[1] It was first sold in 1934 and named for its $400 price (equivalent to $9,402 in 2024),[2] like many Gibson guitars of that era.

The upper bout was enlarged, and the hand-engraved tailpiece was replaced with the one still fitted today on current Super 400s.

This had a slightly thicker top to reduce feedback, two P-90 pickups, and individual tone and volume controls, along with a three-way toggle switch.

In 2000 Gibson offered the Super 400 with a Charlie Christian pickup.

The 1963 Gibson Super 400 CES Florentine model belonging to Scotty Moore played an important role in Elvis Presley's stage performance, the '68 Comeback Special.