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2000 Gibson Super 400C
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Serial #: 20190001, orange oval label. Master Model Label signed, Feb. 18, 2000, James Hutchins
Body size at lower bout:18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .79/.94
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.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes engraved trapeze tailpiece, Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid base, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint. Vintage correct bound brown swirl tortoise pickguard, with thumbwheel volume control and endpin jack, Kent Armstrong Handwound Johnny Smith floating pickup.
Notes: Introduced in 1935, the Gibson Super 400 has reigned for decades as the top of the firm's archtop line. Offered with a cutaway body in 1939, the S-400 continues to be Gibson's only super jumbo 18" guitar. Since the electric (CES) version debuted in 1951, production of the all-acoustic Super 4 often dwindled to single digits, with some years none at all, making it one of Gibson's rarest offerings.
With a subtle classic sunburst finish, this striking instrument shows brilliant tiger-flame highlights in the back, sides and neck, and fine bookmatched grain in the solid carved spruce soundboard. The instrument is carved of exceptionally fine fiddleback maple, masterfully bookmatched with dramatic symmetry. The original gold hardware includes the engraved trapeze tailpiece, and ultra-premium Kluson Sealfast tuners, now available only on the 400 and L-5 models exclusively.
With an elegant D profile, effortless in the hand, the neck has smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. Fast and comfy, the full width neck has a pleasing slim depth profile ideal for the player unwilling to grapple with the clubby necks common on older examples.
Professionally played, the guitar has all-original finish, and is largely free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Some light scattered checking is visible on the top, along with some incidental lacquer nicks here and there, and some normal wear to the plating in places.The voice of this instrument is clear and throaty, with deep clarity in the bass, and a brilliant treble register, with acoustic volume to burn. A special plus is the Kent Armstrong Handwound Johnny Smith floating pickup, renowned for its rich, warm and faithful response.
So if you've been looking for a Super 400 to really jam with, look no further. This one plays like butter, with a voice to match. 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 roundwound 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: Deluxe black Gibson logo arched plush lined hardshell case.
