1983 Gibson Challenger Prototype, Serial Number 83043617
This rare 1983 Challenger prototype represents Gibson’s early 80s effort to produce affordable, player-friendly instruments while maintaining the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. The Challenger featured a solid maple body modeled after the iconic Les Paul™, a bolt-on maple neck, and a no-frills, performance-driven layout. Unlike production models, this prototype lacks a silkscreened Gibson logo on the headstock and features an impressed “PROTO” stamp on the back, indicating its pre-production status. While the Challenger eventually made it to full production in multiple configurations, this early prototype is of the single-pickup variety.
The guitar is in very good condition overall, with light nicks, dings, and finish checking throughout. It retains its original Schaller Wraparound bridge, Gibson Deluxe tuners, and Challenger bridge pickup, all of which contribute to its distinct look and tonal character. It ships in its original Gibson first-generation Protector case.
Availability Date: The purchased instrument will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the US, starting February 19, 2025.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Les Paul
Body Styles Single Cut
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium Jumbo (Original Frets)
Inlays Acrylic Dot
Joint Bolt On
Neck Material Maple
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 44.2mm / 1.74in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup Challenger 891k DC Resistance
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Output Jack 1/4"
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Schaller Wraparound 455
Control Knobs Black Top Hat
finish Chrome
Pickguard None
Pickup Covers None
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Brass
Strap Buttons 2 - Aluminum
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply Bell
Tuner Plating Nickel
Tuning Machines Gibson Deluxe with Green Keystone Button
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Certificate of Authenticity, Limited Lifetime Warranty, Signed Letter of Appraisal
Model: GCVP0074
Case Original Gibson First Generation Protector
Headstock Challenger
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Gibson Certified Vintage 1983 Gibson Challenger Prototype, Natural
Gibson Certified Vintage 1983 Gibson Challenger Prototype, Natural
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1983 Gibson Challenger Prototype, Serial Number 83043617
This rare 1983 Challenger prototype represents Gibson’s early 80s effort to produce affordable, player-friendly instruments while maintaining the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. The Challenger featured a solid maple body modeled after the iconic Les Paul™, a bolt-on maple neck, and a no-frills, performance-driven layout. Unlike production models, this prototype lacks a silkscreened Gibson logo on the headstock and features an impressed “PROTO” stamp on the back, indicating its pre-production status. While the Challenger eventually made it to full production in multiple configurations, this early prototype is of the single-pickup variety.
The guitar is in very good condition overall, with light nicks, dings, and finish checking throughout. It retains its original Schaller Wraparound bridge, Gibson Deluxe tuners, and Challenger bridge pickup, all of which contribute to its distinct look and tonal character. It ships in its original Gibson first-generation Protector case.
Availability Date: The purchased instrument will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the US, starting February 19, 2025.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Les Paul
Body Styles Single Cut
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium Jumbo (Original Frets)
Inlays Acrylic Dot
Joint Bolt On
Neck Material Maple
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 44.2mm / 1.74in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup Challenger 891k DC Resistance
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Output Jack 1/4"
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Schaller Wraparound 455
Control Knobs Black Top Hat
finish Chrome
Pickguard None
Pickup Covers None
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Brass
Strap Buttons 2 - Aluminum
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply Bell
Tuner Plating Nickel
Tuning Machines Gibson Deluxe with Green Keystone Button
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Certificate of Authenticity, Limited Lifetime Warranty, Signed Letter of Appraisal
Model: GCVP0074
Case Original Gibson First Generation Protector
Headstock Challenger
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
