Show Us Your Gibson Console Grandes

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 30 Mar 2017 12:36 pm

As a teenager, both Little Roy Wiggins and Don Helms were my favorite steel players. Both played Gibson Console Grandes and I have always liked vintage Console Grandes.

1938

1940

1948

1959

Brooks Montgomery · Post by **Brooks Montgomery** » 30 Mar 2017 1:14 pm

1952 Triple that I found here on classifieds and traded for.
She's a beauty.

Brad Davis · Post by **Brad Davis** » 30 Mar 2017 2:50 pm

1954

Daniel McKee · Post by **Daniel McKee** » 30 Mar 2017 3:54 pm

Those are all great looking guitars.

Larry Lenhart · Post by **Larry Lenhart** » 30 Mar 2017 8:37 pm

Here is one I used to own...does that count ? Wish I hadnt sold it

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 31 Mar 2017 2:03 pm

Thanks for the photos of these beautiful Console Grandes. As you all know, Gibson didn't ship a large number of Console Grandes. I have talked with several vintage dealers and collectors who were of the opinion that probably 1/2 of most vintage steels shipped early on are destroyed by now. Their opinion, and I don't know whether that is true or not.

Gibson Console Grandes are doing well right now according to the Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2017. The Price Guide 2017 shows that the Console Grandes are actually higher than the very popular Fender Stringmaster Steels.

So, guys keep your Gibson Console Grandes.

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 31 Mar 2017 2:20 pm

"The Ancestor"...

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 31 Mar 2017 4:36 pm

That's a remarkable instrument, Michael. 1936 or 1937, do you think?

Here is a 1938, no legs fitted, I saw in Gruhn's of Nashville last November. Hinged damper still operable. Price was $1500 reduced from $1800

.

Loren Depping · Post by **Loren Depping** » 1 Apr 2017 8:42 am

I *love* mine. It's in pristine condition, too. But...(and this isn't a question, it's just a comment related to the thread)...the poles in the pickup are too high. Because of the wood lining the bottom of the console, there doesn't seem to be a way to get at the pickup to lower the poles, and I can't get at them from the top. When my right hand contacts the bass strings (seven and eight) the strings contact the pole pieces, giving an audible "tink" sound with every block. Anybody else run into this problem?

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 1 Apr 2017 8:51 am

Loren Depping wrote:When my right hand contacts the bass strings (seven and eight) the strings contact the pole pieces, giving an audible "tink" sound with every block.

Have you experimented with heavier string gauges on 7 & 8? Thicker strings with higher tension may help.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 1 Apr 2017 5:55 pm

I own the 1937 prototype. Needs resto, and I no longer can do it. Pics are on my old dead Mac. Camera is dead too. Will be for sale shortly.

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 5 Apr 2017 7:35 am

Differences Between My 1948 Console Grandes.

Gibson Console Grande (v.3a) 7-8 string P90 pu (01) 1948

Gibson Console Grande (v.3a) 7-8 string P90 pu (02) 1948

Notice the positions of the 7 and 8 string necks are different on the two. I guess that persons ordering from the factory had different preferences. Also notice the difference in the wood and finish on the two. Both Consoles have the same great sound.

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 5 Apr 2017 7:52 am

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 5 Apr 2017 2:39 pm

1937 Prototype
;

Rick Bernauer · Post by **Rick Bernauer** » 5 Apr 2017 4:42 pm

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 6 Apr 2017 8:54 am

Rick Bernauer · Post by **Rick Bernauer** » 7 Apr 2017 7:12 pm

Had a request for some more photos of my triple neck.

Ben Elder · Post by **Ben Elder** » 9 Apr 2017 6:18 pm

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 9 Apr 2017 6:19 pm

Thanks to everyone for the photos and comments. Beautiful instruments.

C. E.

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 10 Apr 2017 7:43 am

Recording King Roy Smeck Console 8 made for Montgomery Ward , supposed to be only 13 produced for their 1939 catalog...

Chris Brooks · Post by **Chris Brooks** » 10 Apr 2017 7:47 am

Nice to see Roger Filiberto looking pensively at his Gibson. I learned more than I can say from his Orchestral Chord method book for 6 string guitar. It's the go-to for Freddie Green-style comping!

Chris

The Steel Guitar Forum

Show Us Your Gibson Console Grandes

Show Us Your Gibson Console Grandes

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Re: Console Grand

1940