1966 Gibson L-4C – Cherry – Johnny Smith Floating Pickup – Bigsby Vibrato – Kalamazoo – Original Case

1966 Gibson L-4C – Cherry – Johnny Smith Floating Pickup – Bigsby Vibrato – Kalamazoo – Original Case

For sale is a stunning and increasingly rare 1966 Gibson L-4C finished in Cherry, built in Gibson’s historic Kalamazooworkshop during the golden age of American archtop construction. Featuring a carved spruce top, maple body, and split-parallelogram inlays, this L-4C offers the warmth, projection, and elegance that define Gibson’s finest jazz instruments.

This example has been upgraded with a Gibson Johnny Smith floating pickup, prized for its unmatched clarity, dynamic response, and ability to preserve the acoustic resonance of the top. Paired with a Bigsby  vibrato, the guitar becomes exceptionally expressive—ideal for jazz, chord melody, blues, soul, and session work.

Features

• Model: Gibson L-4C

• Year: 1966

• Serial: 828379

• Finish: Cherry (rare and highly desirable)

• Top: Carved spruce

• Back & Sides: Maple

• Pickup: Gibson Johnny Smith floating pickup

• Tailpiece: Bigsby B6 vibrato (vintage correct)

• Fingerboard: Bound rosewood with split-parallelogram inlays

• Case: Original red-lined hardshell included

• Made in: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

Condition

• No cracks, breaks, or headstock repairs

• Gold hardware shows tasteful vintage patina

• Neck is straight with excellent playability

• Finish retains strong color and gloss

• Pickguard is a period-style replacement (not original to the guitar)

• Electronics clean and fully functional

• Bridge has been replaced with an aftermarket bridge with string rollers 

Note: The replacement guard is visually correct and stable. Many vintage guards from this era deteriorated over time; this upgrade prevents that common issue and ensures long-term usability.

Why This Guitar Stands Out

 Carved spruce top — resonates with depth unlike laminate ES-series models
 Johnny Smith floating pickup — preserves acoustic voice & adds value
 Cherry finish + Bigsby — exceptionally rare configuration
Collector-worthy yet fully playable and inspiring
 A legitimate mid-60s Gibson jazz piece with premium tone