Gibson L4 Electric Guitars

Gibson L4 Electric Guitars were wonderful guitars that were produced between the years of 1912 and 1956. A model that came after the L1 and the L3 models, it strove to have a different purpose than they did. Gibson wanted a guitar that was focused much more on being able to perform in orchestral jazz bands, which in the early part of the century were gaining increasing popularity around the world.

Therefore, Gibson came out with their L4 electric guitars. They were made to grand concert size, although Gibson used the same design and style of the L1 and the L3 guitars, and they also used the same timbers. The early Gibson L4 electric guitars had a 16" wide body and offered 20 frets for increased notes. With the Gibson logo on a peghead, Gibson L4 electric guitars had oval soundholes (changing to round soundholes in the late 20s), and tortoise pickguards that were elevated for easier use. These guitars had mahogany necks and maple sides and backs, which were made for beautiful guitars. During the late 1910s and 1920s, the L4 guitars came in sunburst and black top finishes. It was a much more prestigious model of guitar than the L1 and L3 forerunners, but an inexpensive alterative to the L5, making it a popular guitar in that regard. In particular, the L4-CES was likely the most popular model of the Gibson L4 electric guitars.

Gibson L4 electric guitars were one of the first electric guitars with an archtop design, which allowed other, later models to base their shape and design on the one of L4. They also set the foundation for the jazz guitar, which has a much smoother sound and more possible chords than other models. After the Gibson L5 came out, the Gibson L4 followed its choice in adding f-holes to the guitar in the mid 1930s. However, for the groundbreaking strides Gibson L4 electric guitar had made, it was discontinued in 1956 in favour of other and newer models that Gibson created to take its place. After more than 50 years since the line was discontinued, Gibson L4 electric guitars are still in high demand not only as collector's items, but also as fine musical instruments.

You can see current listings for Gibson L4 Electric Guitars below: