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1969 Gibson Super 400C
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Serial #: 538458, orange oval label
Body size at lower bout:18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 9/16"
Materials: All carved bookmatched solid spruce soundboard; highly figured tiger flame maple back, neck and sides; solid ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block fingerboard and peghead inlay; 5-ply body, neck, head and pickguard binding, triple bound f-holes, solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes engraved trapeze tailpiece, Kluson Sealfast tuners, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint. Vintage correct bound dark tortoise pickguard, compensated adjustable ebony bridge.
Notes: Is there anything more elegant than a 60's Gibson neck? Sleek and exquisitely tapered, with an easy profile tapering to a comfy gentle D, the neck flows like water across the palm. One of just 33 all-acoustic Super 400s made in its model year, this guitar is far rare than the electric CES versions, that outnumber the acoustic models almost 4 to 1 that year. With a subtle tobacco sunburst finish with deep crimson highlights, the guitar shows exceptionally intense tiger-flame figure in solid, bookmatched, quartersawn back and sides.
This handsome guitar has been maintained in fine condition, with all-original sunburst finish, and has never had a pickup attached. The ebony fingerboard is flawless and ramrod straight, with smooth low action over fine original medium jumbo frets that are perfectly crowned. The neck has the standard 17 degree headstock angle and is absent the volute "bump" of later examples. The body shows a few horizontal scratches in the lower treble bout, and some normal spider checking, to attest to its long career.
The voice of this instrument is simply exceptional: clear, wide open and deeply resonant, with thundering volume, and notably shimmering natural reverb in the treble register. Nestled in its original deluxe Gibson Faultless hardshell case, this rare beauty combines tone, looks and playability in one outstanding package. 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 bronze strings (.013-.056). 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 Gibson logo deluxe black plush lined arched hardshell case.
