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1961 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: A-33805 FON: R 3240-6
Body size at lower bout: 18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 21/32" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .80/.86
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid carved curly maple back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block fingerboard and peghead inlay; 5-ply body, neck, head and pickguard binding, triple bound f-holes, polished bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Pat. Applied For humbucking pickups and electronics, engraved Varitone tailpiece, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, deco truss rod, adjustable compensated rosewood bridge with gold ABR-1 Tuneomatic saddle, 3 way pickup selector switch, gold reflector cap knobs. Period Gibson bound tortoise pickguard.
Notes: From its introduction in 1935 the Gibson Super 400 has been at the pinnacle of the Gibson catalog ever since. Pioneering the super jumbo 18" body, the S-400 was the most expensive production guitar ever offered, and was built in very small quantities, often only in single digits per year. Electrified in 1951 with twin P-90 pickups, the Super 400CES was equipped with Gibson's legendary PAF humbuckers in 1957.
One of just 24 examples crafted in its model year, this outstanding instrument is notable on several accounts. First, it is fitted with twin original Pat. Applied For humbuckers, the most sought after pickups produced to this day. Secondly, it's one of the last built with solid carved back and sides and the graceful Venetian cutaway, just before the model was converted to a laminate body with a sharp Florentine cutaway, which remained standard for the balance of the decade.
This magisterial instrument has been maintained in wonderful condition, with all original finish, gold hardware and electronics, and no cracks, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The three tone sunburst lacquer is masterfully applied as well, with woodgrain still visible at the outermost rims. Apart from some scattered lacquer nicks, mostly confined to the top, the guitar shows surprisingly little playwear for its long career.
With an elegant light D profile, the neck has a sleek effortless feel, gliding smoothly through the palm, with fast low action over fine pro fretwork, with a fresh high-precision setup. The original gold PAF pickups are unopened, and the electronics are still snug in their original shielding cans. Gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, the signature engraved Varitone tailpiece and no-wire ABR-1 Tuneomatic complete the upscale outfitting of this flagship model.
Finally, the voice: full and buttery, with a warmth and depth only the super jumbo body can deliver. The absolute summit of the Gibson line, in gleaming condition. A rare find for the player and collector alike, all nestled in its original brown Gibson Lifton hardshell case, with pink plush lining.. No issues, no excuses: one only, call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished, electronics balanced and adjusted.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel round wound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
