Joe Maphis - Super 200

[TerryTNM]

Here's a photo of one of Joe's guitars that was modified by Semie Moseley, before he got the doubleneck.
It started life as a Gibson Super 400. Semie cut down the thickness to about 1/2 it original width and added his
signature Semie treatment. I'm sure many have seen this photo before. It's become known and the Super 200.
Joe rarely played this guitar anymore. indeed, it's a challenge to find a photo of Joe with a single neck.



Bryan Browne had the honor of seeing and playing this historic guitar as it looks today. Gone is the
flamboyant sleeveguard, pickguard and Bigsby. Dale Maphis, Joe's son modified it to a less conspicuous
version for him to play. Unfortunately, the custom parts that were removed have been lost over the years.
Never the less it was a treat to see this piece of history. Thanks to Rose and Jody Maphis

[Bob Shade]

Have seen this promo shot. Very cool. The latest look on the guitar is interesting. It looks like Semie got ahold of it and put newer parts on it like he did with so many older 50's creations. Look at the look on Larry Collins face, a butch haircut and a doubleneck!

Pass the hair tonic!
Thanks for sharing Terry!
Bob

[mark1]

That Standel in the pic looks to be on a very sturdy angled stand. Looks homemade. Now days most players think of an angled stand as some new idea. On the closeup of the guitar.........now thats a straplock!!

[TerryTNM]

now thats a straplock!!

I think that was a custom order from Ace Hardware store

Here's a better photo of the original super 200.
It looks like it had P-90 Alnico (Staple) pickups

[Bob Shade]

The pickups look like PAF's to me Terry. Maybe I can't see them well enough. I bet they sounded great through that old Standel with the JBL.

Fire on the springs!

Bob

[TerryTNM]

I think you're right Bob. The neck pickup could possibly be the "Staple" as it looks like it might have dog ears, but certainly not the bridge. - Terry

[MWaldorf]

Terry,
Wow, this is so cool - thanks to you (and Rose and Jody!) for sharing! Any idea of the radius on the neck of the Super? Looks pretty tight. I've only seen one 50s Mosrite up close and it had a very pronounced curve to the fretboard, looked like a sub 7" radius.
It's great that these guitars have stayed in the family.
Mel

[Dennisthe Menace]

I just blew up the pic, both are PAFs, BUT there definitely looks to be an
extra hole next to the neck p'up ring in which at one time housed a P-90 .

[thefourthhorseman]

I always wondered what became of that guitar...what a shame!!!

That was, quite frankly, one of the most crazy lookin' ultra-flashy country-pimp guitars ever.

I'm glad we know what happened to it/who owned(owns) it, but still sad to see it so stripped down