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1980 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: 80040044
Body size at lower bout: 18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Body depth: 3 1/2"
Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; highly figured tiger flame maple neck; handcarved bookmatched birdseye maple back; flame maple sides; ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block fingerboard and peghead inlay; 5-ply body, neck, head and pickguard binding, bound f-holes, bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes engraved trapeze tailpiece; compensated ebony bridge with inlaid base; twin Gibson humbucking pickups; 3 position selector switch, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint, gold Gibson bell volume and tone knobs. Vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard, Grover Imperial tuners, and coil tap switch added.
Notes: Introduced in 1934, the Super 400 is 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 special order only. With its handsome Cremona sunburst finish, this guitar shows attractive figure in its solid maple back and three-piece neck. The top is beautifully bookmatched of lovely fine-grained solid quartersawn spruce.
A true player, this big beauty is in fine shape, free of cracks, pick, buckle, or fingerboard wear, with a bit of smooth thumbwear to attest to its long career. The neck has a comfy gentle D profile, with smooth low action over freshly dressed medium jumbo fretwork.
An additional bound tortoise pickguard is installed, with the original in the case, and set of classic art-deco Grover Imperial tuners has been fitted to the peghead. The twin original Gibson humbuckers have been augmented with a coil tap switch for maximum tonal versatility, along with a Gibson gold jackplate. The strap pin was moved from the side to the heel, with the hole filled and spot finished, and apart from a few scattered finish dents, the original sunburst finish shows little playwear, and remains free of checking.
The voice is big, warm and buttery: pure Kenny Burrell at his finest. A great player with the rich, deep tone only the big body can produce, this regal instrument remains the unquestioned ruler of all lesser guitars. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.054). 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 Gibson arched black plush lined hardshell case.
