1983 Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe Black, Very Good, Original Hard

Offered for sale;

Used 1983 “The Gibson Guitar Company” Sonex-180 Deluxe serial number 80753691.

This guitar is in very good condition, neck and frets are fine, cosmetically showing playing time and some belt rash.

Gibson introduced the “multi-phonic body” with Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe. A slightly rounded take on the classic Les Paul body shape, the Sonex-180 was most notable for having a body that contained a wood core surrounded by a resin called -- what else? -- Resonwood.

“Plastic or resin bodied guitars always had a rough row to hoe, but major guitar makers seemed to give it a shot every decade or so. The Sonex-180 wasn’t entirely plastic, to be fair, but had what Gibson billed as a “Multi-Phonic body”, something made with a wood core and outer layer of composite resin, shaped to approximate a thinner Les Paul. Like the similarly cost-effective Marauder and S-1, the Sonex-180 had a bolt-on maple neck, but it carried a pair of somewhat more traditional humbucking pickups.”

These are unusual guitars for sure, but plenty of players have rediscovered them over the years, and found them to be eminently playable instruments, and often good value on the used market.

“We carefully inspect every instrument when we buy it and bring it up to our standards before we offer it for sale. We also do a full set up before we ship. If you decide to purchase this guitar, please let us know what gauge strings you prefer.”

Unusually cool guitar, plays and sounds good, nice price!

Original hard-shell case included.

Here is the verbiage from the original Gibson sales brochure:

BODY SPECIFICATIONS

The new Gibson exclusive Multi-phonic body construction

Single cutaway design

Adjustable chrome-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge with chrome-plated stop-bar tailpiece

Uniquely shaped double sided fingerrest with white revealed edge

Two high output Humbucking 3-point adjustable exposed pickups that feature one black and one cream coil

3-position toggle switch for pickup selection (individual or both pickups simultaneously)

Attractive, efficient black speed knobs

Body size: Length 17-1/4”, width 13”, depth 1-3/4”

NECK SPECIFICATIONS

One piece select hardwood construction

Width at fingerboard nut 1-11/16”

Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays and corresponding side dots

Individually enclosed chrome-plated machine heads

Gibson truss rod with distinctive truss rod cover

22 frets

24-3/4” scale length

Weight 8.4 lbs.

SONEX 180 DELUXE

Ebony finish 180 Special Design Gibson case

*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.

This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.

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