Gibson 1938 Console Grande
The Console Grande, new to the electric line-up in 1938, was very unique. It combined the brilliant tone and elegance of a maple body Electric Hawaiian guitar and doubled it. The actual piece itself measures 12" x 31" and 3 1/4" at its highest and 1 1/4" at its lowest heights. It is an absolute beautiful piece of craftsmanship.
Lynn Wheelwright states that this particular Console Grande 'shipped 12-16-1938, was one of the few triple layer CG's built and one of the first to have the mutes installed.' Mr. Wheelwright did mention that the very first model variation was made with no mutes or legs. He estimates that fewer than 5 were made. He goes onto explain that this model pictured is from the second variation with the triple deck, mutes and no legs. He also mentions that of this variation, 'there were approx 34 shipped in 1938 (and) this is approx #28 shipped.'