Gibson shipped the first Gibson Console Grande with Hyblum plates in December, 1939. The Hyblum plates extend from the bridge, under the fret-board, and terminate at the nut. Gibson stated that Hyblum plates are for improved tone quality and sustaining power. Some of my favorite details are the pre-war metal plaque, the U-magnet pickups, the V-end bound rosewood fret-board, and Bakelite black and brown knobs. Hyblum plate inserts were also used on the EH-185 and EH-275 models.
The tone quality and sustaining power are excellent. Even with some cosmetic wear, I enjoy playing this historic instrument (and it's heavy). I currently have the 7 string neck tuned to A6, and the 8 string neck tuned to the Don Helms E6.
James Kerr wrote:Can you tell me what this Magical Hyblum stuff is, could it be related to the Fairydust sprinkled on expensive Pickups.
James.
It appears that Hyblum was Alcoa's trade name for an early aluminum alloy, chromium 0.25, copper 0.25, magnesium 0.25, nickel 0.5, with the balance aluminum.
James - perhaps you are right. But it is an actual metal alloy of aluminum - magnesium - silicon. They say it can be heat treated and has a tensile strength of 20 tons per square inch. Perhaps this gives a bell like resonance which they "claimed" to work for sustain. I think it would need a cavity below the piece to fully give it the needed sound. Many of the lap steels I have made are of aluminum alloy base and I agree with the resonance factor. Cheers and always enjoy your posts - Ray
A beautiful steel guitar with my two favorite tunings! My favorite players are Don helms and Herb Remington. My dream is to find a nice double neck Gibson Grande Console someday.
That is the coolest console. I have a late forties 3-leg with oval pick ups that I thought was cool before I saw that. BTW I make stands for those old Gibsons that won't harm the under side with sockets and such. Here is a pic, but I will do a post with more info.
Here is the bottom
Don't mean to get off track but it is such a beauty it made me think about those that got altered.
