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1998 Gibson Super 400CES
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Serial #: 93238001, Orange Label
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, gold Gibson bell volume and tone knobs. Additional multi-bound swirl tortoise pickguard installed, original orange marbled pickguard included in case.
Notes: Introduced in 1934, the Super 400 was 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 custom order only. The handsome vintage sunburst finish shows outstanding tight fiddleback flame figure in the solid carved maple back and three-piece neck. The top is masterfully bookmatched of lovely fine grained solid carved quartersawn Sitka spruce of exceptional clarity.
This guitar is in gleaming 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb, or playwear of any kind. The neck has a comfy gentle D profile, with smooth low action over immaculate original medium jumbo fretwork. Plating is gleaming bright, from the engraved trapeze tailpiece to the coveted Kluson Sealfast tuners, now unavailable at any price. Tone is big, warm and buttery: pure Kenny Burrell at his sweetest.
At this writing, sad to say, Gibson is no longer offering this legendary model in regular production. A magisterial performer with the rich, deep tone only the super jumbo 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.
