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Description
The Gibson Sonex Artist is a standout in the world of solid body electric guitars, merging classic design with innovative features that cater to the modern musician. This guitar is crafted with a solid resonwood body, providing a balanced tonal foundation that suits a variety of genres from rock to blues. Its maple neck is smooth and responsive, offering a comfortable playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
The Gibson Sonex Artist is equipped with a pair of Gibson's patented Dirty Fingers pickups. These humbuckers are known for their high-output capability, delivering a powerful sound that cuts through the mix while maintaining clarity. The pickups are wired through a versatile control layout, which includes a three-way toggle switch and independent volume and tone knobs for each pickup, allowing for a wide range of sound customization.
Alongside its tonal capabilities, the Sonex Artist features a Tune-o-Matic bridge, providing excellent tuning stability and precise intonation. This guitar is well-suited for both studio recording and live performances, making it a reliable choice for musicians who demand versatility and quality.
Key Features:
- Solid resonwood body for balanced tonal resonance
- Maple neck for smooth and comfortable playability
- Gibson Dirty Fingers humbucking pickups for high-output sound
- Three-way toggle switch with individual volume and tone controls
- Tune-o-Matic bridge for enhanced tuning stability and intonation
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Sonex-180 Artist |
| Finish | Candy Apple Red, Ivory |
| Year | 1981 - 1984 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Sonex |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Sonex-180 Artist |
| 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
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Sonex Artist like?
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The Gibson Sonex Artist features a bolt-on maple neck with a comfortable C-shaped profile, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles and easy to navigate for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Sonex Artist?
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The Gibson Sonex Artist is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, creamy cleans to thick, gritty overdrives, ideal for rock and blues genres.
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Is the Gibson Sonex Artist suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson Sonex Artist offers great playability and tone, its unique features and build quality may be more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players seeking a distinctive vintage instrument.
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What is the body material of the Gibson Sonex Artist?
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The Gibson Sonex Artist features a solid body made from a material called "Resonwood," which combines with its bolt-on neck to deliver a unique tonal character and sustain.
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How does the Gibson Sonex Artist's scale length affect playability?
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With a 24.75" scale length, the Gibson Sonex Artist offers a slightly shorter scale, providing easier string bending and a smoother playing experience, especially for those with smaller hands.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
How to Get Ear-Bleeding Guitar Tone | 1981 Gibson Sonex Artist Candy Apple Red | Review + Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Dirty Fingers pickups offer high output and unique sound
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Durable, solid body with great sustain
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Comfortable neck with a nice feel, big yet manageable
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Versatile for mods with swimming pool router space
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Easy to maintain and repair
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Resonates well and plays beautifully clean
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Good value for money as a vintage piece
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Offers a distinct, vintage 80s Gibson vibe
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Great for both lead and rhythm playing
CONS
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Can be heavy, which might not suit all players
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Some models have particleboard bodies, seen as lower quality
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Stock pickups can be muddy with high gain
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Prices have risen significantly, potentially overpriced for some
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Resale value may not be high due to market perception
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Sonex Artist.
Build quality
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Some models feature a mahogany center block, though it's not officially confirmed by Gibson.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners have replaced stock pickups with DiMarzio Humbucker from Hell (neck) and EJ Custom (bridge) for brighter tone and note clarity.
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Features and functionality
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The Sonex Deluxe 180 can include an aftermarket "Bowen Handle" tremolo, a precursor to the "Les Trem."
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Comparisons
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Compared to G&L strats, the Sonex is notably heavier, with a neck and pickups reminiscent of a Jazzmaster.
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User experience
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Some owners perceive a "weird" sound and vibration/sustain issues attributed to the Resonwood body, similar to experiences with Epiphones.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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It is mentioned that Rob used a Sonex (misspelled as Sonax) for the production of 10KM's 1987 album "In My Tribe" in a May 1988 interview with Bruce Pollock.
" Supplied on the album by a Gibson Sonax Artist and a Hamer prototype, those guitar sounds were the propelling force behind Natalie Merchant's epic winsome folky vision"
Album Usage
The Gibson Sonex Artist 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.
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owen_andrewGear IQ 282
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