Vintage 1956 Gibson Super 400 C Sunburst with OHSC

Coming across a vintage Gibson archtop from the 1950's is a special moment, but coming across one that appears to have just left the factory is even more special.  That's what we have here: we are proud to present this amazingly clean Super 400C, built in 1956 and preserved perfectly ever since.

The Super 400 originally debuted in 1934 as the largest guitar that Gibson had produced.  It was a risky move at the time, but the company was set on protecting its reputation as a premier builder and lead the way into the future.  It worked, as the Super 400 not only became the standard archtop for serious players, but put Gibson in place as the industry leader for the new era of larger jazz guitars.  Over the years, it evolved, eventually gaining a cutaway, slight alterations to the body and different hardware.  The model was discontinued during WWII due to supply shortages, and then was re-released in 1949.  Throughout the 50's it continued to change, including the inclusion of electronics at times.  This particular version is the Super 400C, with a cutaway, but no electronics.  It's a straight acoustic, an archtop marvel, and is to die for.

It is hard to imagine an example of a Super 400 from this era that is in as good of condition as this one.  The word "good" or even "excellent" does even begin to describe it.  This guitar is unbelievably clean, with hardly a scratch on it.  The body has no dings or nicks, the neck is in perfect shape and even the headstock isn't damaged.  It's obvious that whomever owned this guitar over the years took great care of it.  Even the hardware is unmarked.  Of course, the guitar has aged and the finish has done so gracefully - it has a beautiful patina.  To us, it has the appearance of a hidden closet find - a guitar that was purchased, stored in a closet, and stayed hidden for decades.  

Everything on this Super 400C is original - bridge, tailpiece, tuners, pickguard, etc.  Everything is straight.  Not only does it come with the original hardshell case, but that's also in great condition.   The original soft cover for the case is included - however, the zipper doesn't work quite right, gets stuck easily, and should be considered as not a great move to zip all the way.  Therefore, we were hesitant to included it, but still felt it was worth it.

 

Our top vintage expert/luthier inspected & vetted the guitar, and has it setup to play perfectly.  It has the exact feel and sound you'd expect from a vintage Super 400 - full and rich, with ringing harmonics and an amazingly comfortable neck.  The frets have a ton of life left in them (this guitar appears to have not been played all that much).  All of the finish on the back of the neck is intact, not worn off - especially important for a guitar with a neck as beautiful as this one.  Be sure to view all of the photos to see how nice of a flame maple neck it is, as well as the figuring on the back of the guitar.  

This vintage 1956 Gibson Super 400C is a collectors dream, a truly stunning and well-preserved piece of Gibson's history.  To protect this guitar, we are not displaying it in our showroom - it's staying in its case, secured and safely locked away offsite.  Please contact us directly if you'd like to view it, or for more details.

• Dimensions: 18" W x 21.75" L x 3.375" D
• Top: High Grade Spruce
• Back & Sides: Figured Maple
• Binding: Multi-ply black & white on top & back and neck; single-ply white on F-holes
• Neck: Figured Maple and high-grade Walnut
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Scale: 25.5"
• Frets: 20
• Inlays: Pearl block
• Neck shape: Traditional rounded
• Headstock inlay: five-piece split diamond