This is a 1934 Gibson Super 400 archtop, serial number 92301, originally finished in Cremona Brown Sunburst but now refinished in Natural. It was the first Super 400 to come into the UK and remains one of the only ones in the country. It has replaced tuners and later had a pickup fitted. This particular instrument has an intriguing history. It was originally owned by the renowned British guitarist Bill Tringham until his passing in the mid-1970s. It is highly probable that he was the guitar’s sole owner since its purchase.This Super 400 underwent a refinishing process to its current natural finish by the skilled English luthier Dick Knight. The reasons behind Tringham’s decision to transition from the original sunburst finish to the natural one remains unclear, however it’s possible that he simply developed a liking for the new and popular natural finishes that emerged in the 1940s, or perhaps the original finish had worn out or suffered significant wear over years of extensive use. The significance of this guitar is further acknowledged in Guitar Buyer magazine, specifically in issue 2 from October 2001.In the vintage and collectible section, Ken Achard provides an extensive review of this specific instrument, describing it as “undoubtedly one of the rarest jazz guitars this side of the Atlantic.” A copy of this magazine is included in the sale. This is truly a remarkable guitar that is not only rare, but a true holy grail to those seeking out the very best of Gibsons early archtop instruments. The Super 400 is a beautiful instrument thats tone is world renowned, and unmistakably one of the most incredible instruments ever crafted