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Topic: At last!! I have another Super 400! An Update.... |
Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 7 Sep 2024 11:17 am |
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I had my first one - a 1958: A-28256 - in 1961. I played it constantly during my UK touring days and briefly sold it to Albert Lee in '65. After a terrifying domestic 'Stewards' Enquiry' at 'Chez Lee', I received a breathless call from Albert imploring me to 'come and get it' and save him from consignment to the Dog-House.
A year or two earlier came my first meeting with the Beatles (we were sound-checking at a venue in Hull and John and Paul arrived 'in error' - it was a double-booking. We were supposed to be there, they weren't.)
This was early-'63 and 'Please Please Me' was racing up the charts. John was understandably miffed after a fruitless drive from Liverpool, but he looked at us (my rhythm guitarist, Ben, had an ES5 Switchmaster) and said:
"You're the guys with the f*****g great guitars!!!" We were known for them. This was post-trade embargo, so US guitars were readily available. 99% of beat-group guitar-players opted for Stratocasters, Telecasters or Gibson ES 335/345s.
It wasn't until the late-'60s that I discovered Telecasters and 'retired' my beloved Super 400. I'd pose with it on TV shows but, other than that (and the occasion when Dave Edmunds asked to borrow it so he, too, could pose on TV), it stayed in its case.
I was in the US by 2000 and I asked Gerry Hogan (who was kindly minding it for me) to enter it into Bonham's Rock & Pop Auction. Albert gave me a letter of provenance and it made $16,000, ending up in the Hard Rock Cafe's Collection.
I have long since forgotten what I did with that particular $16k, but I never forgot the guitar and its fine craftmanship and woody tone.
I have wanted one ever since. Carter Vintage had a 1992 on their wall at $13,600, complete with a brown, pink-lined, case. I had two old Martins - a '47 battle-scarred 000-18 and a very fine '52 000-21. I never play these, preferring my 2004 Custom Shop 000-28 with its on-board electrics. I proposed a direct swap. Without having a firm offer, I drove to Nashville on 8/31 and was gratified to learn that Kim and Zach (Carter Vintage) elected to stay later than their closing time of 4.00 pm so we could, if possible, conclude the deal.
Carter Vintage is not for the faint-of-heart!! Their inventory defies description. Allowed access to their 'high end' room (where the Super 400 was kept, along with pre-war L-5s, Martins for six figures and much more...), I had access to the stuff of dreams!
To cut a long story short, they felt good about the deal. They asked if I liked the Gibson (it was everything I had hoped it would be) and I left an hour later with my new guitar and some sundry complimentary garments.
There's just one thing to take care of: in 1963, Gibson adopted the sharp cutaway on their premium archtops. The deep cutaway required a shorter pickguard and they also did away with the 400's characteristic marbleized 'guard. There's a chap in CA who can make me one just like I remember. I'm watching the mailbox!
Here's my first one:
Here is the '92: I'd forgotten how perfect the neck-and-fingerboard of Gibson's flagship guitar was. I can hardly put it down!
It was an exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable weekend. I know they've done well out of the deal but my eyes were wide open. A Super 400 was what I wanted and, once I saw this '92, I realized that, as spotty as Gibson's output has been, the high-end stuff has always been painstakingly crafted. As for Kim and Zack at Carter Vintage, they conducted business with openness and respect. If I'm ever in a similar situation, I'll have no hesitation in doing business there again.
PS: They also even had an '82 Emmons rosewood SKH - 8+8 - for $4500. A good deal!
I will update this thread when my $249 pickguard arrives. 
Here I am with Ben Steed - my Super 400, his ES-5.
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Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles and Martins - and, at last, a Gibson Super 400!
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Last edited by Roger Rettig on 17 Oct 2024 10:19 am; edited 3 times in total |
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Jim Fogle
From:
North Carolina, Winston-Salem, USA
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Posted 7 Sep 2024 12:02 pm
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I've always thought a trade is a good trade when both sides can walk away happy. Roger, you're happy. Carter Vintage is happy. Sounds like a good deal to me.
It's a pretty guitar. I'm sure it plays and sounds as good as it looks. I'm glad for you.
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Remembering Harold Fogle (1945-1999) Pedal Steel Player
Dell laptop Win 10, i3, 8GB, 480GB
2024 BiaB UltraPlus PAK
Cakewalk by Bandlab software & Zoom MRS-8 hardware DAWs
Zoom MRS-8 8 Track Hardware DAW |
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Will Houston
From:
Tempe, Az
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Posted 7 Sep 2024 1:38 pm
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| She's a beauty, nice wheelin' n dealin'. Enjoy. |
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Doug Taylor
From:
Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA
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Posted 7 Sep 2024 1:49 pm
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| Beautiful guitar, beautiful story! Enjoy! |
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scott murray
From:
Asheville, NC
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Posted 8 Sep 2024 9:18 am
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congrats Roger!
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1965 Emmons S-10, 3x5 • Emmons LLIII D-10, 10x12 • JCH D-10, 10x12 • Beard MA-8 • Oahu Tonemaster |
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Mike Preuss
From:
Mount Vernon, Washington, USA
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Posted 9 Sep 2024 7:34 pm
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| One of the coolest guitars ever made. Kenny Burrell played one for a long time. Bet it sounds incredible, excellent purchase! |
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Joe Bill Moad
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 9 Sep 2024 9:53 pm Gibson 400
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Great Story! Beatles, Albert Lee, WoW! What a deal! Gibson 400 Your Cup must have runneth over! If I am not mistaken I think Tommy Allsup used to play a Super 400? It looked like yours.man keep them Stories coming!
Respectfully
Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma
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Don’t Worry About The Mule! Load The Wagon! |
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Kyle Van Koevering
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 10 Sep 2024 12:59 am
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| Great read - thanks for sharing. Congrats on that beautiful hollowbody! |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 10 Sep 2024 5:21 am
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Maybe it's kind-of pathetic, all this retrospective reflection (and the 'logic' behind acquiring a Super 400).
I don't play 'out' anymore, but I play constantly. To what end I'm not sure, except that it's fulfilling to noodle, find inversions on E9 or C6, and aspire to the level I once achieved on a Telecaster.
So, forgive me if all I have to offer now are 'war stories'. I recount them to remind myself that I once had a place as a pro. With a Tele in my hands, while I may have been out-played at times (thanks, Ray, thank you, Albert!), I was never afraid to stand on a stage with anyone with my Telecaster around my neck.
Physically, I'm compromised these days, but there's still joy in tackling a challenge, be it on guitar or steel. A recent follow-up with the neuro-doctor showed that my 'essential tremors' are in my right hand only. There is the (gruesome) possibility of minor brain-surgery - I wonder if Medicare will cover the Search Fees - or I can continue the sometimes-efficacious drug regimen.
It's all part of being in my 80s, I guess. Don't chide me for exchanging two desirable Martins for a premier archtop Gibson, purely out of nostalgia. It satisfies some inexplicable need to have this majestic Super 400, even as much as it challenges me with its heavy flat-wounds and 18" lower-bout. I look down at its workmanship, hear that gorgeous woody tone (it's great through my TT-12) and I'm transported back to a time when I believed that all was right in my world.
Actually, this 'world' is pretty good, too. Guitars come-and-go I just sold my beautiful JCH in anticipation of my new Rittenberry. That's pretty foolish; my 8+9 Emmons is a wonderful steel and is just so comfortable to sit behind, however mediocre are my efforts. The last thing I need is another steel, but the old addiction kicked in and here we are.
I'm dismayed to realize that I'm now an armchair-guitarist. In my case, my musical knowledge is still intact even if my hands won't quite cooperate, but that's okay, isn't it?
_________________
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles and Martins - and, at last, a Gibson Super 400!
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Doug Taylor
From:
Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA
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Posted 10 Sep 2024 5:53 am
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I can read stories like this all day long! When I was 14 I delivered papers all summer to buy a used 66 P bass. I foolishly sold it when I was 19 or 20 so I could get drunk! The prices of these basses are out of sight, if I could afford it I would buy a candy apple red 66 P but I can’t, so your story really hit home with me!
Please keep the stories coming! |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 10 Sep 2024 6:45 am
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| Quote: |
| I'm dismayed to realize that I'm now an armchair-guitarist. In my case, my musical knowledge is still intact even if my hands won't quite cooperate, but that's okay, isn't it? |
It is absolutely OK Roger. That's a gorgeous prize you have there. Like a work of art. Congratulations! I started looking around for one in the 90s because I had always admired them and some of my heroes played them.
I learned quickly, there was no way I could ever afford a Super 400, so the desire passed because I had a good reason not to want one anymore.
A little story with my VA Doctor's advice. He's a great down to earth guy. Avid long run bicycler, marathoner, etc. and a huge Willie Nelson fan. Since he knows I play music and pedal steel, he asks me every visit if I'm still playing. I told him I hardly do anything anymore except at the house or an occasional jam.
He said never quit as long as you can physically do it and on any level. He says it's more important than you know to keep doing the things you enjoy. Extremely vital to your all around health. He's also helping me with some future mobility items that I may need to travel to shows etc.
As far as your trade goes, all that matters is that you are happy with the transaction. The value is only as much as it's importance to you. Take care, enjoy, best wishes for your health. |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 10 Sep 2024 6:59 am
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What a kind and thoughtful response, Jerry: thank you!
Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to have been given a decent ear and an emotional response to music of all kinds.
It truly has been my whole life, and it remains so today.
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Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles and Martins - and, at last, a Gibson Super 400!
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 17 Oct 2024 10:29 am
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At last, I have received (and installed) this excellent repro marbleized pickguard, courtesy of Nick Bachman (1929 Pickguards).
I also procured a period p/guard bracket. Gibson cheapened their build-process back in the dark days of the Norlin Era, and one casualty was the pickguard, another was the tacky-looking bracket.
Here's my '92, just over six weeks after it became mine: note the uncanny look of the old-style 'guard and the far-more-subtle bracket.
And no, this isn't just a memorial wall-hanger for me - I play this Gibson every day. And what a tone it has. I have settled for round-wound .011s to .053"; still pliable, but lush and deep.
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Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles and Martins - and, at last, a Gibson Super 400!
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Will Houston
From:
Tempe, Az
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Posted 17 Oct 2024 12:40 pm
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| What a great looking pick guard,just adds to the beauty. I can just picture you sitting out there on the porch playing. |
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Kyle Van Koevering
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 17 Oct 2024 12:50 pm
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| What a stunning guitar! Great to hear it's getting played as well! |
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Barry Yasika
From:
Bethlehem, Pa.
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Posted 21 Oct 2024 3:55 am Super 400
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Really sharp axe Roger!! I'm not real in tune with who played those particular type guitars, but it looks like it has Roy Clark written all over it. I love Roy's jazz phrasing on most any guitar and that nice flawless warm sound he gets out of most any guitar I've seen him play.
That's the kind of guitar worth having just to look at as a piece of fine art. Such elegance!!! That thing makes you look good and to take it a step further happy and content. Enjoy that thing buddy!! |
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