1962 Gibson Super 400 CES Sunburst

For sale is the 7th and perhaps the most desirable rendition of Gibson's top of the line “crown jewel” guitar. A late 1962 or very early 1963 Gibson Super 400 CES. It is estimated that less than 100 Super 400 CES guitars were produced with all of the following features. The most visible of these appointments is the deeper Florentine (sharp) cut away allowing better access to the upper registers. The wider, more accommodating 1 11/16” nut width. The PAF Humbucker pick-ups. A few of these early 60’s Florentine models (last half of 1961 through the first half of 1963) have a book matched solid carved maple back, as does this one, before going to a laminate back in 1963. Solid maple sides. The neck is 3 piece maple. The top is solid carved spruce. No laminates on this guitar. This example is simply remarkable. It is extremely clean and totally original having only one owner and according to the brother of the deceased owner, was never taken out of the home. He was obviously a proud, meticulous owner. It was purchased new with the optional case cover resulting in the original tan Lifton case being incredibly, almost unbelievably mint condition. The guitar itself is 100% original (except strings) and clean as a pin. I only find one small mark on the guitar as shown in the picture located by the toggle switch. No play wear whatsoever other than slight fret divots. Because it was never removed from the home, there was apparently no real climate or humidity changes that fortunately, resulted in no finish crazing or checking. The manufacturing date (62-early 63) was during the transition period when the Pick-up ID stickers were changed from “Patent Applied For” to the “Patent number”. The pick-ups did not change then, only the stickers. This guitar has the original pick-ups which is a PAF in the bridge position measuring 7.72 ohms and a Patent number pick-up in the neck position measuring 7.74 ohms. Total, untouched electronics that work smoothly and quietly. The neck profile is wider but less chunky than the 1960 and before. The frets are the original larger frets. No finish wear on the guitar. The gold hardware is excellent with the exception of one corner of the gold plated tail piece being slightly worn and some wear on the gold plated pick-up covers. The pick guard is in very good condition. Finally, this guitar plays like butter and it has the ultimate big sound. So smooth and clear on the bottom end with mids and highs that cut through with excellent balance and clarity. In summary, this guitar is crazy clean and original. It is a remarkable guitar in every sense of the word. Comes with the original case, case cover, strap, direction sheet for the humbucker pick-ups, and Tune-a-Matic bridge. If you want to hear this version of the Super 400 CES, look up Elvis’ 1968 tour to hear Scotty Moore playing his 1963 Super 400 CES. If it is a Gibson Super 400CES you’re looking for or thinking about, I think you will be hard pressed to find a better one out of the fewer than 100 produced with all the right stuff. Message with questions or to request additional pictures. Thank you.