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2003 Gibson Super 400C
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Serial #: 06100789, oval Master Model label signed by James Hutchins, dated November 12th, 2003
Body size at lower bout: 18" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16"
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 gold hardware, including art-deco engraved tailpiece and Kluson Sealfast tuners; adjustable compensated ebony bridge with pearl inlaid base; bound tortoise pickguard with Bartolini floating humbcuking pickup with thumbwheel volume and tone controls, endpin jack.
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 cutaway version made its debut in 1939, and remains in the catalog to this day. With its gorgeous gently feathered classic sunburst finish, this guitar shows deep tiger-flame figure in its three-piece neck, and extravagantly figured fiddleback flame maple in the back and sides. The soundboard is carved to exceptionally fine tolerances, and is beautifully bookmatched of solid handcarved spruce of grain so narrow it virtually disappears at the centerline.
Most postwar Super 400 guitars are fitted with pickups at the factory, making acoustic versions of the model extremely hard to find. This guitar is in immaculate original condition, without pick, buckle, fingerboard or thumbwear, and is fitted with a Bartolini floating humbucking pickup, and thumbwheel volume and tone controls on the bound tortoise pickguard. We were surprised and delighted to find a set of factory installed gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, the classic Super 4 machines, now unavailable at any price. The neck is exeptionally comfy, with an elegant gentle D profile, and smooth low action over freshly dressed original medium jumbo fretwork. A great player with the warm, buttery tone only the big body can produce, this guitar makes an unforgettable presence on any bandstand.
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 black Gibson ultra-premium velour lined hardshell case, with Custom Shop certificate of authenticity.
