Lot 256 - A Gibson L-4 model steel string acoustic

A Gibson L-4 model steel string acoustic guitar, circa 1927
Top: Sunburst spruce, ivorine bindings, inlaid oval soundhole, floating tortoiseshell effect scratchplate
Back and sides: Sunburst maple, serial no. 85124
Neck: Sunburst maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood, inlaid pearloid markers, 20 frets
Headstock: Ebonised top, inlaid 'The Gibson' logo, Kluson Deluxe machine heads with pearloid keys
Bridge: Polished tailpiece with ebony bridge
Size: 38.5" overall, scale length 24.5"
Accompaniments: Modern hard case

Provenance:

The Neil Jackson collection

Footnote:

The Gibson L-4 is a significant model in the history of archtop guitars, first introduced by Gibson in 1911. Originally, the L-4 was an acoustic archtop guitar designed for rhythm players in jazz and dance bands. It featured a carved spruce top, carved maple back, and sides, with a 16-inch lower bout. Its early models were notable for their distinctive, oval-shaped soundhole, as in the present lot, which was changed to a round soundhole in 1928.

In the 1930s, the L-4 evolved further to include f-holes, which enhanced its projection and became a standard feature for jazz guitars. The body size was increased, and the overall design became more ornate, reflecting the changing tastes of the time.

The most significant change occurred in the 1950s when Gibson began offering the L-4 with an electric pickup, leading to the L-4 CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) model. This version retained the carved top and back but added a cutaway and a pickup, making it a versatile instrument for both acoustic and electric playing styles.

The Gibson L-4 has remained in production in various forms for over a century, favoured by jazz guitarists for its warm, rich tone and classic archtop design. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the pivotal role it has played in the development of jazz guitar music.

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Condition Report

Evidently professionally restored to a high standard including (but not limited to): Replacement tailpiece and bridge, replaced scratchplate, completely re-finished body and neck.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot. All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Ending 14th Jan, 2025 17:00

The Winter Edit

A Gibson L-4 model steel string acoustic guitar, circa 1927