1977 Super 400.........

[ccroft]

DM,...I don’t post much anymore...Joe DeNisco

May I say that I've noticed this, and miss your contributions Joe?

Back on topic: I lost my dad 10 years ago at age 92. I think of him almost daily. It's a bittersweet kind of a thing. I was fortunate to hang with him, tell him how much I loved him and bid him happy trails. In reply to the love thing he said "I never thought I'd hear that!" You know... old-school and a bit embarrassed by such things, but happy to hear it anyway. At his service I said he taught me how to live, he helped me find my way, and he taught me how to work. He was a hard teacher, and I thank him for that.

Oh yeah... natural Super 400! I love that! So 1977 is vintage now... man... how time flies.

[Fred Archtop]

So sorry for your loss. I know what it is as I've been through this path way too early. A Dad is a hero, a guide, a mentor, a deep friend...Congrats for the blonde S400, a wonderful guitar. Looks like I have the sister guitar of yours. Mine is from 1980. Enjoy your new acquisition.
Best and take care.

[DMgolf66]

DM:
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad a few years back and I really miss him. I’m sure this has been hard for you. You scored a beautiful guitar there. Some people say negative things about the Norlin era, but I always try to speak up and say that I believe the high-end archtops (L5’s, Super 400’s) from that era are usually excellent guitars. I visited the Gibson factory in those days, and it was apparent that the old masters still took great pride in their work, using the same methods and tools that had been used for decades right there in the old Kalamazoo factory. I have a blonde L5CES from the mid-70’s that is one of my favourite guitars. I actually don’t mind the relatively plain maple that they used for the backs either. Like you, I put reflector knobs on mine and stored the witch hats away in the case. I’m sure you will enjoy that beautiful Super and the story that came with it.
Keith

Keith, thanks so much for the sympathies and for the insight into my guitar and that period. Very cool story to hear about you visiting the factory in those days.....amazing. Yeah, the plain back is fine as the L-5 and Super 400's are so regal.....these versions are the slightly understated cousins of the more modern and some older examples it seems. Funny how both you and FRed swapped out the witchhats as well! Thanks again.....

Congrats on the guitar (What is better than a Gibson Super 400?) and sorry for your loss. My dad checked out at 72 (Prostate Cancer). I am 64 and am hoping to make it to 90. But these days, every day is a gift and every year is a victory.

May the Super 400 inspire your playing for many years to come!

SS, straight talk, thank you.
I hope it is "many years to come"!

Sorry to hear about your father's passing, but glad you made it in time to have that final day and evening with him, please accept my sincere condolences.
Congrats on the beautiful guitar, it has a great story and has obviously been well taken care of. Enjoy it in good health and may it inspire your playing for years to come as Stringswinger says

I appreciate the condolences and good thoughts, thank you!