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Average Price: $13,499

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

The 1934 Gibson Super 400 is a distinguished piece of musical history cherished by guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike. As one of the earliest and most iconic models produced by Gibson, this super jumbo acoustic guitar has set the standard for craftsmanship and tonal excellence. Its design features a large body and unique f-hole configuration, contributing to its powerful projection and rich, complex sound. The Super 400's build quality exemplifies the artistry of the pre-war era with its meticulously carved spruce top and elegant maple back and sides. This combination of tonewoods lends the instrument a bright yet warm tonal palette, making it versatile for a variety of musical styles.

The neck is crafted from mahogany, providing comfortable playability and stability, while the ebony fingerboard offers a smooth surface for effortless finger movements. The Super 400's ornate inlays and exquisite binding showcase Gibson's attention to detail and commitment to creating instruments that are as visually striking as they are sonically impressive. Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, the 1934 Gibson Super 400 delivers an immersive playing experience that few other guitars can match.

Key Features:

  • Large super jumbo body for enhanced sound projection
  • Carved spruce top and maple back and sides for a balanced tonal output
  • Mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • F-hole design for distinctive acoustic aesthetics and sound
  • Ornate inlays and binding reflecting high craftsmanship standards

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Super 400
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1934 - 1955
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Maple
Body Shape Archtop
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Super 400 Acoustic
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material Maple
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the 1934 Gibson Super 400 unique compared to other acoustic guitars?

The 1934 Gibson Super 400 is notable for its large archtop body, high-quality maple back and sides, and spruce top, providing a rich and resonant tone. Its luxurious construction and historical significance make it a highly sought-after instrument among collectors and musicians.

Is the 1934 Gibson Super 400 suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the 1934 Gibson Super 400 is particularly well-suited for jazz due to its warm, full-bodied sound and impressive projection, which are ideal for jazz chord voicings and solo work.

What is the neck profile of the 1934 Gibson Super 400 like?

The 1934 Gibson Super 400 typically features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, crafted from maple, which offers smooth playability and is favored by many jazz and blues guitarists.

Does the 1934 Gibson Super 400 come with a pickup system?

No, the 1934 Gibson Super 400 does not come with a built-in pickup system. It is a purely acoustic archtop guitar designed for natural acoustic performance.

What kind of finish options are available for the 1934 Gibson Super 400?

The 1934 Gibson Super 400 is available in Natural and Sunburst finishes, both of which highlight the high-quality materials and craftsmanship of the guitar.

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Gibson Super 400 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The 1934 Gibson Super 400 is a bold statement of luxury and craftsmanship, introduced during the Depression, proving Gibson's resilience and innovation. It set new standards for archtop guitars with its grand size and intricate ornamentation, appealing to jazz musicians for its powerful tone. While its price was steep, it justified the quality, becoming an iconic model in the big band era. The only downside noted was the negligible tonal difference between its thin and thick tops, which was quickly standardized. Overall, the Super 400 is celebrated for its design and impact on guitar-making history.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Carol Kaye uses 1934 Gibson Super 400

Carol Kaye

Bassist, Music Producer

The Grass Roots

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"My teacher wanted me to have the best guitar, so he had me work for two years so I could get a Gibson Super 400."

See how Albert Lee uses 1934 Gibson Super 400

Albert Lee

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"In about ’61, a big shop called Selmer’s on Charing Cross Road, in the West End of London, began carrying Gibsons from the Super 400 on down. I really wanted a Gibson at that point, because Scotty Moore was such a big influence."

See how Merle Travis uses 1934 Gibson Super 400

Merle Travis

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Talking about gibson super 400

Merle Travis favored this guitar. His instrument was highly stylized. His son Thom Bresh plays a similar instrument.. Both men added Bigsby tailpieces with extended bars. Before Merle Travis passed away, the Gibson Guitar Company asked him to donate his guitar to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. In turn, Gibson built an exact replica of his special modified Super 400 CES. It is interesting to note that Merle's new guitar had a wooden center block similar to what is found on ES-335 models.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1934 Gibson Super 400, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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