Introduced in 1934 as the companies top of the line arch top guitar, the Gibson Super 400 is one of the most iconic jazz guitars of the last century. Retailing for the pricey sum of $400 at the time, it remains one of the most luxurious looking guitars produced by the company to this day, and was undoubtedly a big influence on other large body arch top guitars that would follow. This 1937 Gibson Super 400 is a fantastic example from the companies pre-war period, and arguably the most desirable period for acoustic Super 400 guitars.
Originally the largest Gibson body shape available on the market when the guitar was introduced, this 19137 Gibson Super 400 features an imposing 18" body size, with this model also featuring the larger 13 5/8" upper bout introduced in 1936. Constructed from a solid carved spruce top and highly figured maple back and sides, this Super 400 perfectly balances tonal detail with sheer volume in a way that only the finest old arch tops can. Visually, the Super 400 is finished with a number of deluxe appointments, including the front and rear pearl split diamond headstock inlay, multi ply neck and body binding, split block fretboard inlay, brown pearloid pickguard, engraved open gear Grover tuning machines and the Super 400 model name found on the heel cap.
This guitar is in good condition, with the kind of play wear, lacquer checking and upkeep repairs you would expect to see from a near 100 year old instrument. The neck has been previously reset, with the area where the neck meets the shoulder of the body and the neck heel having been over sprayed black. There are also two patches of over spray to the back of the body, around the upper bout, that are covering some previously cleated crack repairs. There has also been some binding repair over time, predominantly to the lower bottom edge of the instrument. All hardware and constituent parts appear original and correct.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
