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Post new topic Gibson Grand Console Scale Length
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Author Topic:  Gibson Grand Console Scale Length
Gary Meixner

 

From:
New York, USA
Post  Posted 8 Sep 2010 4:09 pm    
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Greetings,

Can anyone tell me what was the scale length of Don Helms' Gibson Grand Console?

Thank you,

Gary Meixner
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 8 Sep 2010 6:12 pm    
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Is this the guitar in question?

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Lee Gillespie


From:
Cheyenne, Wy. USA
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2010 3:38 am     Gibson Console Grande
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I have the same instrument that Don played, Same color etc. Its a 221/2 inch scale. I must say, its a sweetheart to play. If you search back I submitted to SGF Cold cold heart, played on my GCG. Lee
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2010 6:12 am    
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Brad,
That picture you posted is of a later model Console Grande. Don Helms played an earlier, three legged model.
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Lee Gillespie


From:
Cheyenne, Wy. USA
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2010 10:25 am     Gibson Console
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If I'm not mistaken.. Dons was a 1949 model. Mine is a 49 or early 50's. Gibson stamped the serial numbers on the bottom plate with ink.. which has deterioated over the many years. Lee
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Gary Meixner

 

From:
New York, USA
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2010 11:04 am    
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Gents,

Thanks for your response. Lee do you tune your GCG to E13 and if so with a G# or E for the first (highest) string? I built a new guitar with a 24" scale that I was planning on tuning to an E13 with G# on top but even with very light strings I struggle to keep from breaking the first string. I am thinking that a shorter scale will help here and possibly allow me to use a heavier gauge for a more substainial sound. That of course means building another guitar.

Best to you,.

Gary
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Lee Gillespie


From:
Cheyenne, Wy. USA
Post  Posted 9 Sep 2010 12:31 pm     Gibson console
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I use the same tuning as Don. G# on string one. I've been using a 11 guage but on the next string change I'm gonna try a 12 and see what happens.. Lee
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John Bechtel


From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 11 Sep 2010 10:52 pm    
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Believe it or not, both of my non-pedal guitars are 22½” scale. One Fender T-8 Custom and one Remington T-10 Steelmaster and I can use as heavy as a .013p for my high G# first string, with no problem!
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Kevin Mincke


From:
Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2010 5:55 pm    
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Mine's 22 1/2"
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John Bechtel


From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2010 6:52 pm    
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Due to the narrow surface of the Nut on a Gibson Console Grande, .012p might be your limit for a high G#! The Nut is usually the string-breaker for the Gibson, however; the bridge is rather narrow also! I'd go with a .012p, but; even then you might have to go to an .011p!
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<marquee> Go~Daddy~Go, (No), Go, It's your Break Time</marquee> L8R, jb
My T-10 Remington Steelmaster
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