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Dear Jazzers,
It's been a while I wanted to get a Super 400 CES in natural colour, and at a reasonable price. It's not so easy since they are quite rare birds here in Europe. Finally, I could spot that one in Spain. It was built in 1980, still in very good shape except that the pickguard and the original bridge were missing. Now this has been fixed and I must say that I am in heaven.
Surprinsingly, compared to other S400 CES that I could try over the years it has a very opened and airy sound. The playability is great although I am not a giant (5'9") and the neck is perfect. Also, the original knobs were black witch hats which I do not like very much. I've changed them for reflektor knobs. Another great guitar from the Norlin era
Here is a demo I have recorded this morning:
I hope you'll like the sound of it.
Best and take care.
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09-11-2021 06:13 PM
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Fred: congratulations. A very nice guitar, and nice playing. I have a Norlin era L5-CESN and I agree that Gibson produced some really fine archtops during that time. The neck on my L5 is perfect too. Enjoy your new guitar.
Keith
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A huge Congrats Fred. That S400 is in the right hands now.
Do enjoy.
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Sounds like it just pushes the notes out in even and smooth way. I believe you got a winner and of course your chops help keep the sound in the realm of great.
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Congrats on a fine addition to your collection. Great playing as always. May she inspire your playing for many years to come.
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Beautiful guitar! Beautiful playing! Congratulations!
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Suddenly everything feels right about the world. It’s become crazy these last few years, but for five minutes there everything felt just right. That old feeling is back!
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As always, a very tasteful interpretation! Thanks for posting, Fred, and hope you get a lot of enjoyment from your Super 400!
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That's a great looking and sounding S400.
I love the tune "That Old Feeling". Others have done it more, um, sadly I suppose, less swing.
Here's the version from Jane Froman in the early '50s. It was popular and had a different presence. Jane was a popular performer during World War II. She performed for the troops overseas with the USO. Her plane crashed in 1943. She survived with serious injuries and minus a leg. She continued to perform after that. This recording, as is the Super 400, is like a time machine. Both the Norlin era and World War II evoke emotions. Some of my best Gibsons came from that Norlin period. And of course there are the baby boomers.
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Congrats on the S400. While we’re at it…
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Dear Jazzers,
Thanks for your positive comments!
And while we are at it, here is a take that I praise.
Equaly good as the one by Anita O'Day.
Best and take care.
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Just scrumptious! Beautiful guitar, beautiful tune, beautiful playing! Thank you!
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Wow! Just wow!
What a beautiful sound, and playing too. Thank you for sharing and enjoy that baby!
jk
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Originally Posted by Fred Archtop
the definitive version, imo
nice playing and glad you got the guitar restored Fred.
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Originally Posted by wintermoon
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Beautiful Fred! Congrats, HNGD and play her in good health!
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Absolutely wonderful playing (and S400)
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Congrats, Fred, beautiful guitar and nice playing!
Too bad these Super 400 seem not to like me, feel so uncomfortable with them...
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Fred, looks and sounds great!
It's pretty much the only Jazz guitar I've never come across in the UK.
Well done you.
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Fred,
Congratulations! Super nice!
Both the guitar and your playing!
That's a beauty. I really enjoyed the YT!
What is this Thing Called Love?
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