Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,030
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
The Hidden Secret of Gibson's Cheap Guitar from the 80s | 1981 Sonex 180 Standard / Custom Review
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.
Source -
The headstock logo is noted for its distinctive and appealing design, adding to the guitar's aesthetic charm.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Epiphone Les Paul Classic is a comparable alternative with similar aesthetics, often recommended for those under $1k.
Source
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
-
Potential issues like worn frets and neck conditions are common in vintage Sonex guitars, requiring buyer vigilance.
Source
User experience
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
360
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
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"
Phil is using Jimmy Bower's Gibson Sonex in this performance of "Enochian Tongues" by Christ Inversion.
Jimmy Bower uses the Gibson Sonex 180 Custom Electric Guitar, as shown in the Guitar Geek diagram of his 2004 rig for Superjoint Ritual.
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.
Dez used this guitar when he was the rhythm guitar player in black flag and when he was the guitar player in the misfits.
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.
"The first Leviathan stuff I did was with a Gibson Sonex, which I traded for a tattoo."
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.
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.
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
miggityfriggityGear IQ 5535
-