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This 1942 Gibson Super 400PN is confirmed in the Gibson ledgers as shipping as a Premier Natural on June 28, 1942 to a "Music Mart" shop.  It did return to Gibson for an unknown repair, shipping back out on November 8, 1945.   It comes with original tailpiece, pickguard bracket, and bridge.  The pickguard is a brand new repro part made by 1929 Pickguards and the tuners were replaced at some point, showing evidence of originally having the Kluson Sealfasts that were typical of the period.

 

The guitar plays beautifully and is truly one of the three finest sounding Gibson archtops of any period that I have ever come across, easily being the finest Super 400 I've tried so far. Thsi is one of those guitars that is truly capable of covering huge amounts of ground, having great volume and punch while retaining impressive sustain.  It's one of those that can rival a fine Stromberg archtop.  The frets are in excellent condition and the neck has a full, modern C-shape, typical of the 1940s.

 

In addition to some filled screw holes from the original Kluson tuners, there are small holes on the bass side of the fingerboard extension from prior floating pickup installations and one extra hole on the treble side where a non-original pickguard bracket had been installed.  I believe the neck likely received a light lacquer overspray. There are also a few small dents and a couple of drop filled spots in the finish, but overall it is in truly remarkable overall condition for a guitar that is over 80 years old.  There are very cool added strap buttons that I have never actually run across before with ends that screw on to lock the strap in place.   This is a guitar that has been very well cared for over the years.

 

Weight - 6.6 pounds

Nut width - 1.69 inches

1st fret depth - 0.88 inches

9th fret depth - 0.99 inches

Scale length - 25.5 inches

 

If the next owner would like, I have been able to source and could install original era Kluson Sealfast tuners with Catalin buttons. However, the tuners and installation will add to the cost of the guitar as these tuners are very hard to come by and are quite costly when they do, both due to demand as well as rarity.

 

The guitar comes with the original brown leather covered case with pink velvet liner.  The case works well with all latches and hinges functional, but does have gaffer tape put on the top and bottom around the corners.

 

Ships free in the United States.  Worldwide shipping is available for reasonable rates.

1942 Gibson Super 400 PN (Premier Natural)

$39,999.00Price
Quantity
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