Gibson Super 400 1980 - buying advice

[vinnyv1k]

I had this minty 2002 S400 for sale on the forum for $7K U.S. and not a single bite with full refund rights if not happy.

[gitman]

Hi Vinnie !
US prices are not really the benchmark on the European market for that type of guitar. If I had bought your Super for $ 7000 I'd have had to add the shipping (ca. $130) , the import-tax (ca. $ 250) and on top of all that the VAT (19%) - in the end this would have cost me $ 9000.00 - not really a bad price but it tells you something.
This Super in question is def. not an investment piece but in all probability a SOLID player with a great sound.

Re the size and weight of this model : that is an important issue of course and totally subjective. I played my first Super at the tender age of 20 and thought then that it's much too large and un-wieldy.
during the following 15 years or so I owned several L5 models, 2 Johnny Smith, 2 Ibanez GB20, an ES-175, a Borys B120, 3 (!) GB10 and in my mid 30's I decided to give the Super another chance - and never looked back. Yes, it's heavy but a good strap (Sadowsky neoprene !) helps a lot in spreading this weight across the shoulder and when played while sitting it's not an issue.

I'm totally biased when it comes to this model Gibson and for me it's the bee's knees re sound - the fact that it is also a truly regal appearance also plays a role ....

[JazzIsGood]

I have a 1980 L5 CES, I'd assume the build quality is similar.

I can tell you this guitar is really amazing. I am super impressed with it.

Can't comment on the price.

[tomassplatch]

Thank you. Finally pulled the trigger after some negociations with the seller and we agreed on a good compromise price-wise. I will post a NGD thread as soon as I clean and set up her. Let me just say that this guitar is huge in every way, you don't play it, you ride it.

[339 in june]

Happy NGD !