Gibson Super 400

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gibson Super 400 was released in 1934 and was (and still is) the largest guitar that the Gibson Guitar Corporation had produced. Until 1939, the Gibson Super 400 had a hand engraved tailpiece, and even hand engraved finger rest support. During the very early production stock the truss rod cover had engraved "L5 Super", on later guitars this was changed to 'Super 400'.

In 1939, the guitar was changed. The upper bout was enlarged, and the hand engraved tailpiece was replaced to the same one that is fitted to the current Super 400s. The 'f' holes were enlarged, and a cutaway option was available. This was called the Super 400C.

During the 1950's, Gibson released the Super 400 CES. This had a slightly thicker top to reduce feedback, two P90 pickups, and individual tone and volume controls, along with a three way toggle switch. Later on the P90 pickups were replaced with Alcino V pickups, then finally in 1957, humbucking pickups.

There have been variations in the form of limited edition custom models. In 2000 Gibson offered the Super 400 with a Charlie Christian pickup. These were snatched by collectors and professionals very quickly.

The Super 400 is still available today, with two humbucker pickups. Unfortunately the full acoustic version is not available.

[edit] See also

• Gibson Guitar Corporation product list

This article does not cite any references or sources. (November 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.