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1963 Gibson Super 400C
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Serial #: 61229, orange oval label
Body size at lower bout:18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 21/32" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .77/.85
Materials: All carved bookmatched solid spruce soundboard; highly figured bubble maple back and sides; tiger flame maple 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.
Hardware: Original hardware includes engraved gold trapeze tailpiece, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint, compensated adjustable rosewood bridge. Vintage DeArmond 1100 Rhythm Chief floating pickup, later Gibson bound marbleized tortoise pickguard, with volume control and jack.
Notes: One of just 14 all-acoustic Super 400Cs made in its model year, this magnificent guitar is far rarer than the electric Super 400CES versions. With a subtle classic sunburst finish, this striking instrument shows brilliant highlights in the back, sides and neck, and fine bookmatched grain in the solid carved spruce soundboard.
The back and sides are carved of exceptionally fine bookmatched bubble figure maple, with a three piece neck of tiger flame maple. Meticulously maintained, the guitar has all-original sunburst finish, and shows no cracks or structural repairs, and is free of pick, thumb, buckle or fingerboard wear. The original hardware includes the engraved gold trapeze tailpiece with Vari-Tone adjuster, compensated adjustable rosewood bridge, and ultra-premium gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, now long unavailable.
The neck is fast and easy, ideal for the player unwilling to wrestle with the clubby necks common on older examples of the model. With an elegant D profile, effortless in the hand, the neck has smooth low action over fine pro fretwork, with a fresh high-precision setup. The ebony fingerboard shows no divots, and the neck is free of the volute "bump" seen in some later years.
The voice of this instrument is clear and open, with deep resonance in the bass, and sparkling natural reverb in the treble register. A special plus is the vintage DeArmond 1100 Rhythm Chief floating pickup, renowned for its detail and acoustic fidelity, and accompanied by its original cable.
A particularly handsome example of Gibson's top-line guitar, in museum quality condition, as rare as it is compelling in appearance and performance. 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 foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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.
Case: Original deluxe black Gibson logo arched plush lined hardshell case.
