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1973 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: 056084, stamped in peghead
Body size at lower bout:18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16'
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid rock 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, bound f-holes, solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Patent sticker humbucking pickups; engraved trapeze tailpiece; Kluson Sealfast tuners. Original inlaid ebony bridge; 3 position pickup selector switch, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint. Vintage correct 5 ply tortoise pickguard and hand-antiqued gold Gibson reflector cap knobs.
Notes: Introduced in 1934, the Super 400 was the pinnacle of the Gibson line, the largest and most expensive production guitar of its era. The electric CES version made its debut in 1951, and is currently available on custom order only. This outstanding exaple is one of just 93 examples produced its model year.
In a private collection for many decades, this remarkable guitar has been kept in stunning original condition, without cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Even the typical weather checking usually seen in a 40 year old instrument is notably absent in the 100% original nitrocellulose lacquer finish. The handsome deep cherry sunburst is elegantly shaded, and the soundboard is masterfully bookmatched of fine grained solid quartersawn Sitka spruce of exceptional clarity.
Lovingly maintained by its longtime owner, the guitar has handsomely replated original pickup covers, and a stunningly accurate 5 ply tortoise pickguard installed some time ago, along with a set of classic 60's style hand-antiqued gold Gibson reflector cap knobs. The ebony fingerboard is flawless and ramrod straight, with fine original undented medium jumbo frets. The neck is a marvel of comfort, with a slim, gentle D profile, and a full width 1 11/16" nut, and traditional 17 degree headstock.
Amazingly, the original black Gibson hardshell case has been perfectly preserved as well, snuggled since new inside an exceptionally rare original black canvas Gibson case cover. A magnificent player with the huge, fat tone only the Big Body can produce, this stunning guitar is gig-ready for that classic Kenny Burrell sound. A timeless classic, in time-capsule condition. 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 strings (.013-.056). 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.
Case: Original black arched purple plush lined hardshell case, with black Gibson logo canvas case cover.
