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Average Price: $13,733
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$500
$1201+
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Description
The Gibson Super 400 is a majestic testament to the artistry and innovation that have defined Gibson guitars for decades. Originally introduced in 1934, the Super 400 has evolved from its acoustic origins into a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that embodies both tradition and modernity. Its grandiose 18-inch body width makes it the largest guitar Gibson has ever crafted, providing a resonant and commanding sound that is as visually striking as it is sonically rich.
Crafted with superior materials and meticulous attention to detail, the Super 400 delivers a clear, powerful tone that has been revered by musicians across generations. Its design includes iconic features such as enlarged f-holes and a Venetian cutaway, which not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also its tonal versatility. The guitar's historical significance is matched by its contemporary relevance, making it a prized possession for both collectors and performers alike.
Whether you're strumming in a jazz ensemble or taking center stage in a rock band, the Gibson Super 400 offers a performance that is both dependable and inspiring. This guitar is not just an instrument—it's a legacy.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody electric design
- 18-inch body width for enhanced resonance
- Enlarged f-holes and Venetian cutaway for aesthetic and tonal benefits
- Superior materials for clear, powerful tone
- Historic and contemporary significance
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
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What is the body size of the Gibson Super 400?
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The Gibson Super 400 features an imposing 18" body size, making it one of the largest archtop acoustic guitars available.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Super 400?
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The Gibson Super 400 is constructed with a spruce top and maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant tone.
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Is the Gibson Super 400 suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the Gibson Super 400 is highly regarded for jazz due to its large body, which produces a warm, full sound ideal for the genre.
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Does the Gibson Super 400 come with any electronics or pickups?
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The Gibson Super 400 does not include any built-in pickups, making it a purely acoustic archtop guitar.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Super 400?
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The Gibson Super 400 features an ES rounded neck shape, providing comfortable playability for most guitarists.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Orianthi gets a 1966 Gibson Super 400 from Bobby at Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Super 400.
Build quality
User experience
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Some older models were played extensively and maintained well, remaining in excellent shape with no scratches or dents.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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When not played regularly, strings may be left on the guitar to maintain neck tension, even if they aren't replaced often.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Ronnie Wood is confirmed to use the Gibson Super 400 guitar, as evidenced in the video titled "Keith Richards And Ronnie Woods Jamming" by Vintage Clips on YouTube.
For sale on Reverb.com.
This is an amazing guitar for several reasons,
here is a Gibson Super 400 in natural finish from 1939! Which means it is one of the first blonde finish guitar ever made by Gibson.
That guitar was played by Johnny Winter and comes with a signed poster which show Johnny playing the guitar.
Dereck Trucks also played this guitar to record and compose for years.
That’s an amazing guitar, and what a beauty.
some mods has been done, send us a message if you have any questions,
Wikipedia: "While playing with Jimmy Witherspoon, Ford traded the L-5, plus $200, for a Super 400." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robben_Ford#Guitars
Michael Ross, Getting Great Guitar Sounds 2nd edition, page 73: "As a teen playing with blues giant Jimmy Whiterspoon, Robben helped originate what became that smooth, singing L.A. guitar tone by playing a Gibson Super 400 big bodied, archtop, through a Fender Bassman." https://books.google.cz/books?id=CddgbKkAoxYC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=robben+ford+live+with+jimmy+witherspoon+instruments&source=bl&ots=Xw6bchC9tu&sig=QVZZexgfDwM29eqhyM5zU7iL8jw&hl=cs&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj_w9zN4ejWAhWDzxQKHQgTBGsQ6AEIajAN#v=onepage&q=robben%20ford%20live%20with%20jimmy%20witherspoon%20instruments&f=false
For sale on Reverb.com.
This is an amazing guitar for several reasons,
here is a Gibson Super 400 in natural finish from 1939! Which means it is one of the first blonde finish guitar ever made by Gibson.
That guitar was played by Johnny Winter and comes with a signed poster which show Johnny playing the guitar.
Dereck Trucks also played this guitar to record and compose for years.
That’s an amazing guitar, and what a beauty.
some mods has been done, send us a message if you have any questions,
Elvis Costello has been frequently photographed with a Gibson Super 400, as seen in various photoshoots and concerts. The Wikimedia image titled "Elvis_Costello_2012.JPG" captures him with this semi-hollowbody electric guitar.
In this article Isaak talks about his Gibson Super 400: "I played a little show once – I think it was for iTunes – where they said, “Bring a guitar.” I thought, “I’ll bring an electric.” So I brought a funky little Silvertone amp and a little echo box, with my blond ’56 Super 400 (laughs)! Talk about overkill! People are looking at me like, “Uh huh… That’s a nice guitar.” I go, “Yes, it is. You have no idea!” Some people think you shouldn’t play that sort of stuff outside the house. But you know, I’m never going to sell this stuff. And it only comes out boots first!"
"He also owns two Fender Stratocasters-a '56 sunburst and a red one from '63-a Gibson J-200 flat-top acoustic that he always takes on the road, a Rickenbacker Bake-lite 6 string lap steel, and a Gibson Super 400 arch-top that he almost never touches."
Except for a ‘58 Les Paul, I’ve had nearly every desirable vintage guitar. I’ve had ’57 and ‘54 Stratocasters and a Broadcaster. I had an early goldtop Les Paul. I’ve had an L5 and a Super 400. I’ve had nearly every classic guitar and I don’t think I paid over $500 for any of them.
- Premier Guitar interview, 2007.
from the interview in the September 2001 issue of Vintage Guitar magazine:
VG: What guitars did you use on the Elvis sessions?
RYJ: Scotty Moore’s old Gibson Super 400
I have chosen to post a generic Super 400 as there a million iterations and I'm not 100% what version Scotty Moore's 3 pickup was, nor am I sure if it was a stock 3 pickup 400.
A 1956 Super 400, featured in this ad, was given to Haley by Gibson. It later entered the posession of Brian Setzer.
The Gibson Custom Facebook page later posted this album of photos from a maintenance check at the Gibson Custom Shop.
In an interview with the Vintage Guitar Magazine, Larry says:
VGM: What guitars did you use on the album?
LC: I played a white Les Paul Standard that was originally mine, but had given to Julian. I also played Julian’s Hamer Daytona. But my favorite jazz guitar is still the Gibson Super 400.
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 Gibson Super 400, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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