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1994 Gibson '39 Super 400 Premiere Reissue
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Serial #: 1994 C020, oval Master Model label. Inspection label signed and dated, 1994.
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: .81/.93
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: Original gold hardware includes engraved gold-plated tailpiece; gold Tuneamatic bridge with inlaid ebony base; Schaller Sealfast tuners with Imperial keys; truss rod cover with "Custom" imprint. Vintage correct 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 striking wine red finish is perhaps 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. And all are rough carved from the same molds and carving machine Gibson has used since 1938.
A one-off creation of Gibson's Custom shop, the guitar sports graceful prewar style touches, including the elongated peghead shape, the fat script Gibson logo, and ornate vintage style engraving in the tailpiece. The neck has a comfy gentle C profile, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup. Plating is nice and bright, from the gold trapeze tailpiece to the coveted Sealfast tuners, long unavailable at any price.
This eyecatching instrument has been maintained is in superb original condition: apart from a small lacquer nick near the pickguard, the instrument appears all but unplayed. A pair of tiny gold screws in the bass side of the fingerboard extension mark where a DeArmond pickup bracket was once installed as well.
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: Brown Gibson logo arched brown plush lined hardshell case.
