Gibson Gibson Super 400 Hollow Body Left Handed 1982

1982 Gibson Super 400 CES Left-Handed Archtop – Kalamazoo – Rare with Provonance. Ofered for sale is a truly exceptional and highly rare Gibson Super 400 CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) Left-Handed Archtop Guitar, serial number 83432098, produced in 1982 at Gibson’s legendary Kalamazoo, Michigan factory during the final years of historic archtop production. This instrument represents one of Gibson’s most prestigious and ornate models—the Super 400, widely regarded as the “King of the Archtops.” Provenance & Documentation Included documentation confirms outstanding provenance: Original purchase receipt from DiPinto Guitars (March 1998) Purchase price: $7,000.00 Verified identification as a factory left-handed Gibson Super 400 CES Strong ownership history supporting collector authenticity Serial Number Verification Serial number 83432098 decodes as follows: 1982 production year Stamped on the 343rd day of the year (December 9, 1982) 98th instrument stamped that day Produced during the final era of Kalamazoo factory output Specifications & Features 18" full hollow-body archtop construction Hand-carved solid spruce top Figured maple back and sides Maple neck with ebony fingerboard Mother-of-pearl split-block inlays Dual Gibson humbucking pickups (Tim Shaw / late-era spec likely) Gold-plated hardware throughout Engraved Super 400 tailpiece Grover tuners Factory cutaway design (CES model) Condition & Visual Character This instrument displays authentic vintage character consistent with age and use. Gold hardware shows significant oxidation and green verdigris patina Aging is visible on pickup covers, tailpiece, and metal components Many collectors value this as natural “closet-classic” aging Pickguard appears original but shows typical celluloid aging common to this era Importantly, this type of patina is cosmetic and expected in vintage Gibson archtops of this age. Extreme Rarity – Left-Handed Model Left-handed Gibson Super 400 CES guitars were produced in extremely limited numbers, typically by special order only. As a result, left-handed examples carry a significant collector premium, often 20–30% or more above comparable right-handed models due to scarcity alone. Market Value Estimate Based on current collector demand: Right-handed 1980s Super 400 CES models: $10,500 – $16,500 Left-handed rare factory models: $14,000 – $18,000+ Collector-grade examples can exceed this depending on originality and case Value Factors for Collectors Original Gibson hard case (if included, adds additional value) Confirmation of pickup era (Tim Shaw / early 1980s spec) Structural condition (neck, heel, headstock integrity critical) Originality of hardware and finish Absence of repairs or overspray Summary This is a museum-grade, investment-level Gibson Super 400 CES, representing the pinnacle of Gibson’s archtop craftsmanship and one of the rarest configurations available—especially in factory left-handed orientation. A true “holy grail” instrument for serious jazz collectors and vintage Gibson enthusiasts.