The Gibson Super 400 (1938) is considered the most prestigious archtop guitar of its time and one of the most luxurious models ever produced by Gibson. Introduced in 1934 as the brand’s first 18-inch guitar, by 1938 it had already reached its aesthetic and technical maturity, becoming the standard of excellence for jazz and big band guitarists. Its imposing size, its artisanal construction and its refined details transformed it into an instrument designed to lead on stages and orchestras.
Constructed with a carved solid spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, the Super 400 offered extraordinary sonic projection, capable of competing with brass sections in large orchestras. The maple neck with ebony reinforcement and ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays added elegance and comfort. Its adjustable floating bridge, ornate tailpiece and classic Sunburst finish completed a design that combined luxury and functionality.
The Super 400 was the largest and most powerful archtop guitar of its time, and set the course for jazz in the 1930s and 1940s.
This guitar is treasured in the La Roca vault.
