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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
Add artist
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.
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:
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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