Used 1997 Gibson Custom Shop Super 400 CES

Electric (Spanish) Ladyland

Wildwoodians, we have for you today an excellent example of the Gibson Super 400 Cutaway Electric Spanish model, or CES for short. The Super 400 was introduced in 1934, and it got its name from its price--quite a princely sum in those days! Throughout the following years, the Super 400 has remained one of the kings of the archtop world, and this '97 model made by the Gibson Custom Shop certainly carries on the royal tradition.

The transparent red finish is stately yet dangerous, and the wood is just gorgeous. Take a sec and get lost in the flame over there on the right--you won't regret it. But, it's more than just a pretty face. Those '57 Classic humbuckers harness the beautiful purity and acoustic resonance of the body and add depth, warmth, and that classic vocal characteristic we find in great archtops. Sometimes, they just sing, and this serial is part of the choir.

All in all, this is a wonderful example of one of our favorite Gibsons. We have no doubt it will inspire some lucky archtop aficionado to embark on all sorts of fretboard adventures!

Condition Report

This Super 400 CES has accrued some honest playwear over the course of its two decades on earth, but it's still in awesome shape! There are some very light scratches and small dings throughout the finish (most noticeably on the pickups and by the control knobs). Also, there are some marks on the top from bridge movement, and there is some checking around the headstock logo. There are some small areas of checking around the binding, and the red from the case has also bled into the binding. A previous owner also replaced the nut with an aftermarket part made of bone. It comes with its original hardshell case.