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1996 Gibson '39 Super 400 Premiere Reissue
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Serial #: 1996C001, oval Master Model label.
Body size at lower bout: 18" Body depth: 3 1/2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .83/.97
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: All original gold hardware includes engraved gold-plated tailpiece; compensated adjustable rosewood bridge with inlaid base; Schaller Sealfast tuners with Imperial keys; truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint; original marbleized bound tortoise pickguard.
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 first cutaway version, dubbed the 'Premiere', made its debut in 1939 in a run of just 20 instruments. The natural blonde finish was a new premium option as well, designed to showcase the most lavishly figured hardwoods the company had to offer.
This meticulous vintage prewar reissue shows simply spectacular tiger flame figure in its bookmatched Bigleaf maple back, sides and neck. The soundboard is precisely graduated of lovely fine grained solid carved quartersawn spruce. And all are rough-carved from the same molds and carving machine Gibson has used since 1938.
An exceptionally rare creation of Gibson's Custom shop, the guitar sports graceful prewar style touches, including the elongated peghead, fat script Gibson logo, and ornate vintage style engraving in the heelcap and tailpiece. The neck has a comfy gentle C profile, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup on the solid ebony fingerboard. Faithful details include decorative pearl wedges in the back of the peghead and bridge, to the coveted Sealfast tuners, long unavailable at any price.
This eyecatching instrument has been maintained in superb 100% original condition. The tonewoods have aged now almost a quarter century, for a clear, resonant voice, and handsome blonde finish has ambered to a lustrous deep honey color. Apart from a few wisps of lacquer checking, and a bit of fog on the plating, the instrument appears all but unplayed.
An impressive performer with the rich, deep tone only the big body can produce, this regal instrument is a faithful tribute to the first truly modern archtop guitar, from the workshop where they first saw the light. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze 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 moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Deluxe brown Gibson logo arched brown plush lined hardshell case.
