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Average Price: $17,005

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Description

The Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and sound excellence in the world of hollowbody electric guitars. With roots tracing back to the golden era of jazz, this guitar is a modern homage to the iconic instruments that have graced countless stages and recordings. Each Super 400 is meticulously handcrafted in Gibson's renowned Custom Shop, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards of quality and artistry.

This guitar features a solid spruce top and a beautifully figured maple back and sides, which together produce a rich, resonant tone that is both warm and articulate. The Super 400 is equipped with Gibson’s famous PAF-style humbuckers, delivering a classic sound with a smooth response and dynamic range. Its ebony fingerboard, adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays, offers a luxurious playing experience that is as visually stunning as it is comfortable.

Designed for the discerning musician, the Super 400 includes a hand-carved neck and a Venetian cutaway, allowing for effortless access to the upper frets. Whether you're playing complex jazz chords or soaring solos, this guitar's exceptional playability and tonal versatility make it a standout choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with figured maple back and sides
  • PAF-style humbucking pickups for classic Gibson tone
  • Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlays
  • Hand-carved neck with Venetian cutaway for easy upper fret access
  • Crafted in Gibson's Custom Shop for superior quality and detail

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop Special Order Super 400
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Model Family Gibson Super 400
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 best suited for?

The Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 is ideal for jazz and blues due to its rich, warm tone and excellent resonance, characteristic of hollow body guitars.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400?

The neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 is typically a rounded C-shape, providing a comfortable grip for smooth playability, especially favored by jazz guitarists.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 have a single or double cutaway design?

The Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 features a single cutaway design, allowing for easier access to the upper frets while maintaining the classic hollow body aesthetic.

How many frets does the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 have?

The Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 is equipped with 20 frets, offering a full range for melodic and harmonic exploration typical of jazz and blues genres.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400 is well-suited for live performances, offering excellent acoustic projection and tonal clarity, making it a favorite among professional jazz musicians.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop Special Order Super 400.

Build quality

  • The Gibson Custom Shop reportedly utilizes authentic 1950s and 1960s materials, dimensions, and even original errors for their vintage reissue models.

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  • Multiple owners have reported issues with nitro clear coat peeling from the binding, exposing bare wood and causing a textured finish.

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  • Fret nibs appear off-center on some units, indicating rushed craftsmanship and inconsistent attention to detail.

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Value and pricing

  • A customized Gibson Super 400 can significantly exceed its base $14,000 price, especially with unique requests that require new jigs or one-off colors.

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  • It's noted that for the price, these issues are unacceptable, especially when compared to brands like ESP, which offer flawless finishes at lower prices.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite the high price, custom Gibsons retain value better than many boutique brands, making them attractive for collectors considering resale potential.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Gibson Custom Shop will not accommodate non-Gibson pickups; modifications like Bareknuckle pickups must be installed post-purchase by the owner.

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User experience

  • Custom orders can take a long time, but a fairly standard archtop with minor modifications was delivered in just three months, illustrating variability in wait times.

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  • Some owners experienced blemishes and tool marks on the fretboard and binding, with one returning two guitars before receiving an acceptable unit.

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  • Despite QC issues, Gibson's customer service is responsive, and warranty claims are processed with minimal pushback, though replacements can take months.

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Comparisons

  • Some users prefer smaller custom builders like Knaggs or Collings for a more personalized experience and better customer service than large brands like Gibson.

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  • Users note that Japanese-made Tokai LPs, priced around $1,200, often surpass Gibson in quality, urging buyers to consider alternatives.

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