Gibson L-4 CES

[Jabberwocky]

Most people like 175's better but I really like L4's alot. Both mohagany & plywood back and sides. I would snatch up that axe if the price is right.

I like it so much I own two: A 2001 L-4CES ASB ($3330 shipped) and a 2010 L-4CESN with one neck pup ($3480 shipped). Bought them used from dealers hence the higher prices and I didn't know any better back then. The L-4CES is a sleeper; great for a traditional jazz sound. Malty and thunky.

$6700 for a new 2010 L-5CES Wes Montgomery Natural is a great price. When I was in the market between 2009 and 2011 a new ASB cost $6850 plus shipping. I found a used one in 2012 with an MOP Heart Inlay for $5500.

[Bluedawg]

The L4 CES is underrated for sure ..

I stumbled into mine because it was too good of a deal to pass up ....

Great guitars

[vinnyv1k]

I love mine too. It doesn't sound like a 175 or a L5. It has it's own unique very sweet tone. Not versatile like a 175 but neither is a L5. If you can afford it you can never have too many guitars. Same goes with amps. L4's are underrated as are Tal Farlows. Both awesome gits.

[powerwagonjohn]

I have a 2009 L-4 CES which has the mahogany back and sides. Can anyone comment on the sound difference between the laminated back and side maple and mahogany models as opposed to the solid mahogany models. I have a 1952 L-4 which has laminated back and sides so I have always been curious about the earlier L-4CES models with the laminated back and sides. I will admit I couldn't afford a L-5 at the time but I was and am intrigued with the solid mahogany back and sides. Besides a shoulder injury makes it hard for me to play the larger guitars.
Thanks John

[vinnyv1k]

The solid mahogany's have a real dark thicker almost kind of muddier sound or at least mine does. They also feed back easier. The maple laminates sound like a 175 that is more lively. Can't say about the mahogany laminate ones. I would like to have a early 2000's maple laminate one too. I like them both. The maple laminate and the solid mahogany. I love L4's. Actually I love ALL Gibson archtops except the last Herb Ellis models with the floating BJB pickup.

[boatheelmusic]

I sold a 2006 L4CES in mahogany, signed inside by Jim Hutchins for $3,200, in excellent condition.

Sweet guitar!

[nopedals]

I would not buy an L4 *CES* for its "acoustic character." Play one unplugged, and you will see; it is not carved for acoustic tone, and of course two mounted pickups further deaden the top.

Get an acoustic L4 with a pickup if you are looking for acoustic tone. Probably a bit cheaper, too.

[powerwagonjohn]

I whole heartedly agree with that. I have a 1952 L-4 and it is a completely different sound and style guitar from my L-4CES. Now my 1952 L-4 HAS an "acoustic character" that my L-4CES does not have. Both have there places and sounds unique to each.
Thanks John

[GuyBoden]

I have a 1949 Gibson L4C, with a McCarty style pickguard, they're very nice guitars and so light.

[Archie]

Modern L4's usually sell in the UK for bout £2500.

If you payed anything over $3000 I'd say your ripping yourself off.

An old one, I have no idea, too very different guitars imo. Certainly I don't care of the modern version and would love to bag an older one but wouldn't entertain paying anything over £2750 for a perfect one.

[GuyBoden]

I've had my 1949 L4C for about 10 years, the old L4C's are fantastic guitars, but don't tell anyone.

[fabiansey]

Thank you guys for your input. As I wrote-the seller here in germany wants more than 4000 € for it. So I won t get the guitar and since the modern l4 is so rare here, I will probably not have the chance to get a used one within the next years.

Therefore: I bought a Es 175 59 VOS today for a very good price. The guitar is great and much different then the normal es 175 I had played before.

[Jabberwocky]

An ES-175 VOS 59 Reissue isn't shabby either. I think you did well.