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1974-5 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: 574637, back of peghead
Body size at lower bout: 18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16' Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .77/.94
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid rock 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, bound f-holes, solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Gibson humbucking pickups, engraved trapeze tailpiece, Kluson Sealfast tuners, inlaid ebony bridge, 3 position pickup selector switch. Vintage correct 5 ply tortoise pickguard, gold pickup covers and bell knobs and installed (originals included). Replacement truss rod cover.
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 handsome instrument has been kept in gleaming condition, with all-original Cremona sunburst finish, without pick, buckle or thumbwear. Even the typical weather checking often seen in an instrument of this vintage is happily absent. Apart from a few random lacquer nicks and a bit of tarnish on the pickup covers, the guitar shows few signs of play altogether.
The neck is graced with tiger flame of exceptional depth, and the soundboard is bookmatched of fine grained solid quartersawn Sitka spruce, with traditional parallel bracing. The ebony fingerboard is flawless and straight, with fine original medium jumbo frets, and the multi-ply binding is all original and tight to the body. The neck is a marvel of comfort, with a full width 1 11/16" nut; a comfy, gentle D profile, and no-volute headstock with traditional 17 degree angle.
The original Gibson humbuckers are warm and accurate, with wonderful depth and detail. The black Gibson Faultless hardshell case has been carefully maintained as well, with its deep plush lining and silver Gibson logo on the lid. A magnificent player with the huge, rich tone only the Big Body can produce, this stunning guitar is gig-ready for that classic Kenny Burrell sound. 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 roundwou
nd 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 light relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
