Gibson Super 300 (1950)

1950 Gibson Super 300 just in on trade!

Lots and lots of "firsts" have happened here in TME's storied 57 year history, and this Super 300 can be chalked up as another one of those models we've yet to see.

This 18" acoustic archtop was Gibson's biggest and loudest, built to compete with horns and strings as a rhythm leader for jazz, swing, and big band music. Its bigger brother - the Super 400 - may be more famously associated with some of the most legendary players of the era, but the Super 300 shares the same basic construction, woods, and - most importantly - tone. This is a well loved Super 300 and one of just 30 that shipped from Gibson in 1950. It bears the markings of a refret done in the 60s by way of a Dominic Martino from Boston String Instrument Co., and has since undergone another refret by Mouradian Guitar. Mouradian also procured a reproduction pickguard and fashioned some undermounted electronics to tie into the aftermarket installation of a vintage Dearmond Rhythm Chief, turning this all-acoustic powerhouse into a formidable electric archtop. The original electronics assembly is also included in the case.

We installed some Gotoh vintage style tuners for a more appropriate look (it had been outfitted with Grovers once before) and cleaned up some minor binding repair. The guitar is set up very well with comfortable action and full round C neck profile that is nicely worn in.

Besides all of the natural play wear, there's some light center seam separation on the back of the body that's tight and has required no further attention. The rims on the lower bout show some minor cupping, but the guitar is structurally sound, so we've elected to leave it be. It seems as though it's been that way a long time.

This '50 Super 300 would make an excellent choice for that period archtop sound, and with unmatched volume and projection, its unlikely that other acoustic archtops of this era could keep up.