Alongside the L5, the Super 400 was the crown jewel in the Gibson catalogue. Introduced in 1934, it charted the changing fashions in the post war years as the guitar became a more prominent instrument on the bandstand. 1951 saw the introduction of the CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) model, with its rounded cutaway being the only variation on the well established design. A decade later, the shape was updated with a florentine cutaway giving the guitar a slicker look. Seen in the hands of such playeras as Kenny Burrell and Scotty Moore.

This rare guitar is in great condition. The sunburst finish adds a classy touch to the carved spruce top and back. The finish has crazed and it's certainly seen its fair share of use. Thankfully there is no sign of breaks or excessive damage.

The neck is worn, the finish has gone along both sides. The ebony fretboard is in excellent condition and the original frets have plenty of life left in them. The headstock and tuners are in good condition though the plating has worn as is to be expected.

Plastics and hardware are in good shape with the inevitable tarnishing. The correct tune-o-matic bridge is in the case. The guitar currently has a rosewood bridge fitted. The pickguard is a good reproduction.

Electrically everything looks to be correct with solder joints undisturbed. The PAF pickups do not seem to have had their covers removed.

The guitar comes in its correct (maybe slightly earlier) hardshell case. This has been recently restored and as such the guitar also comes with a 90s Gibson hardshell case.

This guitar has a bright timbre acoustically that complements the pair of PAFs so well, giving you an articulated tone that you wont get from other archtops. The spruce top too is a bonus.  

The flagship Gibson archtop, this would make a fine addition to any collection. Grab it before it gets away…