Gibson Super 400

[deacon Mark]

I was actually not going to do this but here goes. I finally found the right Super 400 acoustic and frankly I was looking at all years. I am really of the opinion that Gibson did some if not is best work from about 1992-2006ish. The ones in the last 1990's had the nice wood and very good QC. This one is from 1996 and it plays and sounds great. Neck to me is just right, it has meat on it without being massive. Never has seen a pickup.

I am attaching some photos and really the interesting thing was it came with the ABR-1 tunomatic. I strung it up and everything was fine no issues but normally I carve an ebony saddle I like them better. I was not in any hurry but I happen to have one already in the shop so I decided to simply put it on 2 days after I got it. What was so surprising is that to me of all the times I have done this it is always better sound with ebony. In this case it was DRAMICALLY better, the who guitar seem to open up and become much cleared and more power.

I think looking at how this is set on the bridge the ABR-1 can chock the sound those screws do not provide the direct vibration of the strings and saddle. I am actually in a bit of shock. I am of the camp throw those metal saddles out. For the record it did not change the intonation was right where it should be and was. Here is guitar and the next post I play a tune.

[Stringswinger]

That is a "top of the food chain" guitar right there. You are correct about the 90's and early 2000's Gibson archtops. They are some of the best ever made.

May she inspire your playing for many years to come.

[deacon Mark]

Ok a bit sound acoustic just iphone in front of me nothing fancy.

[Rob MacKillop]

Oh, very envious, sir! Beautiful. Stunning to look at, and a delight to hear. Nice playing too. Have many happy hours together!

[Spook410]

Pretty thing.. what a great find.

[jamesego]

Sounds wonderful and worth the diligence!

[omphalopsychos]

That must be one of the best sounding guitars I’ve heard. Congrats Mark very happy for you. WOW what a day it must be.

[Woody Sound]

Beautiful archtop bell-like tone. I sorta liken that tone to a Fender Rhodes piano. But is it (very) loud enough for Basie-type (FG) big band chopping? I know everyone ogle the flamed maple, but that is a beautiful tight spruce top.

[jads57]

Lovely instrument and tone as well! I also agree with you that my favorite Gibson Archtops are some of the more recent builds,especially Jim Hutchins,Phillip Wharton, and James Culbertson.

[deacon Mark]

Beautiful archtop bell-like tone. I sorta liken that tone to a Fender Rhodes piano. But is it (very) loud enough for Basie-type (FG) big band chopping? I know everyone ogle the flamed maple, but that is a beautiful tight spruce top.

I have the action set pretty low at least by Freddie Green standards but it would work for sure at least in the rhythm section feeling the sound. That is all the real pulse of a FG sound. However, if you compare it other guitars, I have the sound by volume is par. My Hollenbeck is louder but it has been played.

Being loud is not necessarily a great thing if all it is it power. Freddie Green played a Stromberg, and they certainly can punch sound but do not have the definition and smooth sound of say a D'angelico or even a proper L5-Super400. I generally keep my action on the lower side and that effects volume in a well-made acoustic archtop. Running an action of say 6/64's or even 7/64 is not uncommon for those old rhythm players. If I moved the action on Hollenbeck to that it will rattle the windows and then some. If I were to do a Strolling Gig acoustic at a Restaurant and used that high action and bronze strings, I would actually be too loud.

[Cunamara]

Sweet, Mark! Congratulations! What a nice round treble sound and sturdy but not overbearing bass.

[andrew]

Wow, big congrats! I know you've been on the lookout for the right S400. So glad you held out for the right one and didn't settle. It looks great, it sounds great, it IS great! And I'm with you 100% on wooden saddles for acoustic archtops. Absolutely no excuse for an ABR-1 on one of those. I think most electric archtops sound better with them too, but I have seen the occasional exception there. And yep, the 90s Hutch era guitars are great! (I have an L-5 from the same time frame and it's a desert-island instrument).

Is there a second signed label in your guitar? (it seems like they usually didn't include these in the late 90s)

[John Owen]

Wow!! What a beauty. May you play it in good health for years to come!

[mr. beaumont]

Sounds absolutely wonderful.

I'm sure you could set it up as a rhythm guitar, but to me, your playing there is exactly what this guitar is meant to do.

[vinnyv1k]

May it serve you with many years of beautiful sounds and pleasure.

[customxke]

Congrats….it’s a beauty! I do love a Super 400.

[QAman]

Congrats Mark - it sounds fabulous. Wishing you many years of enjoyment.


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[Greywolf]

Exquisite! Savor every note!

[garybaldy]

Ok a bit sound acoustic just iphone in front of me nothing fancy.

I'm in awe.

[wintermoon]

Sounds Super Mark!

[58flame]

Sounds like a nice guitar to me.

[2bornot2bop]

Damn! That’s the one. Congratulations!

[skykomishone]

Deacon, that's pretty sweet!
I know I don't need to say enjoy that guitar, because I'm certain that you do brother! But, enjoy that guitar! It's beautiful and sounds beautiful. Makes me happy too, hearing you play it!