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Average Price: $9,900

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Presenting the Gibson Super 400 CES, a modern rendition of Gibson's flagship archtop guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians since 1934. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar boasts a legacy of superior craftsmanship and exceptional performance. Produced in the revered Gibson Custom Shop, it carries forward the tradition of the original Super 400 CES introduced in 1951, while incorporating contemporary enhancements to satisfy the modern musician.

Key Features:

  • Body Style: Archtop hollowbody
  • Origin: Gibson Custom Shop
  • Type: Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar
  • Legacy: A modern version of Gibson's flagship archtop guitar
  • Performance: Renowned for superior craftsmanship and exceptional performance

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop Super 400 CES
Finish Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Super 400
Model Sub-Family Gibson Super 400 CES
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

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

The Gibson Super 400 CES features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that offers a smooth playing experience, ideal for jazz and other intricate styles. The set-neck construction enhances sustain and stability, making it suitable for professional use.

What type of music is the Gibson Super 400 CES best suited for?

The Gibson Super 400 CES is renowned for its rich, warm tones, making it an excellent choice for jazz and blues musicians. Its hollow body design and dual humbucker pickups deliver a full-bodied sound perfect for these genres.

Does the Gibson Super 400 CES have a cutaway design?

Yes, the Gibson Super 400 CES features a single cutaway design, allowing for easier access to the higher frets, which is particularly beneficial for soloing and complex chord work.

What are the pickup configurations on the Gibson Super 400 CES?

The Gibson Super 400 CES is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a versatile range of tones from warm, mellow sounds to more powerful, driving tones, suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Gibson Super 400 CES suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Super 400 CES is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build and the dynamic range offered by its humbucker pickups. Its classic design and rich sound make it a favorite among professional musicians.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith playing a pair of Gibson Super 400CES

Video thumbnail for Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith playing a pair of Gibson Super 400CES by Normans Rare Guitars

Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith playing a pair of Gibson Super 400CES

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for MONDAY MAYHEM WITH PHIL X! 1956 Gibson Super 400 CES 01016 by frettedamericana

MONDAY MAYHEM WITH PHIL X! 1956 Gibson Super 400 CES 01016

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

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 Gibson Custom Shop Super 400 CES  •  SN: 10284002 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop Super 400 CES • SN: 10284002

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Gibson Super 400CES | CME Vintage Demo | Shelby Pollard by Chicago Music Exchange

1970 Gibson Super 400CES | CME Vintage Demo | Shelby Pollard

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for My Romance, Gibson Super 400 CES vs. Gibson L5 CES by Fred Archtop

My Romance, Gibson Super 400 CES vs. Gibson L5 CES

Fred Archtop

Fred Archtop

Video thumbnail for Gibson Super 400 Review | Gibson Super 400 CES - Biggest & Baddest? by Rich Severson

Gibson Super 400 Review | Gibson Super 400 CES - Biggest & Baddest?

Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Video thumbnail for Gibson Super 400 CES from 1956 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Super 400 CES from 1956 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gibson Super 400 CES 1955 vs 1961 Part 1 (intro) Part 2 (sound sample) by Mike’s Arch Angels

Gibson Super 400 CES 1955 vs 1961 Part 1 (intro) Part 2 (sound sample)

Mike’s Arch Angels

Mike’s Arch Angels

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Classic gear: Gibson Super 400CES | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Super 400 CES is a standout in the world of archtop guitars, known for its large size and intricate craftsmanship. With gold-plated hardware and mother-of-pearl inlays, it's a visually stunning instrument that has attracted a wide range of jazz and rock musicians. However, its hefty size and premium build come with a high price tag, making it less accessible for budget-conscious players. While the guitar is celebrated for its historical significance and quality, potential buyers should weigh the costs against their specific needs and playing style.

The History of the Gibson Super 400CES | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Billy Corgan

Keyboardist, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

Billy Corgan listed a Gibson Super 400 CES for sale on his official Reverb.com shop, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Kerrang.

See how Keith Richards uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Keith (or account manager) posted a picture of the guitar being used by Keith Richards.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Mark Knopfler can be seen playing a Gibson Super 400 CES with P90s in a live performance.

See how Elvis Presley uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Elvis Presley

Singer, Guitarist

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Elvis Presley playing a Gibson Super 400 CES.

See how Steve Howe uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Steve Howe

Guitarist

Yes

...
Verified via Stevehowe

As is shown on his website, Steve Howe used this fancy guitar on a couple of his well known masterpieces, such as "Close to the Edge" (with Yes) and "Dream River".

See how Phil X uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "MONDAY MAYHEM WITH PHIL X! 1956 Gibson Super 400 CES 01016," Phil X showcases the Gibson Super 400 CES, a vintage 1956 model. The video description details the guitar's specifications, highlighting its eighteen-inch-wide, full-depth archtop design, weighing 7.80 lbs, with a nut width just under 1 11/16 inches and a 25 1/2 inch scale length.

See how Stephen Stills uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Stephen Stills

Guitarist, Singer

Buffalo Springfield

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in the photo Stephen Stills used a Gibson Super 400CES early in his career, notably during his time in Buffalo Springfield.

See how Ry Cooder uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Ry Cooder

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Truetone Music

"Vintage 1967 Gibson Super 400 Owned by Ry Cooder."

See how Scotty Moore uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Scotty Moore

Guitarist

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In the right picture you can see Scotty Moore playing a Gibson Super 400 CES.

See how Kenny Burrell uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Kenny Burrell

Guitarist

Kenny Burrell & Coleman Hawkins

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

That's a part of an Interview...

"The Gibson Super 400 has been your trademark guitar for many years. When did you first begin playing one, and what attracted you?" It was probably in the late 1960s. I’d been using a D’Angelico New Yorker, which was the same size as a Super 400 (18? body). I like that body size – and where my elbow rests. What I like about the Super 400 (CES) is the humbucking pickup. I originally used the Charlie Christian bar pickup; that’s what I had in my L-5 and L-7 guitars [in the late ’50s/early ’60s]. But the humbuckers had no noise and worked better, especially when I had to turn up the volume with people like Jimmy Smith. They are more “utilitarian,” if you will. I prefer the Super 400 model with two humbuckers and a Florentine cutaway. With that cutaway, I can get my whole hand up there

See how Tom Petersson uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Tom Petersson

Bassist

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

And yes, Petersson also collects standard six-string guitars, which he uses to write and record. Classic American guitars in his set include a 1934 Martin 000-18, a 1960 double-cutaway Gibson Les Paul Junior in TV yellow, a black ’63 Fender Telecaster, an orange ’67 Gretsch 6120, a Gibson Barney Kessel Standard from ’62, a prototype Gibson Super 400 from ’91, a ’59 Rickenbacker 360 Capri, a ’67 Rickenbacker 360/12, and an original black ’57 Gibson J-160E (as played by John Lennon and George Harrison) that he prefers for recording, “Because of the lack of low-end, it fits in the tracks better.” Another favorite acoustic is a 1950s Artur Lang hand-made in Germany.

See how Pino Daniele uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Pino Daniele

Singer, Guitarist

Pino Daniele Project

...
Verified via Genius

The artwork for Pino Daniele's album "Un uomo in Blues" features a Gibson Super 400 CES, indicating his use of this semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

Album Usage

The Gibson Super 400 CES has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

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

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