ITEM:
A Superb, Vintage 1969 Gibson Super 400CES in her original sunburst finish. 2 Original Patent Sticker Humbucking pickups~w her OHSC~Excellent Condition! AT A NEW REDUCED PRICE!
This 1969 Super 400CES represents the pinnacle of American archtop craftsmanship during a transitional, but still highly respected era for the company. The Super 400 was first introduced in 1934, and was Gibson’s top-of-the-line guitar—built for the proffesionals of big band and jazz. By the late 1960s, the CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) version had evolved into a powerful stage and studio instrument, blending traditional carved archtop resonance with modern electric versatility via dual humbuckers.
This example captures that balance perfectly—an imposing 18” wide lower bout body paired with rich sunburst finish, and really cool split-block fret board inlays. Sonically, the tone is exceptional; warm, full, balanced and tweakable. The sustain is unbelievable and holds wonderfully. The large carved body produces a deep, piano-like low end with exceptional note clarity. To our collective ears, she really shines on the neck pickup/warm end.
Obviously excels in jazz, but it’s far from limited—blues, soul, ambient, and experimental players will find a massive tonal palette here.
Specifications:
Model: Gibson Super 400CES
Year of manufacture: 1969
Serial #: 533397/2
This is a factory second, according to the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, MI. Upon careful inspection, the only minute flaw that we could find was a 1/2” long, thumbnail shaped blemish immediately to the right hand side of the heel joint on the rear binding.
Finish: Sunburst
Pickups: 2 gold plated chrome patent sticker humbuckers; covers have not been removed, unmolested solder joints
4 black witches hat volume(2) & tone(2) controls
All hardware is gold plated on chrome
Carved archtop body with figured maple back and sides
Bound ebony fingerboard with split-block inlays
3 piece striped maple neck
Quintuple bound body, neck & headstock
Tune-O-Matic adjustable bridge on an ebony base
Iconic Super 400 tailpiece
Bound headstock with mother of pearl inlay and truss rod cover stamped “Custom”
6 gold plated, high end Kluson Sealfast tuning machines w tulip buttons
Large, comfortable “C” neck profile typical of late-1960s Gibson instruments
Original paper label ”Union Made”.
DIMENSIONS:
- Total length: 44 ½”
- Lower Bout body width: 18”
- Body Depth: 3 ¼”
- Nut Width: 1 ¾”
- Scale Length: 24 ¼”
- Weight: 8 lb 5 oz
Case:
- Original Gibson Hard Shell Case (felt lined)
- Case Dimensions: 19 ½” W x 6” D x 46 ¾” L
- Case Weight: 11 lb 11 oz
- Total Weight (Guitar + Case): 20 lbs
Instrument just received a complete inspection & a full pro set up performed by our esteemed luthier, Dave Fecca Guitar Repair of Moorestown, NJ.
Summary of luthiery work:
Performed a basic setup with standard action. Buffed out the body and fretboard, polished the body, cleaned old dirt buildup, adjusted the neck and action, set intonation, detailed all hardware, cleaned electronics, sanded and buffed out dings and fret inclusions, adjusted pickup height to spec, installed a fresh set of wound Ernie Ball strings .011- .054 & wiped down the guitar.
*Condition*
Overall, this guitar is in excellent condition and shows very light and honest vintage wear while remaining extremely clean for its age. No major issues—just the kind of cosmetic signs you want to see on a well-preserved, nearly 60-year-old instrument.
- Body: Scratch to the left of the 16th fret area
- Sides: Small nick on bottom left side; minor scratch near neck/trim junction
- Neck & Headstock: Light surface scratching consistent with age
- Hardware: Chrome on pickups and tailpiece shows light, even patina—presents beautifully
*NOTES & THE FINE PRINT*
ALL SALES ARE FINAL~NO RETURNS~
ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS~WHERE IS
Please see the attached photos as an extension of our written description.
Obviously, this is being sold as is, where is, with no implied warranties or guarantees of any kind, whatsoever.
Since this is a fragile vintage guitar, our normal return policy DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS ITEM! This cannot be returned to us. We package professionally & this fine gear will be insured for the full valuation at our expense. We accurately represent all of our items. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us for an in hand description. Also, please take a look at our website: shop.ellisantique.com
You may also wish to check out our feedback, which is currently 16,000+, and has accumulated for the past 28+ years on eBay under our eBay user name, ellisantique.
PLEASE CONSIDER OUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS AS AN EXTENSION OF OUR HIGHLY DESCRIPTIVE TEXT.
When applicable, shipping insurance is included. Instrument will be boxed in a heavy, new guitar box & will be shipped via USPS, FedEx or UPS.
Also, this item can be picked up locally at our physical bricks and mortar shop, Ellis Antiques, in historic Collingswood, NJ 08108.
***This item is subject to prior sale.***
If you have any interest in purchasing this fine item, please feel free to make us a legitimate offer. We're full time general antique dealers and negotiating is a large part of our business. Just saying.……
AND, THANKS FOR READING………
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