I Found an Important Gibson Prototype from 1980! | Unboxing, Review + Demo | Gibson Sonex Prototype

[@Trog]

This was a cool, freaky find! 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/35504113-video-1980-gibson-sonex-180-deluxe-prototype?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly 💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10 ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 🎸New Guitar Day Program: troglysguitarshow.com/ngd/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211

[@poundtacos4006]

Have you ever done a history on the studio series? I have an 86 my dad left me when he passed amd it would be great to see something on it!

[@joshuataft5541]

I realy enjoy the comparison photos. Realy helps the vidio so we can visually see the difference 👌🤘👍

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

I changed the strings on the 10 S guitar and polished the frets with steel wool. New strings do make it sound brighter. I remembered to graphite the nut. I pay attention.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Its been a while since I've tuned in, but I do wanna say though, you've gotten better at playing guitar, Trogg! Keep rockin'! Great video, thanks again!🤟

[@timort2260]

Such a cool guitar man. For that price hopefully you get to for a little bit. Is there any possible way to make a esp Ltd f200 worth about 5 figures?

[@jonbush7467]

Thanks for 15 years of dedication! Here's the lowest end guitar we carry.

[@WalkenDead]

NO way I could sit on a guitar for a month without unboxing it

[@dl11]

Yeah, you would probably have to stand up to go to the bathroom in a few hours, I just don't know how unboxing it would make it easier tho

[@flyme2themoon720]

If I know ones been delivered I leave work to go home and open it...lol

[@johnnyrandom100]

yeah but how many Guitars has Trogly got hanging around?

[@WalkenDead]

@@johnnyrandom100 True, but I would have to at least check the condition. Even if I don't start playing it immediately. I know he does this for a living and the unboxings are a big part of it, but a month? Damn, dudes got better impulse control than me lol

[@doknox]

Me neither

[@PastelComGini]

Austin: I'm selling this amazingly beautiful Steve Howe's Les Paul. Also Austin: A hollow Les Paul Special made of plastic with a bolt on neck, this is the best investment I did in my life. Collectors, I'll never understand them...

[@peluchingamarra3127]

collectors and resellers, two different things.

[@blackdog8822]

He had the ultimate BEST INVESTMENT in that The les Paul , only owned by this little knowed guitarest Steve Howe.If Austin would have held on to that axe by the time he was sixty he could had seen at least 200.000(????) for it .BTW 10.000 for the sonex .

[@peluchingamarra3127]

Craig Eubank It's a strategy because it is currently for sale. If someone pays 10K guitar is gone. 😬

[@ziggylayneable]

@@blackdog8822 I would have kept Steve Howe's guitar and gave it to my kids after I die,and let them sell it and buy their house.🏠

[@fongy200]

@@blackdog8822 YES...Steve Howe was part of YES.

[@harryweiss8761]

I don’t read comment sections. Does anybody ever point out that you have a very unique timbre to your voice. Big fan of the show. Keep teaching us the stuff.

[@_dmfd]

That neck pup actually sounds pretty good. I love the tones out of Res-o-glass guitars. The neck looks really good too. Almost looks too nice to be on a Sonex lmao. I still prefer the Marauder over the Sonex but this is definetely a cool find man.

[@flamedmahoganytable9749]

Where was the intro lick??

[@hunterhelfrich1270]

That neck pickup sounds pretty smooth, best sounding Sonex I've heard yet. The bridge really sings with the distortion on it 🤟

[@maloneschwartz669]

this is the 1st bolt on Gibson I've ever seen

[@robertbailey7425]

I've heard it's the only one.

[@joetheman74]

Dude you and that guitar were made for each other. Some of your best playing and that guitar sounds great! Love that guitar!

[@Acornhouseworkshop]

A collective groan went out when you opened the case.

[@poundtacos4006]

The intro music threw me right off! Is it even a trogly vid without that classic acoustic riff?! Which, btw I heard on an andertons vid once!

[@wesleyAlan9179]

I know, right!?!?!

[@mraycgz]

I heard that riff somewhere else too. It may have been on an Andertons vid. But I did pick it out somewhere else on KZbin.

[@fernandog9684]

It’s a stock jingle on Final Cut Pro I think

[@elbik95]

Hahaha I initially thought I was having issues with my speakers

[@fallinghausen2707]

Too me it sounds like the soundtrack introsong from alien:covenant. Check it out. The song is called Incubation and spooky as hell.

[@disco4535]

I like the squared off pick guard and the position of the switch much better on the prototype.

[@lucaskinney449]

You know the episode of TGS is going to be good when the acoustic guitar intro music has been replaced.

[@dynadude56]

I'm happy for you finding something that really excites you. Those moments get rarer the longer you collect something. What a great example too. As good as that line will ever get and it even has a great tone!

[@gabrielvelloso9834]

Always going beyond what everyone expected. LOVE IT

[@kingmescalito]

I had a Sonex way back when. Good rock machine.

[@bubu89136]

Trogly, you can increase the string tension by doing a bottom wrap. In the same way you do a top wrap just bottom wrap the strings and then lower the tailpiece as far as you can before hitting the body. Once you get the correct adjustment height, you will never have to do it again. Hope that helps. Note: Now that I am looking at another shot, it looks like you can lower the tailpiece a lot without having to try my suggestion.

[@bazzer124]

Wow! That Marauder was a super flashback to 45 years ago when I bought one that looked exactly like that! Thanks for the memory, Austin. Cheers....

[@Sparts_282]

DUDE!! That sounds so good. Such a Beast. I love that sound and felt it in my soul

[@vadenk4433]

I’ll bet the reason the bridge is so far back is because it’s hollow where it would normally sit. So the moved it back to where it was solid.

[@paulypoobrain2929]

Makes sense. As good a theory as any.

[@AlexIsASeraphim]

WYRON? You bet. Love those pickups. The sustain. Great find Austin. Well done. Just read some other comments. This is better than a Marauder imho.

[@loomer3473]

Wow, it does really has the “airy” sound like those semi hollow, full hollow. What’s more surprising is that you shredded in dropped D!!!! What a sick solo!

[@drop830]

Dude I love the Sonex. Ive owned a few of them over the years. They sound great and its a work horse road dog of a guitar . plus its a gibson

[@jonathanthomas6191]

Really loved the tone of this guitar!

[@CA10Z]

I still have a 1981 Sonex Artis in Silver Burst, Active electronics Ebony fret board. I bought it special order when I was working at a music shop back in 1981. I think I'll keep it for a little while.

[@socialdef3]

Can't get any better than this: awesome rare model in all its Gibson glory and the prototype presentation was so awesome, it deserved the video game music and skipping of usual intro!

[@fongy200]

I have a Silvertone Airliner and it's great, blows that Sonex out on looks alone and it looked damaged to me, the area in which we were able to see that it was hollow looked like a piece had been pushed through or someone has gone in to hard with a tool, it looked very jagged and well broken @10:27 Someones had Troglys pants down but it's still the best thing since sliced bread? You have to hand it to him though he's a shrewd buisness man.

[@bernarddunn4932]

Looks like you need a gun barrel bore checker or the snake camera that hooks up to a cell phone🤔

[@basementblast]

3 could mean 3rd prototype made. Gibson does number their artist proofs. Have handled a Keith Nelson prototype.

[@it_is_meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Wow a Sonex I actually want. It sounds really good and it’s odd look strikes me way better than the production runs

[@nfijef]

Sounds surprisingly good, I don't usually like the distortion on that amp .Fun to see Trogly so excited.

[@sonnybrooks264]

New intro sound effects 👍

[@chrishopkins209]

I'm guessing that Gibson R&D just grabbed the nearest pots and caps they had in the old parts bin as well as the neck. I think it's more of a proof of concept for the body and electronics

[@hkguitar1984]

I can't believe the Stopbar is installed so far back!

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Whats up dude!🤟😄

[@vadenk4433]

I’ll bet it’s because it’s hollow, it had to be placed further back where it’s solid. My .2

[@AntmanFelix]

I see people install them that far on SGs at times that use to have a Vibrola tailpiece. It's such an eye sore to me when the stop bar is so far back

[@therugburnz]

makes lower tension, I think

[@MisterJawaman]

The Marauder had it as well, so likely a leftover design.

[@jackmaniacmusic]

20:01 Were you trying to play welcome to the black parade without getting claimed? I mean whatever it was it was cool.

[@Wargasm644]

I wouldn’t pay more than a grand for it. But it does sound pretty cool. And it’s definitely unique. So some collectors may dish out for out big money. But even so, I don’t see more than 2500 tops. You’d really have to want it.

[@SamaZnajeshXto]

This Sonex reminds me so much of my Godin Core CT (2016).🖤 Shape, color, chambered body and the sound itself

[@nigellacey559]

These are the best videos. Old and interesting Gibson's

[@donb.6784]

Saw that the Adam Jones LP Custom is listed on Reverb for pre-order.

[@AntmanFelix]

@@meatrocket1 I saw one for Pre Order for $15,000!!!

[@sirgerbilmacintosh9101]

I don't recall ever seeing one of those before. It reminds me of a single cut PRS S2. I wonder if the PRS is modeled after that.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Possibly, I was thinking the same thing

[@shaunw9270]

PRS probably forgot the 70's was the decade that taste forgot lol

[@shaunw9270]

@@wesleyAlan9179 Generic cheap 70's design that I eventually got sick of on my Marauder.

[@blaineadams7484]

If it's fiberglass they used to have issues with the paint not moving with the glass. Newer gel coatings have pretty well fixed that. Corvettes and some beds on Chevy trucks had that problem

[@jasonwright7513]

I think East Bay Ray from the Dead Kennedys played a Sonex. It definitely has that vibe when you turn up the distortion.

[@darylhesch2262]

I have one for you that I just purchased. A 1977 ES Artist prototype experimental. Only 2 produced and the one I have is new old stock. Never left the music store until I recently purchased it.

[@gordonbezanson4710]

I just picked up a gibson challenger II made june 6 1983 in Nashville..I love this guitar for me the neck is perfect so easy playing and sounds awesome. Heavy though.

[@TheTombomb5000]

Man, you are just fantastic.

[@Watergrovey]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Trogly. Keep up the great work and greetings from Mexico City!

[@dannycox6375]

The demo started sounding a little plain but then it erupted with a great sound! In great shape too.

[@Draugoth]

I wanna know what the thought process was for Gibson. Imagine for a moment...its a new decade, the Superstrat is about to explode in popularity, what shall we do to survive as a company? Make a plastic guitar! Honestly tho, sounds pretty good. Im impressed.

[@hobojesus9817]

Black/White/Silver color combo with an unusual 3 stamp? They were definitely doin it for Dale.

[@RavenMadd9]

cool vid Trogly

[@the_nondrive_side]

Those pickups are the same Samick was using. Look at the mounting with a third screw. I had a January 1993 SG g310b and those are the pickups I had in plastic covers. That looks like a Matsumoku CNC neck.. Norlin was a customer.

[@iaingraham4911]

Mine is 1982 and superb when you have built twelve guitars you can call nasty it's great all USA

[@robertbailey7425]

I have a Feb 81 Deluxe and it is fantastic. I was looking at an early 2000s LP when I found this and liked it way more than the LP.

[@therugburnz]

punk & grunge dream guitar. With that bolt on neck, I bet I could shim it to perfection. I'd keep the pickups as well.

[@artbrookey3468]

For a time, I had a Gibson GGC 700, 1980 or 81 I believe, which is the upgrade from the Sonex. The GGC 700 used real wood, better pick ups etc. They look almost identical, mine had the original case etc, silk screen loge "Gibson Guitar Company". Sold it for I believe about $1K....true what some say, rare doesn't always mean collectible.

[@LouSpowells]

The GGC is my absolute favorite, "Rare but not valuable" guitar...or at least it used to be. Haven't been able to find one under $1500 for a lot of years now...now with the recent 'boom' people are asking for $2k+, which is a bit overboard.

[@duanewelsh5611]

Nice find there Trogly! Good info keep em coming.

[@calnonhardy4002]

That thing sounds pretty damn good to my ears. I' m becoming more and more convinced that the pickups and amp are more important than anything else.

[@WilhelmWilder]

That's literally all that matters

[@WilhelmWilder]

Imo

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I really love the neck like that....just a natural finish

[@hkguitar1984]

Pretty awesome Sir.

[@lcl7wrkr]

I mowed a shit ton of lawns to plop down $200 for a Sonex 180 Custom in the late 80’s. Had Dirty Fingers that had a riveted bridge on the top leg for the two screws…those fucking pickups are the best Gibson ever made. I played my first show in a punk rock band with that Sonex run through a cranked Gibson GA40 that belonged to my dad and a Realtube pedal…the ones that had a plug into the wall.

[@guitarstrunged]

I had never heard of the Sonex. Many years back I bought a Les Paul XR-1 (2nd hand) which I was told was the predecessor of the Studio. It's dated 1981 has no holes in the body which i was told was actually better than the Studio which has chambers to make it lighter though I was told without them there is more sustain. But mine weighs more. 14 lbs. It has the dirty finger pick ups, a coil tap switch but the cheaper tuners that you showed. The best part is it cost me about $250 Canadian. I find mine sounds better than yours clean but about the same with distortion. Oh yes, it also doesn't have a bolt on neck.

[@Wickedsensations2001]

And I also can’t wait to get my les Paul’s 50s standard

[@sanderbrugman8157]

I restored a Gibson invader a year ago and those guitars are really interesting. These were frankenstein projects of left over parts from sonics and other models. I'm surprised you've never done a video about them

[@eduardo0796]

I don't know why. This is a Punk Rock guitar.

[@mightyV444]

Yes! I too am getting that kind of vibe! :-)

[@monstrok]

I knew it would be a special video the instant I heard different intro music. Great find and some surprising specs! I really like the looks of this guitar and although an original Sonex owner in the early '80's, I was never enamored with the production control layout and switch location. The neck on my Sept 1980 Sonex is one-piece mahogany and I still have the broken off headstock.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

It sucks that the head fell off, but its cool that you still have it, I would of kept it too, haha!

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

Very cool! The tone is excellent

[@Awaywrdson]

😵 IT'S BEAUTIFUL !! You are sooo lucky to hold so many awesome instruments !! Yeah I'm jealous !! lol 😂

[@foxykilla06]

What no intro!!!

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

@Josh Turpin after years of watching I can admit

[@ericflowers2146]

You should go check out an estate sale down in Franklin Tennessee. They have a bunch of guitars including a bunch of Gibsons. Vintage melody maker, Rickenbacker , 61 sg standard, es335 66 model, 55 lp gold top, dickey Betts sg , house of jb with coffin case, 1989 batman guitar( my favorite and in need of a review), danelectro 6 string bass, 1961 Fender Stratocaster,2006 Gibson Jimmy Hendrix Flying V Psychedelic, Triggs Archtop Guitar “Bare Naked Lady” - Case marked #220.

[@robbysguitars8223]

Dude! You're shredding it.

[@evanjamesquinn]

what possessed you to remove the intro lick

[@socialdef3]

Can you not tell that this is a special edition episode lol

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Haha

[@jensvalentin9838]

Wow....what a nice piece of guitar history u got ...the neck, style of Body r so unique but the pickups sound real good too ....what a joy 🥰👍

[@onkelpool]

It seems to me that the manufacturer was not quite sure about the longevity of the plastic-wood glue joint? So the plate and bolts are for extra security and peace of mind. 😁

[@wesleyAlan9179]

That vintage strap rocks!

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

Very nice find!. It looks and sounds better than the last one to me.

[@bluesrockguitaristmikesall2708]

This is one great sounding guitar ! Gibson needs to reintroduce this model with the hot pickups.

[@pauldavis6356]

"Paid too much" believe me - we appreciate your efforts on this show. Thank you so much..

[@joelboultinghouse863]

Have you ever done a review of any “les Paul killers” like a Yamaha sg2000?

[@pauldavis6356]

@7:48 " he was not a musician" - too bad. This guy didn't appreciate what they had given him.

[@robbysguitars8223]

That tone is pretty good!

[@joeyskar]

Hell yeah Trogs, that's a cool guitar even if it is a Sonex. Great find!

[@joecarl5473]

Yeah this is a super cool guitar! And sounded pretty decent too!!! I had no idea Gibson had something like this out there. Crazy to think if they kept this going were would it be now? Thanks Trogly!!!

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

This guitar sounds great I hope you will play it from time to time

[@gumbomudderx7503]

I used to own an Epiphone prototype EJ-200 7 string. I traded it to a pawnshop for a Roland keyboard in a road case, and ended up trading that for a washer and dryer 😂

[@brianchin1830]

One of my favorite videos of yours. So damn cool

[@ryankartheiser855]

I was born 1980. I am contemplating on getting one.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

I don't care for the Pick guard, but if I had to choose, I'd choose the one with the upward swoop

[@roymoderatto]

Really cool pick guard. One (or 3) of a kind! 🧟‍♂️

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Interesting prototype..!! for a bolt on neck..! What does it weigh??

[@mightyV444]

Apart from the neck plate looking terribly cheap and the "prototype" stamp being upside down, I really quite like this guitar! And I reckon this pickguard shape is so much better than the production one.

[@glennpace9783]

You mention that the knobs don't typically age, but I've had/have some early 80s and the knobs have definitely yellowed. I realised it when I went to replace two of them. It was one of the first things I noticed on that prototype...how new the knobs looked...maybe from sitting in a case all those years?

[@Trog]

Regular gibson knobs will age - but not what they used on the Sonex (not as much as standard ones anyway). Regular gibson knobs stop aging around 1985 ish. They must’ve swapped the kind of plastic they used

[@atilliar]

I wish you would include links to some of the tabs of the demo riffs you use.

[@toddsmods.623]

Saying that that is the first LP studio is an insult.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

It sounds like a semi.The clean sound is quite good. It sounds cheesy with a crunch sound but ok with some serious dirt.

[@grantthepilgrim]

G'day Trogly. These are great, but what would be really interesting is if you gave more of the history of ownership and provenance. Who has owned it? Where did you get it from? etc.

[@rayzberg]

Well, and he did:) Re-listen to the video again

[@grantthepilgrim]

Yuri Rayzberg I pulled the trigger on my comment a tad early, d’oh!

[@anthonyrampino1015]

Love your videos I watch all the time. I see you take a lot of measurements, you should start measuring the neck angle using a digital level. Would be interesting to see how the construction of each guitar is different and how it changes over the years.

[@darvyowolf]

the color under black light looked almost seafoam green which would have been a cool color..

[@jameswhitton93]

Dude knows his way around that thing....

[@victorrhodesjr9904]

cool how you are using all your new guitar maintenance tools

[@briansimpson8116]

That pick guard looked good.