Gibson has expanded its Certified Vintage programme, unveiling seven prototype electric guitars and a rare U-2 S-style model from the ‘80s. This release marks a significant moment in guitar history, as these prototypes offer a glimpse into an era when guitar design was undergoing significant changes, and Gibson’s design team was experimenting with new ideas.
For many players, the announcement that an ’80s guitar is now considered a vintage instrument will come as a bit of a surprise. However, the collection provides a fascinating look at a time when guitar culture was in flux, and these prototypes reflect the innovative responses of Gibson’s design team.
Some of these guitars may seem radical, even by today’s standards, with the 1985 Explorer XPL Prototype standing out as a particularly bold design. The guitar’s look could have easily been associated with rock legends like Ace Frehley, and though it never made it to mass production, it featured Dirty Fingers high-output humbuckers, reflecting the increasing demand for higher gain during the era. This concept would be an interesting design for Gibson to revisit today, given its potential as a metal guitar.
Mitch Conrad, manager of the Gibson Certified Vintage programme, explains that these prototypes contain unique details that would never appear in a production model. “These prototypes represent the moment an idea for a new guitar becomes a playable instrument in the physical world,” he says. “Early iterations often feature unique details that never make it to production, but highlight the ingenuity and problem-solving efforts of the product development team. It’s fascinating to see the in-between steps that lead to the instruments we know and love.”
Some prototypes appear more refined than others. The 1983 Challenger Prototype, for example, features a Natural finish and a headstock without the usual silkscreened Gibson logo. This model also features a bolt-on neck and a soft maple body in a Les Paul-style singlecut. Despite its experimental nature, it was eventually refined and released to the market.
Another notable piece is the 1986 Gibson US-1 Prototype, finished in Cherry Sunburst with a highly figured maple top. This rare guitar dates back to the time when Wayne Charvel worked with Gibson. It features an unconventional spec sheet for its time, including a body made of poplar and balsa wood—a material not commonly seen in guitar construction. The US-1 is equipped with an HSS pickup configuration, with each pickup controlled by its own toggle switch and a push-function to split the bridge humbucker. The raised logo on its six-in-line headstock adds an extra touch of uniqueness.
Among the most intriguing of the prototypes is the Q Series Prototype, which Conrad describes as a “missing link” in Gibson’s high-performance guitar designs. This model bridges the gap between the Victory and Q Series guitars and features an unreleased Gibson vibrato system.
These prototypes, along with other Certified Vintage models, are available for purchase directly from Gibson. They can be picked up at the Gibson Garage in Nashville or shipped to U.S. addresses.
Related Topics
- Gibson Unveils Limited-Edition Eric Clapton Les Paul Custom Guitar – Only 150 Available
- Legendary Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to Perform in Hudson Valley
- Remembering Ragne Wahlquist: The Pioneer Who Shaped Swedish Heavy Metal
