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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
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Super 400 CES like?
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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.
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What type of music is the Gibson Super 400 CES best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Gibson Super 400 CES have a cutaway design?
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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.
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What are the pickup configurations on the Gibson Super 400 CES?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Super 400 CES suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith playing a pair of Gibson Super 400CES
Reviews
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
Keith (or account manager) posted a picture of the guitar being used by Keith Richards.
In this photo, Mark Knopfler can be seen playing a Gibson Super 400 CES with P90s in a live performance.
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".
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.
As seen in the photo Stephen Stills used a Gibson Super 400CES early in his career, notably during his time in Buffalo Springfield.
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
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.
Album Usage
The Gibson Super 400 CES has been featured on the following albums:
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 CES, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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