My Gibson Super 400

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 03:30 AM

Hey guys,

I could use your knowledge since I have very little and know close to nothing about archtops, being primarily an acoustic player...

So I just got this Gibson Super 400 that makes me very happy.

I have two worries:

The tailpiece is not original - I was told it is an L-5 tailpiece that was fitted for an unknown reason. Does it look weird to you? Why would someone put this tailpiece as a replacement? Do tailpieces get broken or worn out and need replacement and that was all the owner had on hand? There are little "diamonds" on this one and "1899": What the h... is even thi ?- and also: where do I get a proper super 400 tailpiece without breaking the bank :-)

Other question: like I said I play mostly acoustic with 12s. What gauge would you recommend that suits this noble instrument without being too remote from my playing habits? Also I know flat strings exist. Should I try them? Why?

I know that's a lot of questions, hence the pseudo, and I'm grateful in advance to anyone who'll try and enlight me a little.

Thanks for reading and have a great day

**Bebop Tom** · 05-19-2026, 09:09 AM

Are you sure it is a Super 400? It could be a Super V. Is the lower bout 17" or 18"?

**joe2758** · 05-19-2026, 09:12 AM

As for the strings, are you trying to get a jazz tone or do you plan on playing it the same way as your acoustics?

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 09:24 AM

I'm not sure of anything : no label that I can see in the box, trussrod cover looks strange too - should I be worried ? I don't have it with me at work right now but I will measure it

As for the strings, I'll start by playing it the only way I sort of can play right now... like my folk guitars - Do flat strings affect "tone" ?

**Stringswinger** · 05-19-2026, 10:06 AM

There is a lot about that guitar that would have me worried. I would suggest having a knowledgeable dealer inspect it to determine what it is and what it needs.

Strings are cheap. It is an electric guitar so you should use electric guitar strings. Try a few different kinds to see what feels and sounds good to you. I think TI Bebop 12's would be a good start.

**vinnyv1k** · 05-19-2026, 10:07 AM

It’s definitely a S400 probably very early 80’s. Those are S400 F- holes not Super V.

No getting around it, a Super 400 tailpiece will be in the $800 range used.

Looks like the trussrod cover was replaced as a S400 trussrod cover is worth big bucks also.

Maybe that guitar was a one off custom order ?

**vinnyv1k** · 05-19-2026, 10:10 AM

Also the tuners are not original.

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 10:25 AM

Thank you guys,

the engraved serial number dates it to 1992. I'll measure it tonight

What does not have me worried is that it feels stately and sounds glorious :-)

I'm no collector but I love to know what I play and will try and restore it

**joe2758** · 05-19-2026, 10:33 AM

If you're going to play it acoustically only, they make acoustic archtop strings. But, I don't know much about them. Flatwounds do change the tone and based on what you say I think you don't want them (they sound dull basically)

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 10:35 AM

Thank you Joe, I'll start with my usual d'addarios

**joe2758** · 05-19-2026, 10:36 AM

ok, but maybe wait for someone to chime in whether it is important to get archtop specific ones

**GuyBoden** · 05-19-2026, 10:48 AM

Very, very, very nice guitar, a dream guitar.

I play acoustically on my acoustic Archtops, I use Phosphor Bronze strings, but they will squeak.

Acoustically, I've found that the bigger the string gauge the better for volume. Plugged into an amp I find is a different game, but, we're all different.

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 11:00 AM

It is indeed a verrrrrry nice Guitar - but what is it exactly I still do not know:-)

.16 - i couldn't handle this : 13 is a lot for me. I usually play 12s

I'll experiment ! Thanks Guy

**AllanAllen** · 05-19-2026, 11:13 AM

Bronze phosphor stings will be fine acoustically on the S400 you might want to look into Monels if you want to use the pickups.

**jads57** · 05-19-2026, 11:55 AM

Strings are so subjective to what works for each of us. I think if you want a Classic Jazz Kenny Burrell type tone,especially amplified.
Then try some Flat Wound strings.
But If acoustic is what your after,you are at a disadvantage due to it’s construction being heavily built to handle the pickups and tone controls.

I think 12-53 or 13-56 gauge of electric strings of any brand should work best for that guitar. Flat Wounds reduce finger noise,and feel a lot smoother.
String Joy is just releasing a 12-53 set,that look quite promising!

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 12:34 PM

So I did measure it and it’s an 18 inches super 400. I don’t have to change my pseudo. I also got the certificate from the shop originally selling it used and in this altered condition. I have no background but I will investigate ! And start looking for a trussrodcover (would you have a link for a 1992 historically correct one ? ) I need tuning machines and a tailpiece… ((sale request for links ) that’s a lot ! But Im in no hurry and the pleasure playing is already gigantic. Thanks for all the input you guys. And FYI I would happily trade this L5 tailpiece for your super 400 one

**Sam Sherry** · 05-19-2026, 02:01 PM

Could that be a for-real Super 400 tailpiece with four numbers glued-on?

Lovely guitar. Here's hoping it takes you to a bunch of cool musical places!

**wintermoon** · 05-19-2026, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

Could that be a for-real Super 400 tailpiece with four numbers glued-on?

Lovely guitar. Here's hoping it takes you to a bunch of cool musical places!

it's a for-real L-5 t.p. w/ the numbers added on.
it might be possible to trade an L-5 t.p. for a Super t.p. but trading one w/ numbers added on....not easy
those numbers look familiar though, like they came on a bottle of liquor or something

looks like a Super V trc w/ out the engraving, what's the back of the headstock look like?

**tomvwash** · 05-19-2026, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by wintermoon

it's a for-real L-5 t.p. w/ the numbers added on.
it might be possible to trade an L-5 t.p. for a Super t.p. but trading one w/ numbers added on....not easy
those numbers look familiar though, like they came on a bottle of liquor or something

looks like a Super V trc w/ out the engraving, what's the back of the headstock look like?

Just chiming in...what a good example of help and assistance from the OP's thread. I've started numerous threads with similar queries for help, and the JF always comes through. No shortage of expertise here.

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 02:53 PM

Indeed ! thanks a million for your help. I've investigated some more and here is what I discovered :

It sold in 2011 at an auction sale in Texas for 9.859 USD (8 bids) in the EXACT same condition : description reads "All original finish with very minor nicks and scratches. Custom ordered no-pickguard model. No fret wear. Guitar shows as new. "1899" metal letters engraved on tailpiece, with diamond inlays. Original hardshell case included. Condition: Excellent"

I bought it yesterday in Paris and it looks vintage with some substantial amount of checking (I love it) What it doesn't say is if the truss rod cover, tuning machines and tailpiece where factory ordered... I'll ask Gibson about it. Maybe they'll respond:-)

It looks new in the pics from the auction... makes me kinda sad and think of time and ageing

**Stringswinger** · 05-19-2026, 03:10 PM

IME, Heritage Auction descriptions are not always accurate. I think they post what their consignors tell them and then they disclaim it.

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 03:13 PM

I emailed Gibson...

**Stringswinger** · 05-19-2026, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by supernoob_400

I emailed Gibson...

I hope it all works out and that this guitar inspires your playing for many years to come!

It will not be cheap to get a proper tailpiece, truss rod cover or tuners so if those things that are on the guitar work, it may be best to leave things as they are, and consider those things as part of the guitar's history/mojo. Pickguards and the proper brackets can be costly as well, but not every player needs a pickguard.

**supernoob_400** · 05-19-2026, 03:37 PM

Thanks ! we're bonding already

**deacon Mark** · 05-19-2026, 03:42 PM

Funny I am looking for an acoustic super 400 the hunt has been long and demanding that I stay focused. Since you really like the guitar that is all that probably matters and given it is 18 inches it would be Super 400. Appears to me someone did some major changes and the question is why? Usually, the answer is because the guitar needs serious repairs. I have no idea without looking at the guitar. If it was made in 1992 that is a good sign to me Gibson QC was good, then. To me the sunburst looks a bit dark and could just be the photos.

Now that said this is exact kind of Super 400 I am avoiding but my purpose is probably much different than yours. If I had this guitar I would want a real Super 400 tailpiece on it no doubt. Easy to obtain and the L5 you have has definite value but as WM suggest the numbers on it not best set up. The truss rod cover is wrong so I would get a Super 400 cover. Finally the tuners may be fine but not the real high end Kluson that normally come on a S4 so I would go ahead and get them. I can do all the work so for me it is just the cost of parts and would do these changes. That said it is not a guitar I would buy but if I had it that is my story and I am sticking to it.

Strings are an afterthought depending on your needs. Something to be said for flatwounds on a CES guitar but not necessarily. I would go with some rollerwound GHS and keep the gauge at 12-52.