1938 Gibson Super 400 Archtop Jazz Guitar from the collection of famed British producer and engineer Tony Arnold (Rory Gallagher, King Crimson, Toyah, Robert Fripp). Tony was also famous for bringing Helios pro audio gear back from the grave and was the head of Helios Electronics Limited until his passing. The Super 400 was Gibson's flagship guitar and the most expensive in the world at $400 when it was first sold in 1934 - more than the cost of a new car and a price that could purchase a house in London at the time! Few have survived into the next century. The model's first run was limited to only 400 examples between 1935 and 1941. With this being one of 78 made in 1938, the last year for the hand engraved "Super 400" tail piece and one of only a few to feature these rare Kluson tuners.

When I showed the guitar to Gibson's Mark Agnesi at the grand opening of the Gibson Garage in London, Mark commented on how remarkable the Kluson tuners are with their amber buttons and ornate base. Mark called them amber "Jurassic Park" tuners and said this model of tuner was made very briefly for only the most expensive instruments in the world, and that the set on this guitar is worth at least five grand on their own. To own an original pre-war Gibson Super 400 from the original run is to own the ultimate bragging rights in the world of collecting guitars. The guitar can easily be electrified by implementing a non-invasive free-floating pickup.

This is the best example of a pre-war Super 400 in the world. If you want to stand out on stage and in the studio, this is the one.

The Super 400 was designed in late 1934 in the pre-war era to be the centrepiece of Gibson's strategy to dominate the archtop guitar market and uniquely incorporated no cost considerations given the global economic fallout of The Great Depression and the looming war. The Super 400 was the largest guitar Gibson ever built and was a first of its kind having an 18" lower bout whilst also setting a new standard of excellence in guitar making through fine craftsmanship and no expense spared with construction materials.

The pre-war Super 400 is a highly influential guitar model that inspired many other master guitar builders (including Elmer Stromberg and John D'Angelico). Elvis famously performed on a Super 400 during his '68 Comeback Special on NBC on December 3rd, 1968 where he returned to live performances for the first time after a seven year hiatus to focus on movies. Other notable players include Robben Ford, Brian Setzer, Keith Richards, Merle Travis, Kenny Burrell and Larry Coryell.

The guitar is in fantastic condition for an instrument approaching a century of life and comes with amazing provenance.

Global Shipping to any country. I use UPS and FedEx. Will be professionally packed. I can probably hand deliver within Europe once payment clears if that is preferred. I am selling off my guitar collection, so see my other listings, including many artist owned pieces.