Gibson Super 400 Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1935)

Gibson  Super 400 Arch Top Acoustic Guitar  (1935)
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Formerly owned and played by Ry Cooder
This item has been sold.
Item # 4760
Prices subject to change without notice.
Gibson Super 400 Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar (1935), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 92094, sunburst lacquer finish, flame maple body and neck, spruce top, ebony fingerboard, brown tolex hard shell case.

This is a very early and beautiful example of Gibson's pride and joy of the swing era-the Super 400. This was the biggest, fanciest guitar on the market in 1934-designed by Gibson specifically to put Epiphone and other contenders to the archtop throne firmly back in their place!

According to the latest research the first samples of the model-originally called "Super L-5" with serial#'s 91809 and 91889 were delivered in April 1935. This guitar, with serial #92094 was labeled shortly after, and is certainly one of the earliest production models. The top is X-braced giving the guitar a very fine, powerful but still surprisingly sweet sound. This is a truly spectacular guitar in every way and a deco masterpiece in both looks and sound.
 
Overall length is 43 7/8 in. (111.4 cm.), 18 1/4 in. (46.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.). Very fine condition overall; this guitar has had some light restoration but remains extremely well preserved. The bridge top appears of 1940's or '50's vintage, all other hardware and fittings appear original and intact. The guitar has been refretted with correct style wire and the tailpiece and tuners appear to likely have been replated gold some time ago. The back only of the headstock appears polished out and oversprayed, and there is a small wear spot directly behind the nut down to the ebony overlay. No repairs are apparent. There is a small overspray to the heel (over an old strap button hole) and near the waist at the pickguard bracket.

The rest of the finish is original and extremely fine, with no major dings or scratches and only light wear. A very fine player and one of the best looking and sounding Super 400's we have ever had. Includes a 1959 era CMI-Epiphone Emperor deluxe hard shell case that fits very well. Excellent Condition.