Gibson 1935 4string Guitar

Subject: Gibson 1935 4string Guitar
From: GUEST,Scouse
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 06:59 AM

I have a beautiful 4 stringed Gibson but I'm at a lost how to string it( What Gauge do I use? For the 1st,2nd 3rd and th.) How many Tuning's are there for them, Would love some help from you guy's and Gal's out there. I do believe Anni di Franco plays one. Any one know it's worth these days. it' sits upstairs in it's case and it seems such a shame not to be able to give it a bang every now and again. Thanks for any Help. Phil (Scouse.)

Subject: RE: Gibson 1935 4string Guitar
From: RangerSteve
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 10:01 AM

It's a tenor guitar. You can use tenor banjo strings and play it like a tenor banjo. You can use 5-string banjo strings, without the 5th string, or you can guitar strings, tuning it like a guitar without the two lowest bass strings. I play mine in open tunings, using an alternating bass finger picking style. Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Gibson 1935 4string Guitar
From: vectis
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 06:31 PM

You can use just the DGBE strings from a normal set. Use steel or nylon strings depending on the guitar but I should imagine the Gibson is suitable for steel strings. Tenor guitars are getting rare now but are lovely to play. I wish I had never sold my old one on. Play it do; instruments need to be played and enjoyed.

Subject: RE: Gibson 1935 4string Guitar
From: English Jon
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 03:29 AM

For starters, tune it like an Octave Mandolin

E (highest)/A/D/G (Lowest)

Banjo Strings.

Should be O.K. with steels, the tensions are pretty low. If in doubt check with a guitar maker though.

Have lots of fun!

Jon