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1997 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: 93367004
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: 100% original hardware, including engraved gold-plated tailpiece; gold Tuneamatic bridge with inlaid ebony base; original gold Kluson Sealfast tuners with Imperial buttons; twin '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups; 3 position selector switch, truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint, gold Gibson bell volume and tone knobs.
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. The handsome burgundy finish, is the rarest standard color for this model, and the body shows outstanding deep flame figure in its tiger maple back and three-piece neck. The top is beautifully bookmatched of lovely fine grained solid carved quartersawn spruce.
This guitar is in gleaming 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb, or fingerboard wear. The neck has a comfy gentle D profile, with smooth low action over freshly dressed medium jumbo fretwork. Tone is big, warm and buttery: pure Kenny Burrell at his sweetest. Plating is nice and bright, from the engraved trapeze tailpiece to the coveted Kluson Sealfast tuners, now unavailable at any price.
The original hardshell case is a reissue of the famed prewar brown Faultless case with the bright pink lining. Apart from a pair of almost imperceptible lacquer checks near the tailpiece, the instrument appears all but unplayed. An impressive performer with the rich, deep tone only the big body can produce, this regal instrument remains the unquestioned ruler of all lesser guitars.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" 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 brown plush lined hardshell case.
