Fender vs. Gibson vs. National console steels

[Jeremy Glasgow]

Hi all,

Newbie question here - is there a major difference between Fender, Gibson, and National console steels? I'm starting to look into getting a double 8 and there seems to be (generally speaking) a pricing difference based on the brand. Just wondering if this is name recognition or if there is a jump in quality between brands & builds.

Thanks ahead of time for any perspective or info someone can provide!

[Joe A. Roberts]

Don't forget Magnatone
A good priced Lyric can be one of the best bang for the buck D8 consoles.

I think Fender has everyone beat for sound and hardware and is worth the price difference, but all the major brands have their own character and quirks!

Gibson Console Grands are pretty and are expensive too but I wouldn't choose one as a first guitar over a Fender.
People say the earlier ones with the oval pickup sound better than the square P90 ones.

Don't have any National console experience personally.

As far as triples are concerned, Fender definitely wins IMO. National, Gibson and Rickenbacker triples are all much rarer and are really bulky.

[John Rosett]

I traded my '51 Fender D8 for a '48 Gibson Console Grande, mainly because the string spacing on the Fender was too narrow for me. They were both great sounding guitars, but I prefer the Gibson. Just a matter of personal taste.

[David Mason]

Don't rule out other things. I have been and am still interested in a Gibson for the tone but I have a GREAT "Pedalmaster"... umm, NON-pedal D-10. It's built just like a pedal steel so it has all that sustain and brightness and natural string volume, just no underpinnings. I've seen a number of other "nons" from pedal steel makers and you might save some $$$ and get a fine sound. A non-pedal steel has got to be one of the easier instruments to build, and hence buy, well. Good tuners, pickups, solid frame, umm... umm, a knob or two, parts don't fall off, good parts = good sound, umm... cute?

[D Schubert]

The console guitars from Valco / Supro / National / English Electronics are not bad choices. Usually a thicker sound and shorter scales. All built in the same factory in Chicago, mostly in the 50's. Generally sell for less than vintage Fender or Gibson models.

[Bill Sinclair]

Gibson Console Grands are pretty and are expensive too but I wouldn't choose one as a first guitar over a Fender.
People say the earlier ones with the oval pickup sound better than the square P90 ones.

I love the P-90's on my Gibson Console. There's a reason they're still such a highly revered pickup among guitar players. Plus, adjustable poles. I'll admit the "racetrack" pickups look cooler though. Plus, Don Helms. I haven't checked lately but my recollection is that Fender and Gibson D8's sell in the same price range for similar condition guitars.

I gigged with my early 50's Gibson for a year or two but went back to using my '59 Stringmaster because of the size and weight advantage. The string spacing on the long scale Stringmasters like John Rosett used to own is narrower than the shorter '55 and up guitars so keep that in mind if you're looking at Fenders.

[Tim Whitlock]

Rickenbacker made some very nice console D8s, notably the 208 and the DW16. They are usually lower in price than comparable Fenders and Gibsons. The DW16 in particular (photo below) was Rickenbacker's wonderful, very portable answer to the Fender Dual Professional, but pretty rare. In the case, it fits comfortably in an airplane overhead bin. In a fit of stupidity I sold mine and still regret it. There are earlier Rickenbacker D8s but they are lap guitars and a bit awkward to play.

[John Haspert]

Well if it is any testament to a guitar….Uncle Don Helms and his singer (some guy named Hank something or other, LOL) got some mighty fine music out of Don’s D-8. Yes, it is substantial, but it’s a great guitar. And I love mine and won’t ever part with it.