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Average Price: $9,500

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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
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Mottola uses Gibson Super 400 CES

Tony Mottola

Guitarist

Tony Mottola and His Orchestra

...
Verified

Mottola's one-of-only-two 1952 seven-string Super 400 CES was put up for auction in Guernsey's "The Guitar Auction" on February 27, 2016 (online bidding took place on Invaluable and on Live Auctioneers). A photo of the guitar in a display case during the public preview period (taken by Stephen Smith on February 25, 2016) is hosted on Alamy. The guitar later ended up on display at Rudy's Music in September 2016, as documented by The Jazz Guitar Forum user David B in this August 17, 2022 post.

Invaluable listing

Serial#: A 9934. This one-of-kind instrument was produced by the Gibson Guitar Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1952 for legendary studio musician Tony Mottola. Mr. Mottola was one the most in-demand musicians of his era and worked extensively with artist such as Frank Sinatra and Perry Como. In addition to his studio work, Mottola also occupied the guitar chair in the Doc Severinson Orchestra on The Tonight Show. The guitar is one of only two 7-string Super 400s ever made and the only one produced with 24 frets. The instrument has a top carved from Spruce with stunning Maple back and sides. It is equipped with custom made P90 picks with 7 pole pieces. The instrument includes the original hard shell case as well as copy of the production ledger for the month of March 1952 which was provided by the former president of Gibson, Ted McCarty.

The Jazz Guitar Forum, David B

That guitar was on display in Rudy's when I visited NYC in September 2016. I just found the two photos I took of it, which included a copy of a register entry giving its date and serial number.

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/attachments/guitar-amps-gizmos/93936d1660774498-tony-mottolas-7-string-s400-guernseys-dsc01822-jpg

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/attachments/guitar-amps-gizmos/93935d1660774498-tony-mottolas-7-string-s400-guernseys-dsc01821-jpg

The guitar eventually ended up with Mike's Arch Angels, as documented in this August 9, 2021 video and in this August 31, 2022 Instagram post.

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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