Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $13,733

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What is the body size of the Gibson Super 400?

The Gibson Super 400 features an imposing 18" body size, making it one of the largest archtop acoustic guitars available.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Super 400?

The Gibson Super 400 is constructed with a spruce top and maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant tone.

Is the Gibson Super 400 suitable for jazz music?

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.

Does the Gibson Super 400 come with any electronics or pickups?

The Gibson Super 400 does not include any built-in pickups, making it a purely acoustic archtop guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Super 400?

The Gibson Super 400 features an ES rounded neck shape, providing comfortable playability for most guitarists.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Orianthi gets a 1966 Gibson Super 400 from Bobby at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Orianthi gets a 1966 Gibson Super 400 from Bobby at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Orianthi gets a 1966 Gibson Super 400 from Bobby at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Super 400 Electric Hollowbody Vintage Sunburst by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Super 400 Electric Hollowbody Vintage Sunburst

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Josh Smith playing a 1950 and 1938 Gibson Super 400 in Blonde and Sunburst by Normans Rare Guitars

Josh Smith playing a 1950 and 1938 Gibson Super 400 in Blonde and Sunburst

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson Super 400CES | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson Super 400CES | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1938 Gibson Super 400 Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1938 Gibson Super 400 Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1954 Gibson Super 400 Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1954 Gibson Super 400 Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1950 Gibson Super 400 Non Cutaway Archtop | Guitar of the Day - Jonathan Stout by Normans Rare Guitars

1950 Gibson Super 400 Non Cutaway Archtop | Guitar of the Day - Jonathan Stout

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Super 400 played by Mike Seal by Carter Vintage Guitars

1965 Gibson Super 400 played by Mike Seal

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1937 Gibson Super 400 in mint condition played by Belgian jazz legend Peter Hertmans @ Mojo Guitar by Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

1937 Gibson Super 400 in mint condition played by Belgian jazz legend Peter Hertmans @ Mojo Guitar

Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

Video thumbnail for 1947 Gibson Super 400 | CME Vintage Demos | Nathaniel Murphy by Chicago Music Exchange

1947 Gibson Super 400 | CME Vintage Demos | Nathaniel Murphy

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

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

  • Ivoroid binding can become a maintenance issue, breaking off in slivers over time.

    Source
  • Diamond inlays are prone to shrinking, potentially affecting the guitar's aesthetics and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Some older models were played extensively and maintained well, remaining in excellent shape with no scratches or dents.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When not played regularly, strings may be left on the guitar to maintain neck tension, even if they aren't replaced often.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Originally designed for loud acoustic play, as early models had no electronics or cutaways, providing a rich unplugged tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Super 400 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson Super 400 is a bold and historic statement in the world of archtop guitars, designed to outshine its rivals with its opulent features and impressive tone. It boasts exquisite craftsmanship, from its luxurious inlays to its distinctive tailpiece, making it a favorite among big-band guitarists. However, its hefty price tag and negligible tonal difference between top options might deter some buyers. While its legacy is undeniable, the Super 400 may be more appealing to collectors and enthusiasts than to practical players seeking versatility.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ronnie Wood uses Gibson Super 400

Ronnie Wood

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Chuck Berry uses Gibson Super 400

Chuck Berry

Singer, Guitarist

Chuck Berry & His Combo

...
Verified via Photo

Berry pictured here with the Super 400

See how Derek Trucks uses Gibson Super 400

Derek Trucks

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via reverb.com

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,

See how Robben Ford uses Gibson Super 400

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Johnny Winter uses Gibson Super 400

Johnny Winter

Guitarist, Singer

Johnny & Edgar Winter

...
Verified via reverb.com

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,

See how Elvis Costello uses Gibson Super 400

Elvis Costello

Singer, Guitarist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Chris Isaak uses Gibson Super 400

Chris Isaak

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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!"

See how Waddy Wachtel uses Gibson Super 400

Waddy Wachtel

Guitarist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Waddywachtelinfo

"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."

See how Duke Robillard uses Gibson Super 400

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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.
See how Reggie Young Jr uses Gibson Super 400

Reggie Young Jr

Guitarist

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Bill Haley uses Gibson Super 400

Bill Haley

Singer, Guitarist

Bill Haley & His Comets

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Larry Coryell uses Gibson Super 400

Larry Coryell

Guitarist, Composer

Gary Burton Quartet

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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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