Discovering the Unique 1968 Gibson Super 400 Crafted for Merle Travis
Among the rarest guitars in the world is the custom-built Super 400, designed specifically for the legendary Merle Travis. I acquired this remarkable instrument at a Christie’s auction in new York, where several of Travis’s personal guitars were up for bidding. What caught my attention were the distinctive features that set it apart from typical models of its time.
Uncommon Features of a Classic
By the late 1960s, the Super 400 typically came equipped with humbucker pickups, but this particular model showcases P-90s, a choice likely made by Travis himself. To accommodate this, Gibson cleverly added a thin plastic ring beneath the neck pickup cover to conceal the humbucker routing. The bridge pickup also features a standard spacer for a seamless look.
Custom Touches and Unique Design
The pickguard is a standout feature, clearly custom-made, while the Bigsby vibrato unit boasts a rich, burnished brown finish frequently enough seen on archtops.This enamel finish has experienced some wear, adding character to the instrument. Notably, the palm bar is a long wire with a hook, allowing for unique playability.
Travis had a distinctive playing style, using his pinky to manipulate the Bigsby while plucking the strings with his thumb and index finger. This fixed bar setup was a hallmark of his collection, which included around a hundred guitars with similar configurations. Among them was a 1952 Fender Esquire, also modified with a Bigsby and a long bar.
Innovative Controls and Modifications
The pickup selector switch is positioned lower than usual, almost directly aligned with the pickup, while an additional switch near the pickguard was utilized to place the guitar in standby mode. The witch-hat knobs are typical of late-1960s Gibsons, and a large plastic plate covers the jack socket, likely a repair from a previous breakage.
Craftsmanship and Playability
This guitar features a remarkably thin neck, likely carved specifically for Travis, making it exceptionally comfortable to play.The body is constructed from three pieces of maple, showcasing a fair amount of flame, while the back appears to be carved from a single piece without any figuring.The sides are also maple,but the body itself is notably shallower than a standard Super 400.
Quality Concerns and artistic Value
Interestingly, this guitar represents Gibson’s pinnacle craftsmanship in 1968, yet the materials used are surprisingly underwhelming. It’s perplexing to think that such unremarkable wood was chosen for a flagship model, especially one crafted for an artist of Travis’s caliber. It truly seems that quality may have taken a backseat during this era.
It’s perplexing to think that such unremarkable wood was chosen for a flagship model, especially one crafted for an artist of Travis’s caliber.
Distinctive Features and Legacy
The truss rod cover is marked ‘custom,’ and the headstock features a Les Paul custom-style split diamond inlay, mirrored on the back in traditional Super 400 style. The ebony fingerboard is adorned with classic Super 400 inlays and has been refretted with wider, flatter wire. The original Kluson Sealfast tuners remain intact.
What sets this custom guitar apart from a standard Super 400 are its thinner body, unique pickups, custom pickguard, and modified switching layout. It’s a privilege to showcase this instrument, as it’s not often that such rare guitars are seen publicly.
A Legacy of Love and Music
This guitar has seen its fair share of use, bearing the marks of a well-loved instrument. Merle Travis cherished it throughout his life. I even received a charming thank-you note from Christie’s along with the original display board used for the auction.
Included in the purchase was a CD containing session outtakes and improvisations recorded on this very guitar. Listening to it, you can truly appreciate how Travis mastered the vibrato technique, showcasing his extraordinary talent.
Recently, I discussed this guitar with Brian Setzer, who praised Travis’s unusual command over the instrument. It’s clear that Merle Travis was not just a guitarist; he was a true artist.
