I Traded CME For This Strange 80s Prototype! | 1979 Gibson Victory MVII Proto Review + Demo

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📚Description: I recently sold Chicago Music Exchange my 1962 ebony block SG. They had offered all cash, but I ask if we could work this guitar into the deal and they were happy to oblige! I now own Prototype #10 of the Gibson Victory MVII series of guitars - pretty cool! At first, I thought this was a late model prototype that didn't have many differences but when I got on the work bench I noticed so many difference to the carve of the body and neck! It sounds excellent too
0:00 - The Story
0:14 - Unboxing + Info
1:16 - First Impressions Prototype VS Production
1:51 - What Does CM Mean on the Victory Series?
2:29 - First Impressions Prototype VS Production Continued
3:00 - History of Gibson Victory Series
3:37 - Gibson Victory Cases
4:11 - Gibson Victory Pamphlets
4:49 - Workbench / Specs
17:08 - Blacklight Test
18:23 - Clean Tones (Full Mode)
19:52 - Clean Tones (Split Mode)
21:07 - Dirty Tones (Full Mode)
21:58 - Dirty Tones (Split Mode)
22:58 - Final Thoughts (Potential 2025 Reissue?)
24:46 - Watch Next
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[@Trog]

The Gibson Victory series is unique - I'm happy to have a prototype version in my collection! 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC 🐕 Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@maxupp]

Hey Trogly! I think it is a regular Posilok. What I think happened is that it had a drop, and the flange separated from the screw barrel and was pushed down. That would explain the height and the oddly proud screw. If you look at that ring beneath the screw head closely, it does look a little ragged.

[@charlescampbell9267]

That’s what was going to say too. Nice catch.

[@egnbigdave]

I'd have kept the SG.

[@danielbreaux1842]

I'd have to take the money! In these trying times, folding cash keeps us afloat!

[@egnbigdave]

@@danielbreaux1842 yeh that too.. but given Troglys "extensive" collection of four and five figure guitars I doubt he shares our worries...

[@jamesoniris2647]

I didn’t know Trogly was so gangsta to ask for a guitar AND the cash

[@Mikey__R]

Back in college, I sold my first bass guitar for £50 and a 20 pack of Marlborough reds.

[@wesleyalan9179]

Lol

[@charleslambiase5670]

Lol... Gangsta'😊

[@MrPointy75]

All basses are worth this.

[@AMPR45]

Trogly’s mobbed up.

[@sagittated]

I think it's a nice honor for Gibson to name their strat a "victory." Very humble admission from them. They should make more odes to Fender. Like... A Les Paul Special with a 25" scale, 9.5" radius, and a bolt on, maple neck. I'd buy one.

[@Jokesonyou6666]

Technically you can buy a les paul with a bolt on neck and a trem system but it wont be a Gibson

[@user-gz8id4vf1i]

Why?? That would be such a cheap insult to a Gibson. Fender's suck and ways have. The Tele was their saving grace. A Strat is a turd of a guitar. Whether one is $4000 or $400 they're still the same cheap quality trash wood and cheap plastic

[@Billiamwoods]

​@@user-gz8id4vf1i did a strat kill your family???

[@Wyatt42069]

why on god's green earth would you want a bolt on neck? they're blocky, cheap, and don't sustain. awful

[@ziggylayneable]

Gibson does make a Les Paul style guitar that has a 25.5 inch radius I can't remember its name off the top of my head but there is a video of trogly reviewing one

[@Aspkkr]

I was told by a guy selling one that it was Comfort Model, That was a long time ago so maybe he said Contour Model.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

Either make the most sense.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

What a strange beast , I also thought it was PRS like ( Vela ), I dont really like it yet I'd give it a spin...it's funny how aesthetics effect so much of our ( my ) guitar choices...Thanks Trogly !

[@paradiswest4395]

I REALLY dig that guitar. Cool looks, awesome tones.

[@chitwoodbryan4HBVS]

CM means Chicken Machine!

[@TranceMasterJack]

Cajun Metal

[@ohmtronseedling]

i thought it was for Chuck Mangione because it "Feels So Good"

[@markjamesmeli2520]

If you've ever had the chance to experience a Gibson Grabber, or a Ripper...you know that Gibson had a period of time where they, kind of, "strayed from the pack" of their usual designs. Super interesting. Great job.

[@slamcrank]

at 10:04 - that bridge with the 3 holes on each side... you mentioned that could give you 9 different positions. But it's actually 18 different positions! Crazy!

[@RoyGBiv144]

Cool detective work on the Posi Lok prototype. Your channel just keeps getting better!

[@AlexEthier]

I'm not sure what it is, but this is the first coil split sound I've heard that I really love. Super usable, lots of character.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

I really like these guitars ever since seeing one on Troglys channel a year or two ago. I like the asymmetrical body shape, headstock and I really dig how it sounds! I also love how Gibson was going for a super Strat style guitar but in their own way, set neck, premium materials etc. If money was no object I'd be tempted, sweet guitar Trogly and what a find!

[@ericbgordon1575]

The funny thing for me about the Victory line is how I saw a picture of the Victory Artist Bass before I knew the Thunderbird models existed. I should've known there were also Victory guitars. Regarding this one, I could see myself getting the H-H-H edition (if I could raise the money, didn’t have too many guitars already and wanted another Gibson electric). Seeing the cavity for the stacked bucker under the guard actuality got me pretty excited.

[@dikinebaks]

I wish you would have go and traded in CME and filmed there. It'd have been a more memorable experience, both for you and us, the viewers.

[@wiseguy9202]

Given the other details, really seems like the CM would mean country music.

[@Trog]

It was found on both the MVII and MVX models so that is one thing against that theory

[@fredmerrill4002]

Plus, Gibson did make a model called the ES-335 CRR (Country Rock Regular), a guitar that's been on my wants list for ages!

[@wiseguy9202]

@@fredmerrill4002 Yeah my first time ever seeing one of these Victory CM's was back in the early 80's on the Grand Ole Opry. Can't remember which band it was but ever since it's always been a country guitar because of my early frame of reference.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

The fretboard is beautiful and I like the position of the dots ( I prefer dots-dots-DOTS !! )...

[@ckelly5141]

19:32 Just noticed…..great T-shirt Trogly!👍

[@dw7704]

I tried one of the three pickup versions years ago. It was nice, but not really what I was looking for. Lots of sound options can be cool, but some I didn’t like (at least at the time), some sounded similar to other settings, but some good usable sounds for sure. I guess I was looking for something either more Gibson-ish. I already had a Fender. But I wouldn’t turn one down as a gift. And those who do like them, love them.

[@georgeoh-well8116]

Comfy Moose

[@larryburwell8550]

pretty nice looking guitar. same burst as my 50 fender strat. nice video

[@Photognick521]

I love how the wood on the headstock makes a natural stinger.

[@ckelly5141]

11:28 Really enjoy Forensic Trogly by this point. You sure know your stuff A.🎸👍

[@JuliusMas-bz6my]

Very lovely clean tones.

[@joermnyc]

CM: Canadian maple?

[@ghosthawk65]

Fascinating. Overlaying photos of a MV II and a MV X seems to show that the X’s lower bouts and tail are shorter/smaller.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Gorgeous MVII Prototype! Great tones too. I agree the prototype's smooth contours are way nicer. But then the production's sharp edges kind of hint at the SG so that might be a factor to differentiate this from Fender models.

[@peterpellerin1374]

Sounds good , great playing!

[@SixSixthSix]

That neck pickup! 🤤🤤🤤. Have a good one!

[@PeterMoore350]

Great trade Mr Trogly. I actually quite like the aesthetics. Having no angles from the nut to the tuners should give it great tuning stability too. Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘 PS cancer surgery this Tuesday- wish me luck !!

[@johnnyxmusic]

I really prefer the hard lines and sharp edges on the production model… I wonder if it’s also a way to keep the shape consistent where they’re doing the work because they have a hard line edge that they can measure to. Somehow, Fender figured out how to do all that body contouring on a Stratocaster, without having those same kinds of sharp edges

[@stereoroid]

The Victory Artist Bass looks very interesting. It had an EQ circuit designed by Moog, the synthesiser company. I passed on the chance to buy one in London about 10 years ago and regret it a bit. I know you don’t do basses much but I think you could make an exception for one of those!

[@Trog]

I did have a CMT version of one a long time ago that I sold to CME before a video could be made

[@thenewjungle]

A Fender Stratish body with a strat style selector switch, by this time Kramers were getting popular. Floyd rose was on the scene and I don't think Gibson was putting them on guitars as much as Kahlers. All the kids were buying Kramers. Fender and Gibson were trying everything to keep buyers. Looks like a Gibson product humbuckers, paint, set neck and thickness.

[@retromacman620]

Very cool design though, love the body shape and headstock! ❤

[@Halfaloaf599]

I wish someone would make these again. A strat shape, then the Gibson scale and neck with straight string pull. Nothing like that exists, and I’m going nuts!

[@Trog]

Cesar has been rocking modern prototypes so you might see them again

[@strat0871]

Love Victory series, basses too.

[@lilbitofOverdrive]

I really like this body style great find thanks for putting Gibson victory's on my radar

[@MarkEdward-bl6cr]

Im a big fan of these guitars they are so unique that makes them cool it's my favorite Gibson Strat style guitar nice prototype 👏👍🤘

[@myoptik3x103]

Excellent, love super strats!

[@ManOrWomanIDK]

There was a local band in my area that now broke up but the trio was so tight. The guitarist played a Victory and it made the band look more unique and stand out. Until he switched to a strat.

[@tonygaruba424]

The victory bass showed up in my local store late 70's

[@erickmartin5667]

Those hard body contours are very reminiscent of Charvel and Jackson

[@cataclysmicconverter]

That looks to be the market they were trying to compete with, but as Trogs mentioned in other vids about these styles, a bit too late.

[@paulsadoff3661]

prototype countours are much like early '60's strat contours- nice and sculpted.

[@studowling]

I love Victories. You should keeo 'em both!

[@nigellanjuat3294]

Awesome guitar 🎸☺️

[@Durmomo0]

That strap button on the upper horn looks like its going to be annoying

[@nicholasfernandez7455]

So you got that! I was very tempted to but it.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

How much were they asking? I have no idea what these go for in the prototype stage.

[@ckelly5141]

1:24 The body gives me Moserite vibes.🎸🤔

[@Sac_slappper_4rce]

Amazing instrument!

[@ereimul1444]

Victory in Mod Collection would be epic.

[@frankw9619]

Is it me or does the upper horn look slightly different?

[@DonAntonioCasanova]

That Posi-Lok seems to be broken. You can clearly see the seperation

[@Madakalim]

I dig it!

[@Abel-8511]

nice

[@eharmicar]

Dings and scratches-The Horror,The Horror!!!

[@g-mac6846]

I want it

[@deanbartone8187]

I’d definitely play that very cool

[@johnnyxmusic]

🍁 Syrup.

[@thejedirangersworkshop2]

Nice

[@bluespinsix6987]

The bottom strap lock looks to be damaged by an impact. The flange of the strap lock has been forced up the ferrel. It is of the same type as the other one except for the gap.

[@jasonmeredith9173]

I thought that too

[@andiross8898]

When I bought mine in 1988/89? I was told that cm stood for country music

[@polaritypictures]

Gibson should do s short run of these again.

[@rideough]

I want one now! I’ve known of them since the eighties but now it looks like a doom machine!!!

[@worksucksletsdrink6011]

I like it

[@Ripzalot]

Kinda homely but its endearing. Would definitely rock it! I think the origunal shapes (strats, teles, lps, sgs) are so burned in our brains its hard to accept things a little different, for no good reason.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

It reminds me of PRS MIRA

[@andrewdobosz3682]

It's ugly as sin, but I'll admit it sounds cool. The dirty tone was incredible

[@jeffgolladay5813]

Looks like a reverse Iceman

[@jameshughes6049]

Howdy everyone!!

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Hey!

[@kelsyschoenhaar8717]

CM… country music?????

[@kelsyschoenhaar8717]

Or Cookie Monster.

[@user-lx6oj4mx3i]

Turning into online guitar encyclopedia T.C.B.

[@Techead78]

It is tasty😊

[@paultrombetta]

20:31 Spank!!

[@papasmamas1]

I think looks fantastic, just maybe the heel joint a bit clunky. But Cesar's one is super ugly.

[@richardcarlson7802]

Another great show. Would not have considered this, but the demo impressed me.

[@BlissfulSunday]

Noice 👍

[@StringTension]

Chucker mod? Chick magnet? That's ridiculous , I really doubt Gibson used either of those officially. More likely Ceramic Magnet or Cutaway Maple.

[@sassycat]

My favorite Gibson series, I was under the impression that you didn't care for them. I'd be curious to know how much you'd want for the production MVII. Great episode, thanks!

[@StringsOfCrossroads]

“Authentic” Fender vibes more than Gibson for me! 😅

[@doctoribanez]

I really like that. I would play that today. They should bring that back. Metal af

[@ckelly5141]

14:27 Hey….buy this guitar today, and at no extra charge, change your band’s name to: GROUND WIRE. 🎸👍

[@TM-ev2tc]

Have you ever had a guitar with a evertune bridge . Just curious.

[@Trog]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXOsd4mbjqqWsJo&pp=ygUPdHJvZ2x5IGV2ZXJ0dW5l

[@SaltyDraws]

I can safely say that design has never pulled a chick ever.

[@RoboSteave]

CM for Chris Martin, obviously.

[@starchores]

Classic Trogly move to trade one of the most sought after and beloved guitars for an ugly Norlin Gibson that literally nobody has ever heard of.

[@EdBGuitar52]

Famous guitarists aside, the people with the most guitars usually can’t play.

[@user-xm2yc4lh9h]

So Gibson will sue you for using the les paul design then produce a super strat why hasn't Fender sued Gibson? I guess the guys at fender are above others using their design ,

[@cataclysmicconverter]

Maybe that's why they went with the harder lines than the Stratty smooth style on the prototype.

[@Trog]

Fender doesn’t have legal protections for their body shapes - only headstock. That’s why gibson is fighting as hard as they are to keep theirs

[@guitarplayer6565]

I’ll never get mint condition guitar collectors. What is the point?

[@Trog]

Preserve history + Clean is easier to sell because less of a story when advertising and larger buyer pool

[@jordanpratt3821]

What is the point of wanting a guitar in mint condition??? That's a weird question.

[@guitarplayer6565]

@@Trog I’m curious, is a beat up well played jimmy Hendrix guitar worth more or less than a mint condition guitar he also owned but didn’t play and sat in a closet? I also don’t understand why companies like Gibson and Fender relic guitars on their highest tier priced offerings to look not mint condition. Why is Paul Stanley taking a 94 Les Paul custom shop and paying someone to make it look aged? Making it far from mint condition. I don’t think serious players give condition the time of day that sellers and collector pages seem to value. If you only value a guitar as dollar and cents or potential resell value later, then I guess I see your point.

[@jeremyjames8678]

CM Custom Model

[@andreszuniga1826]

It sounds awesome.

[@dougreed9843]

I bet the prototype was done by hand and the production is machined just a thought...

[@dougreed9843]

I like this piece a lots

[@Trog]

That is accurate based on a Chuck burge interview I read (at least for the victory basses)

[@fugamantew]

You messed up…

[@johnnyxmusic]

I am first for the next episode! 😂😂😂

[@Trog]

yes you are! Coming in hot shortly

[@johnnyxmusic]

@@Trog 🫡🇺🇸

[@watson123]

Looks like a Fender

[@paultrombetta]

Nylon = tone / sustain or anything good is beyond me.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

I read somewhere that they were for guitars equipped with a Bigsby, allowing the strings to slide across easier and tuning stability. Whether that's true, I'm not sure as they often put them on guitars without a Bigsby in the early 70's.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I’m a super strat guy, the non-LP episodes feel like Christmas! This finish is alarmingly similar to my 87 Kramer.

[@hectormutton2542]

✌️

[@mknewlan67]

That upper strap button looks so ungainly. Why was it down below like that? Looks uncomfortable.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Could be to combat neck dive. But I agree, it’s ugly looking.

[@Trog]

One of the mysteries of the Victory series!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Nope, lol.