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Average Price: $2,030

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar is a unique blend of classic design and innovative construction, making it a standout choice for both collectors and everyday musicians. Originally launched in the early 1980s, this guitar is known for its Resonwood body, a material that offers exceptional tone clarity and sustain. This model caters to guitarists looking for a versatile instrument that can cover a wide range of musical genres with ease.

Equipped with a pair of Dirty Fingers humbuckers, the Sonex 180 Custom delivers a powerful and expressive sound palette, from rich, warm cleans to aggressive overdriven tones. The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, providing smooth playability and a comfortable feel. The set-neck construction enhances the guitar's resonance, while the tune-o-matic bridge ensures precise intonation and stability.

The Sonex 180 Custom also features a three-way pickup selector switch and independent volume and tone controls for each pickup, allowing for a wide range of tonal options. This guitar's robust build and distinctive sound make it a reliable choice for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Key Features:

  • Resonwood body for enhanced tone clarity and sustain
  • Dual Dirty Fingers humbuckers for versatile sound options
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Set-neck construction for improved resonance
  • Tune-o-matic bridge for precise intonation
  • Three-way pickup selector switch
  • Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Sonex-180 Custom
Finish Ebony, White
Year 1980 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Sonex
Model Sub-Family Gibson Sonex-180 Custom
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom have?

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom features a pair of Dirty Fingers humbuckers, known for their high output and aggressive tone, suitable for rock and heavier music genres.

Is the neck of the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom bolt-on or set neck?

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom has a bolt-on neck construction, which can offer a different tonal quality and feel compared to traditional set neck designs.

What materials are used for the fretboard and neck of the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom?

The fretboard of the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom is made from ebony, offering a smooth playing surface, while the neck is constructed from maple, providing stability and a bright tonal characteristic.

How does the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom's body shape affect its playability?

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom features a single cutaway solid body design, which allows for easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for lead guitarists who require upper fretboard reach.

What is the scale length of the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom, and how does it impact playability?

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical of Gibson guitars and provides a slightly looser string tension, facilitating easier bending and a warmer tone.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Hidden Secret of Gibson's Cheap Guitar from the 80s | 1981 Sonex 180 Standard / Custom Review

Video thumbnail for The Hidden Secret of Gibson's Cheap Guitar from the 80s | 1981 Sonex 180 Standard / Custom Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Hidden Secret of Gibson's Cheap Guitar from the 80s | 1981 Sonex 180 Standard / Custom Review

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Sonex 180's bolt-on neck design can lead to potential neck and fret issues, particularly in older models.

    Source
  • The Sonex 180 features a heavy build, noted to be heftier than a Telecaster, contributing to its distinct feel and presence.

    Source
  • The wood/resin epoxy blend in the body construction was experimental, with varied success across different guitars due to manufacturing inconsistencies.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish on the neck is prone to cracking, often stemming from impact points, but doesn't necessarily indicate structural damage.

    Source
  • The finish work on the neck may be subpar, with some owners opting to strip it to reveal more attractive wood underneath.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Original pickups are rare, and guitars with EMG 81/85 pickups may alter the Sonex's intended sound profile.

    Source
  • The single coil tap switch is highlighted for its ability to expand tonal possibilities, particularly appreciated by those who usually play P90s.

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  • The headstock logo is noted for its distinctive and appealing design, adding to the guitar's aesthetic charm.

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Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Les Paul Classic is a comparable alternative with similar aesthetics, often recommended for those under $1k.

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Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for ambient and experimental genres, but may need pickup changes for single-coil tones.

    Source
  • Known for its association with Jim Bower from Eyehategod, the guitar is popular among fans of heavier music genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Potential issues like worn frets and neck conditions are common in vintage Sonex guitars, requiring buyer vigilance.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Sonex 180 as a quirky, punk-inspired model with a unique history, making it a conversation starter among guitar enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Owners describe the guitar as notoriously cheap yet visually appealing, often scoring great deals despite cosmetic wear and tear.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
andre_scott

Heavy

Was my first guitar. Still have it, and it still sounds good. Pretty heavy, and of course very little wood to be found on this monster. Body is made of 'luthite' which is a composite material made from sawdust and glue. Good pickups. Retro look by todays standards.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Billie Joe Armstrong

Guitarist, Singer

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see Billie Joe Armstrong with this guitar.

See how Thurston Moore uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

According to this website, Thurston Moore used this Gibson Sonex 180, and it reads:

"Used by Thurston: 2002-2009 2002 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2003 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2004 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2005 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2006 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2007 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2008 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) 2009 -- BBxxF#F# (Eric's Trip) NOTES:

When the original Drifter was stolen in July 1999, it looked like "Eric's Trip" (a song that relied heavily on the Drifter's unique set up) may never be played again. Three years later, however, Sonic Tech Eric Baecht designed a "new Drifter" from a guitar he'd had lying around for years, allowing SY to once again perform Eric's Trip on the Murray Street tour. It appears to be a heavily modified Gibson Sonex. It's tuned identically, with the Bs lower than the F#s. One humbucker Hair Police sticker Jim O'Rourke sticker Listed as 'drifter' on 2002 set lists. GAUGES: .052 .052 .042 .042"

See how Phil Anselmo uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Phil Anselmo

Singer, Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via YouTube

Phil is using Jimmy Bower's Gibson Sonex in this performance of "Enochian Tongues" by Christ Inversion.

See how Jimmy Bower uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Jimmy Bower

Guitarist, Drummer

EyeHateGod

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy Bower uses the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar, as shown in the Guitar Geek diagram of his 2004 rig for Superjoint Ritual.

See how Tamino uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Tamino

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In his NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert, Tamino plays a Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar, utilizing its humbuckers to achieve a rich, clean tone.

See how Dez Cadena uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Dez Cadena

Singer, Guitarist

Misfits

...
Verified via Photo

Dez used this guitar when he was the rhythm guitar player in black flag and when he was the guitar player in the misfits.

See how Justin Sane uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Justin Sane

Guitarist

Anti?Flag

...
Verified via Photo

Justin Sane used the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar during the early years of Anti-Flag, as shown in a throwback photo on Instagram.

See how "Wrest" Jef Stuart Whitehead uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

"Wrest" Jef Stuart Whitehead

Singer, Guitarist

Leviathan

...
Verified via guitarworld

"The first Leviathan stuff I did was with a Gibson Sonex, which I traded for a tattoo."

See how Lee Ving uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Lee Ving

Guitarist

MD.45

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee Ving used the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar during the early 1981 performances of Fear, as evidenced in the YouTube video "I Love Living In The City-FEAR" by ZomBEA5T.

A

Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg

Guitarist

Avi Buffalo

...
Verified via YouTube

Avi Zahner-Isenberg can be seen playing his Sonex 180 at 0:41 in this video.

See how Matt Weed uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Matt Weed

Guitarist, Composer

Rosetta

...
Verified via YouTube

"During that period i was also using a Gibson Sonex. It was a bolt-on neck Gibson... but it has a bright clangy sound."

See how Francheska Pastor uses Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar

Francheska Pastor

Singer, Guitarist

Bad Seed Rising

...
Verified via Squarespace

This image shows Pastor holding a Gibson Sonex

Album Usage

The Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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