How to Date Your Vintage Gibson Super 400: Complete 1934-1969 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Gibson Super 400 Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Gibson Super 400 accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in jazz guitar history. The Gibson Super 400 represents the absolute pinnacle of American arch-top guitar craftsmanship—an 18-inch hand-carved masterpiece with premium appointments and unparalleled build quality that established the standard for luxury jazz guitars.

Whether you own a rare pre-war acoustic Super 400 with f-holes, a 1950s Super 400CES with PAF pickups, a mid-1960s cutaway model, or any vintage Super 400 from the pre-1969 era, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Certain years and specifications command premium prices, particularly early examples with specific features and original appointments.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Gibson Super 400 using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made between 1934 and 1969.

Understanding the Gibson Super 400 History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the Super 400's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the Super 400 (1934)

Gibson introduced the Super 400 in 1934 as the ultimate arch-top guitar:

Revolutionary Design Features:

• 18-inch body width (largest production guitar)

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Hand-carved maple back

• Premium figured maple

• Elaborate inlays and binding

• Gold-plated hardware throughout

• $400 price ($7,000+ in today's money)

• Custom shop craftsmanship

• Top of all guitar lines

Strategic Purpose:

• Establish Gibson's dominance in premium guitars

• Create ultimate jazz guitar

• Demonstrate master luthier skills

• Command highest prices

• Status symbol instrument

The "Super 400" Designation Explained

"Super" = Top Tier:

• Highest grade Gibson guitar

• Ultimate craftsmanship

• Premium materials throughout

• No expense spared

"400" = Original Price:

• $400 retail price (1934)

• Astronomical sum during Depression

• More than many automobiles

• Luxury instrument status

Musical Significance

Famous Players:

• Wes Montgomery (jazz legend)

• Kenny Burrell (jazz master)

• Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley guitarist)

• Various jazz and country artists

• Studio session elite

• Sophisticated professionals

Sonic Character:

• Warm, rich, complex tone

• Powerful volume and projection

• Excellent for jazz chords

• Clear note separation

• Studio-quality sound

• Premium acoustic voice

Major 1934-1969 Evolution Periods

1934-1939: Pre-War Acoustic

• Super 400 introduced

• Acoustic-only

• Non-cutaway initially

• Premier model

• Pre-war craftsmanship

1939-1941: Cutaway Introduced

• Cutaway option available

• Premier cutaway acoustic

• Pre-war peak quality

• Limited production

1942-1945: WWII Production

• Wartime restrictions

• Limited materials

• Reduced production

• Banner headstock era

1946-1950: Post-War Acoustic

• Production resumes

• Acoustic continues

• Quality returns

• Traditional appointments

1951-1956: Super 400CES Introduction

• Electric version introduced (1951)

• "CES" = Cutaway Electric Spanish

• Alnico V pickups (early)

• P-90 pickups initially

• Revolutionary electric arch-top

1957-1960: PAF Era

• PAF humbucker pickups

• Most collectible electric era

• Peak craftsmanship

• Investment grade

1961-1969: Patent Number Era

• Patent number humbuckers

• Continued excellence

• Premium appointments

• Pre-1970 collectibility

How to Date Your Vintage Gibson Super 400: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Gibson's serial number systems is foundational for dating:

Important Resource: For quick serial number reference, use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to find your guitar's approximate year based on serial number ranges.

Serial Number Location

Where to Find Serial Number:

1. Inside guitar through f-hole (acoustic and electric)

2. Stamped on label (orange or white)

3. Back of headstock (some later examples)

4. Internal bracing (some early examples)

5. Use flashlight and mirror for visibility

Format: Various formats depending on year

1934-1947 Serial Number System

Format: Sequential numbering, often with batch numbers

Approximate Ranges:

• 1934: 90000-92000 range (first year)

• 1935: 92000-94000 range

• 1936: 94000-96000 range

• 1937: 96000-99000 range

• 1938: 99000-99999 range

• 1939: 100000-103000 range

• 1940: 103000-105000 range

• 1941: 105000-107000 range

• 1942-1945: Limited production (WWII)

• 1946-1947: 107000-110000 range

Location: Inside guitar on label or bracing

Note: Extremely limited Super 400 production means very few serial numbers

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference.

1947-1961 Serial Number System

Format: Letter prefix (A) followed by numbers

Approximate Ranges:

• 1947-1950: A-1000 to A-7000 range

• 1951: A-7000 to A-9000 range

• 1952: A-9000 to A-11000 range

• 1953: A-11000 to A-13000 range

• 1954: A-13000 to A-15000 range

• 1955: A-15000 to A-17000 range

• 1956: A-17000 to A-19000 range

• 1957: A-19000 to A-22000 range

• 1958: A-22000 to A-24000 range

• 1959: A-24000 to A-27000 range

• 1960: A-27000 to A-30000 range

• 1961: A-30000 to A-33000 range

Location: Inside guitar on label

1961-1969 Serial Number System

Format: 5-6 digits with varying overlap

Approximate Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range (restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range (restarted again)

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

Critical Challenge: Overlap between years makes serial numbers less reliable

Location: Inside guitar on label

Why Serial Numbers Are Problematic:

• Significant overlap in 1960s

• Numbering restarted multiple times

• Must use Factory Order Numbers and physical features

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Dating Method

For vintage Super 400s, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside guitar

• Stamped on internal bracing or blocking

• Visible through f-hole

• Orange label (1950s-early 1960s)

• White label (mid-1960s onward)

• May require mirror and flashlight

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes (1934-1969):

• 1934-1947: Various systems

• U = 1948

• T = 1949

• S = 1950

• R = 1951

• Q = 1952

• P = 1953

• O = 1954

• N = 1955

• M = 1956

• L = 1957

• K = 1958

• J = 1959

• I = 1960

• H = 1961

• G = 1962

• F = 1963

• E = 1964

• D = 1965

• C = 1966

• B = 1967

• A = 1968-1969

Example: FON "L 2847" = 1957 production, batch 2847

How to Find FON:

1. Look through f-hole with flashlight

2. Check orange or white label

3. FON stamped on internal wood

4. Use mirror for difficult angles

5. Photograph for documentation

Why FON Is Critical:

• Most reliable Gibson dating method

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for accurate dating

• Industry standard

Dating Vintage Super 400 by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1934-1939 Super 400 (Pre-War Acoustic - Most Valuable)

The Original Ultimate Guitar:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width (lower bout)

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Figured maple sides

• 21-inch body length

• 3.75-inch body depth (early)

• Non-cutaway (1934-1938)

• Cutaway option (1939)

Top:

• Hand-carved Adirondack spruce

• Graduated thickness

• Premium selection

• Hand-fitting

Back and Sides:

• Figured maple (premium grade)

• Hand-carved back (arched)

• Highly figured wood

• Bookmatched back

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Ebony fingerboard

• Split-block inlays (pearl)

• Multi-ply binding

• Bound fingerboard

• 25.5" scale length

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• "Super 400" designation

• Split-diamond inlay

• Multi-ply binding

• Premium appointments

• Engraved tailpiece cover

F-Holes:

• Hand-carved f-holes

• Bound f-holes (multi-ply)

• Precise placement

• Premium craftsmanship

Bridge:

• Adjustable ebony bridge

• Floating bridge

• Height-adjustable saddle

• Premium design

Tailpiece:

• Engraved tailpiece

• "Super 400" engraving

• Gold-plated

• Elaborate design

• Raised tailpiece

Hardware:

• Gold-plated throughout

• Grover Imperial tuners

• Premium quality

• Top-tier appointments

Binding:

• Multi-ply binding on body (5-ply or 7-ply)

• White/black/white layers

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

• Bound headstock

• Elaborate binding everywhere

Inlays:

• Split-block fingerboard inlays (pearl)

• Split-diamond headstock inlay

• Ornate position markers

• Premium mother-of-pearl

Finish:

• Natural finish (blonde)

• Sunburst finish option

• Hand-rubbed nitrocellulose lacquer

• Premium finish quality

Label:

• Orange label inside (later 1930s)

• Gibson logo

• "Super 400" designation

• Kalamazoo, Michigan

Serial Numbers: 90000-103000 range (approximate)

Why Pre-War Super 400 Is Ultimate:

• Hand-crafted during Depression

• Finest materials (Adirondack spruce)

• Master luthier construction

• Extremely limited production

• Historical significance

• Six-figure values standard

1939-1941 Super 400 Premier (Cutaway Pre-War)

Cutaway Super 400 Introduced:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved spruce top (Adirondack)

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Single Florentine cutaway (pointed)

• Revolutionary cutaway design

• Premium craftsmanship

All Premium Features Continue:

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding throughout

• Gold hardware

• Engraved tailpiece

• Hand-carved construction

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Sunburst finish option

• Premium lacquer

Serial Numbers: 103000-107000 range

Significance: Cutaway option on ultimate guitar, pre-war craftsmanship

1942-1945 Super 400 (WWII Banner Era)

Wartime Production:

Banner Headstock:

• "C.F. Martin & Co. Est. 1833" style banner

• Wait, that's Martin - Gibson used:

• "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner

• Patriotic wartime logo

• 1942-1945 only

Limited Production:

• Wartime material restrictions

• Reduced output

• Premium features continue where possible

• Some substitutions necessary

All Other Features:

• 18-inch body

• Hand-carved construction

• Premium appointments

• Gold hardware

Serial Numbers: Limited production during war years

Significance: Banner era adds historical significance and collectibility

1946-1950 Super 400 (Post-War Acoustic)

Production Resumes:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Sitka spruce replaces Adirondack

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Cutaway and non-cutaway options

Features:

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding

• Gold hardware

• Engraved tailpiece

• Premium appointments continue

Changes:

• Sitka spruce tops more common

• Some material substitutions

• Quality returns to pre-war levels

Finish:

• Natural or sunburst

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Serial Numbers: 107000-A-7000 range

Significance: Post-war transition, quality restored

1951-1956 Super 400CES (Electric Introduction - Revolutionary)

The Electric Super 400 Debuts:

"CES" Designation:

• C = Cutaway

• E = Electric

• S = Spanish (standard guitar, not lap steel)

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Single Florentine cutaway

• Semi-hollow construction (center block)

Pickups - Early Electric:

• P-90 pickups initially (1951-1954)

• Alnico V pickups (1954-1956)

• Two pickups

• Black or gold covers

Electronics:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

• Premium wiring

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Ebony fingerboard

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• "Super 400CES" designation

• Split-diamond inlay

• Multi-ply binding

• Gold tuners

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Tune-o-matic bridge (introduced)

• Separate tailpiece

• Gold-plated hardware

Hardware:

• Gold-plated throughout

• Grover Imperial tuners

• Premium appointments

Binding:

• Multi-ply binding throughout

• Bound f-holes

• Premium appointments

Finish:

• Natural finish (blonde)

• Sunburst finish option

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Label:

• Orange label inside

Serial Numbers: A-7000 to A-19000 range

Significance: Electric Super 400 established, revolutionary design

1957-1960 Super 400CES (PAF Era - Holy Grail)

The Ultimate PAF Guitar:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Single Florentine cutaway

• Semi-hollow with center block

Pickups - Critical Feature:

• PAF humbucker pickups (1957-1960)

• Patent Applied For

• Revolutionary humbucking design

• Sticker on pickup (early)

• No sticker (later)

• Gold covers standard

• Most collectible pickup era

All Premium Features:

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding throughout

• Gold hardware

• Ebony fingerboard

• Premium appointments

Electronics:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

• Premium components

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Tune-o-matic bridge (ABR-1)

• Separate tailpiece

• Gold-plated

Hardware:

• Gold-plated throughout

• Grover Imperial tuners

• Premium quality

Finish:

• Natural finish most common

• Sunburst finish option

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Label:

• Orange label inside

Serial Numbers:

• 1957: A-19000 to A-22000, FON "L"

• 1958: A-22000 to A-24000, FON "K"

• 1959: A-24000 to A-27000, FON "J"

• 1960: A-27000 to A-30000, FON "I"

Why PAF Super 400CES Is Holy Grail:

• Original PAF humbuckers

• 18-inch ultimate jazz guitar

• Peak Gibson quality

• Hand-carved construction

• Investment grade

• Six-figure values standard

1961-1965 Super 400CES (Patent Number Era)

Classic 1960s Specifications:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved spruce top

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Single Florentine cutaway

Pickups:

• Patent number humbucker pickups

• Replace PAF pickups (1961+)

• "Patent No." embossed on cover

• Gold covers

• Excellent tone

All Features Continue:

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding

• Gold hardware

• Premium appointments

Electronics:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Separate tailpiece

• Gold-plated

Hardware:

• Gold-plated throughout

• Grover Imperial tuners

Finish:

• Natural or sunburst

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Label:

• Orange label (early 1960s)

• White label (mid-1960s onward)

Serial Numbers:

• 1961: A-30000 or 1xxxx, FON "H"

• 1962: 2xxxx, FON "G"

• 1963: 3xxxx, FON "F"

• 1964: 4xxxx, FON "E"

• 1965: 7xxxx, FON "D"

Significance: Classic 1960s era, patent number pickups, excellent quality

1966-1969 Super 400CES (Late 1960s)

Late 1960s Specifications:

Body Construction:

• 18-inch body width

• Hand-carved tops continue

• Hand-carved figured maple back

• Single Florentine cutaway

Pickups:

• Patent number humbuckers

• Gold covers

Features:

• Split-block inlays

• Multi-ply binding

• Gold hardware

• Premium appointments

Finish:

• Natural or sunburst

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Label:

• White label standard

Serial Numbers:

• 1966: 0xxxx, FON "C"

• 1967: 1xxxx, FON "B"

• 1968: 8xxxx, FON "A"

• 1969: 0xxxx, FON "A"

Significance: Pre-1970 collectibility, continued quality

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification for electric Super 400CES models:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS

• 134 = Centralab

How to Check Pot Codes on Super 400CES

Access Challenge: Hollow-body construction

Process:

1. Look through f-hole with mirror

2. Remove control plate cover (some models)

3. Locate four potentiometers

4. Look for stamped codes

5. Use flashlight and mirror

6. Photograph codes

Pot Count: Four pots (two volume, two tone)

Example Codes:

• 137 5728 = CTS pot, 1957, 28th week

• 134 6015 = Centralab pot, 1960, 15th week

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Gibson Super 400

How Dating Affects Super 400 Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1934-1941 pre-war acoustic: Highest values (six figures)

• 1942-1945 banner acoustic: Historical significance

• 1951-1956 early electric: Excellent values

• 1957-1960 PAF era: Investment grade (six figures)

• 1961-1965 patent number: Strong values

• 1966-1969 late 1960s: Good values

Feature-Specific Value:

• PAF humbuckers (1957-1960): Major premium

• Pre-war acoustic: Extreme premiums

• Cutaway (pre-war): Additional premium

• Natural finish: Preferred

• All-original: Essential

• Gold hardware intact: Critical

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Gibson Super 400 Expertise:

• Vintage Gibson hollow-body specialists

• PAF pickup authentication

• Pre-war Super 400 identification

• Hand-carved construction verification

• FON analysis for accurate dating

• Comprehensive authentication

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Super 400 special compared to other Gibson guitars?

The Super 400 features an 18-inch body width (largest production guitar), hand-carved spruce top and maple back, premium figured maple, elaborate multi-ply binding, split-block inlays, gold-plated hardware throughout, and represents Gibson's ultimate craftsmanship. It was the most expensive guitar Gibson made.

Are PAF Super 400CES guitars valuable?

Yes, extremely. Super 400CES guitars with PAF humbuckers (1957-1960) are investment-grade instruments commanding six-figure values. They combine Gibson's ultimate jazz guitar with the most collectible pickup era.

What's the difference between Super 400 and Super 400CES?

Super 400 is the acoustic version (1934-present). Super 400CES is the electric cutaway version introduced in 1951 (CES = Cutaway Electric Spanish). The acoustic continued alongside the electric.

Are pre-war Super 400 guitars valuable?

Extremely valuable. Pre-war Super 400 guitars (1934-1941) feature hand-carved Adirondack spruce tops, Depression-era master craftsmanship, and extremely limited production. These command six-figure prices in excellent condition.

When did the Super 400 get PAF pickups?

The Super 400CES received PAF humbucker pickups in 1957, continuing through 1960. These are the most collectible electric Super 400 guitars. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your serial range.

What is the split-block inlay?

Split-block inlays are the distinctive pearl position markers on Super 400 fingerboards. They feature a split design creating two blocks at each position, representing premium Gibson appointments.

How rare are Super 400 guitars?

Very rare. The Super 400 was always low-production due to its $400 price (Depression era) and hand-carved construction. Pre-war examples are especially rare. Limited production continued through all eras, making all Super 400s collectible.

Learning how to date your vintage Gibson Super 400 accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, and physical features specific to each era. The Super 400 evolved from 1934 through 1969, with pre-war acoustic examples and PAF-era Super 400CES guitars commanding the highest values as ultimate examples of American guitar craftsmanship.

Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point, then verify with FON, pickup type, construction details, and appointments.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson Super 400 authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Super 400 authentication or professional valuation.

Gavin Coe, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer