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1981 Gibson Super 400 CESN
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Serial #: 82171003, stamped on peghead
Body size at lower bout: 18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .82/.96, 1st/10th frets.
Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid Sitka spruce top; highly figured tiger flame 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, triple bound f-holes.
Hardware: 100% original gold hardware, including Gibson Pat. # 'Tim Shaw' humbucking pickups; engraved trapeze tailpiece; Gibson/Schaller 'speed winder' tuners; solid ebony bridge with inlaid ebony base; bound tortoise pickguard. Additional gold bell volume and tone knobs installed, original black bonnet knobs included.
Notes: The Gibson Super 400 model has been the flagship of the line since 1935, the largest and most costly production guitar since its introduction. The cutaway version debuted in 1939, the electric model (CES) in 1951, and humbucking pickups made their first appearance in 1957. The pinnacle of Gibson craftsmanship, the Super 400 has remained atop the catalog continuously to this day.
A rare example in blonde finish, this guitar shows deep tiger-flame figure in its three-piece neck, and extravagantly figured tiger flame in the solid Bigleaf maple back and sides. The soundboard is finely graduated, and bookmatched of solid carved Sitka spruce of unusually fine grain: this tonewood came from a really big tree.
All original gold hardware includes the renowned 'Tim Shaw' pickups, the first Gibson humbuckers built to the historic specs of the original late '50s PAFs. These factory ink-stamped Shaws have a characteristic warm, rich voice, making them highly sought after by players and collectors alike. Of special note are the rare Schaller 'speed winder' tuners, a ingenious model that allows for lightning string changes, with a hinged crank handle enclosed within the tulip tuner key. Offered for a few years only in the early 80's, these tuners have become sought after by players and collectors ever since.
Upscale touches include the engraved trapeze tailpiece, pearl inlaid ebony bridge, and custom truss rod cover. The D profile neck is easy in the hand, with a slim, elegant contour, and smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. Maintained in showroom condition, the instrument is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. All binding is original and tight to the body, and apart from a few traces of fogging on the pickup covers, and an impeccably filled strap pin hole, the instrument shows few signs of age altogether.
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Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings, and 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 hardshell case, with red plush lining.
