notes ringing out clearly at all frets. There is a great amount of headroom with lots of volume on tap for when its needed.
The ebony bridge is original to the guitar. While it is on the early side for the design of the tailpiece on the guitar, it appears to be original and shows commensurate wear. There have been at least three sets of tuners on the guitar, including the current circa 1945-6 Kluson open back tuners. The finish is worn off of the very back of the neck, as pictured. There is a stable top crack on the bass side of the tailpiece. It appears glued, but cannot be cleated, as it runs right along the bass side top brace.
The bridge, tailpiece, and truss rod cover all appear original. The tuners have been replaced with much newer Gibson branded, Kluson Deluxe style tuners. There is an endpin jack that was installed at some point. This could easily allow for wiring if the next owner wanted to add a pickup to the guitar.
Weight - 4.6 pounds
Nut width - 1.74 inches
1st fret depth - 0.91 inches
10th fret depth - 1.04 inches
Scale length - 24.75 inches
The guitar comes a hard shell case that is likely orginal to the guitar.
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