1936 Gibson Super 400

[customxke]

Having recently discovered that I actually prefer prewar Super 400s to prewar L5s (I realize how much in the minority I am with that here), I pulled the trigger on this one from Gruhn’s. It was there for a while, and I got a deal I was happy with. It’s been restored by Cris Mirabella, and while I normally wouldn’t go for a refin, this one is doing it for me.

[deacon Mark]

Yes I saw that and thought the same as you. Play it well and have fun but please need detailed sound report on how it responds and plays. My question is if it plays well on the neck and easy?

[Stringswinger]

Wowsers! May she inspire your playing for many years to come.

A Gibson Super 400 is pretty much the top of the guitar food chain.

[vinnyv1k]

Big time WOW factor. Gorgeous !!!

[customxke]

Yes I saw that and thought the same as you. Play it well and have fun but please need detailed sound report on how it responds and plays. My question is if it plays well on the neck and easy?

I’ll report back more once it’s settled in a bit. It came with bronze strings, which were much too bright for my liking. Right now it’s got Monel (Retros) 13s. I may go up a gauge. The neck is true and straight, and gigantic, but typical of the era. I would have preferred skinnier frets, but the fret job is fantastic nonetheless. I’m still working on getting the action in my own personal sweet spot. I like it high enough that I can really lay into the guitar on swing rhythm stuff, but as low as possible while allowing that. So far the guitar is strident and bold when playing 4 to the bar rhythm. It cracks like a snare, which is what I look for. It’s not as tubby as some non-cut supers, and seems pretty balanced across its tonal range, which is pretty awesome. I think the X bracing, and 18” body is exactly what I needed.

[skykomishone]

Congratulations! That must be amazing to play and is a beautiful guitar. It makes me happy just looking at the pictures and reading about it. I can imagine the journey that it's been on since 1936, and the inspiration and music it's given over the years and will continue to with you!
Very cool!

[garybaldy]

Lovely guitar.
Have you checked the scale length?
If you need a hand let me know!!

[Sleeko]

I love this, shame so small. JK, enjoy that beauty!

[Woody Sound]

Oh yeah, that's THE one.

[Woody Sound]

Lovely guitar.
Have you checked the scale length?
If you need a hand let me know!!

Should be the shorter.

[AllanAllen]

Lovely guitar.
Have you checked the scale length?
If you need a hand let me know!!

I still think it’s better to measure the whole thing. The other guy never even got an answer.

[wintermoon]

Looking good my man, nice addition to your collection.
Still has the engraved Grovers and hinged t.p., works of art in themselves.
Nice repro guard and bridge too, wonder why he chose ebony instead of the orig rosewood.
No matter, that makes 3 acoustic Supers currently, no? Might be getting time for a new group shot.
Enjoy that one....

[customxke]

Looking good my man, nice addition to your collection.
Still has the engraved Grovers and hinged t.p., works of art in themselves.
Nice repro guard and bridge too, wonder why he chose ebony instead of the orig rosewood.
No matter, that makes 3 acoustic Supers currently, no? Might be getting time for a new group shot.
Enjoy that one....

Thanks old friend. Only 2 Super 400s for now. Two supers and a blonde L5. The repro parts are gorgeous, if not 100% accurate. I was messing around tonight comparing some acoustic archtops and snapped this pic…..I left out the electrics:

[wintermoon]

tbh I never understood why Gibson switched to rosewood w the advent of the advanced line.
Ebony certainly matches better, but there's that old rosewood vs ebony tone argument.
I don't know, depends on what particular guitar they're on ime.

[Cunamara]

I'll admit I have never particularly lusted after an 18" guitar for my own use, however, they sure are lovely. There is about a half an acre of premium wood there! That is a well proportioned and beautifully restored instrument. I hope you and it make happy music together for a long time.

[Woody Sound]

tbh I never understood why Gibson switched to rosewood w the advent of the advanced line.
Ebony certainly matches better, but there's that old rosewood vs ebony tone argument.
I don't know, depends on what particular guitar they're on ime.

I thought it had something to do with the war, but ICBW.

[wintermoon]

I thought it had something to do with the war, but ICBW.

They started w rosewood in '34, the war was 7 yrs off. That's when some materials were rationed and Gibson starting using whatever else they had on hand that Uncle Sam didn't take.
Maybe it was a cost thing, rosewood was always cheaper than ebony, the depression was still going on, though Gibson prided itself on using the best materials, especially on the new top of the line Super.

[Hammertone]

Lovely. Curious about the scale length as well. Mine is a ‘37. Big shoulders, 25 1/2” scale, x-braced.
Pix to follow later.

[customxke]

Lovely. Curious about the scale length as well. Mine is a ‘37. Big shoulders, 25 1/2” scale, x-braced.
Pix to follow later.

This one's 24 3/4" ish.

[Woody Sound]

Lovely. Curious about the scale length as well. Mine is a ‘37. Big shoulders, 25 1/2” scale, x-braced.
Pix to follow later.

I think they boosted it to 25-1/5" around the same time they widened the upper bout.

[58flame]

Very nice.

[Spook410]

There was a 30's Super 400 on Gryphon recently. Lasted a day. I had my chance.. for $13.5K thinking I really blew that one. I mean.. even as an inflation hedge. Sigh.

Great looking guitar and good to have it in a place where it will be taken care of.

[garybaldy]

There was a 30's Super 400 on Gryphon recently. Lasted a day. I had my chance.. for $13.5K thinking I really blew that one. I mean.. even as an inflation hedge. Sigh.

Great looking guitar and good to have it in a place where it will be taken care of.

I find, unfortunately, those situations stay with me for ever!