Gibson Black Special #4 1939
Gibson offered occasional limited non-cataloged dealer specials in the late 30’s and on into the wartime period. This Special #4 was available from 1937-40 and clearly was made to put a full sized archtop in a player’s hands at an affordable price. This is a 16” guitar with a carved spruce top and a flat maple back with braces. Its not unlike the 16” flat backed L-50’s of the period, but the black finish and silkscreened logo were a means to keep the cost down. In spite of such economy measures, these guitars can sound remarkably good.
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