Guide to the Gibson Explorer Model Guitars
Gibson Explorer Model Guitars. If you’re looking for a great guitar, you’ll likely be interested in the Gibson Explorer model. This article will cover Explorer II, Gibson Explorer XLP CUSTOM, and Explorer 83. The article will also explain how the Explorer models differ from each other, so you can make a more informed decision when purchasing a guitar. But before you get started, here’s a quick guide to the Explorers:
Table of Contents
Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer model debuted in 1958. This guitar featured a futuristic X body shape with rosewood fingerboards and a solid mahogany body. It stopped production in 1959 but was reintroduced in 1975, and continues to be produced today. It features a solid mahogany body, an ebony fretboard, a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge, a nickel stop tail, and gold hardware. Other features of the Explorer include a three-way pickup selector, “velvet brick” pickups, a slim C-neck profile, and gold hardware.
In the early 2000s, the Explorer model was a mainstay of Gibson’s lineup. Later, the Explorer model was discontinued. However, it came back with different names, including the Explorer Pro and the Explorer 90. The Explorer 90, designed by Matthias Jabs, was ninety percent of its original size. Today, Gibson offers several Explorer models, including the traditional mahogany-body Traditional Pro, the 7-string Explorer, and the extended-scale Baritone model.
Gibson Explorer XLP CUSTOM
Similar to the Explorer 425, the Gibson Explorer XLP Custom features a scalloped cutout in the bottom bout and a pointy horn, Dirty Fingers humbuckers, and double-locking Kahler Flyer tremolos. Sunburst models feature figured maple tops and a carved rosette. Its distinctive shape and carved ebony fingerboard distinguish it from its predecessors.
The first version of the Explorer was released in 1981 and featured three single-coil P-90 pickups. Its alder body and factory-painted graphics helped it to gain popularity among rockers. Several variations of the Explorer have appeared over the years, including a thinner body design, “mini” models, and “user-friendly” versions. The Gibson Explorer Pro was introduced in 2007 and was 90% the size of a standard Explorer. A later model was the Explorer E2, which featured a five-piece maple/maple laminated construction and contoured body. It was discontinued after 1983 but was later reintroduced to the standard line.
The Gibson Custom Shop made limited numbers of the Explorer XPL. It was the guitar that rockers first discovered and loved, and is still a favorite of hard rockers. This guitar features two powerful humbucking pickups in the neck and body and a beautiful ebony finish. The neck has good life left on the frets, and the hand-wired harness is very easy to use.
Gibson Explorer II
The Explorer II is one of Gibson’s classic electric guitars. Introduced in 1979, this guitar was discontinued in 1983. It featured a maple neck and an ebony fingerboard with dot position markers. The tailpiece, known as the TP6, featured gold hardware and two exposed coil humbuckers. It also came with a black pick-guard and 3 knobs in a row. Today, the Explorer II is considered one of Gibson’s best-selling electric guitars.
The Gibson Explorer II is often called an E/2 because it features a five-piece maple & walnut body and ebony fingerboard. This guitar’s headstock is engraved with a long series of numbers that appear to be factory-original. It also features a signed headstock from guitarist Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria. This guitar is in generally good cosmetic condition, with some buckle rash, but does have minor finish wear.
The Explorer III was the third model of the Explorer. It featured three single-coil P-90 pickups, an alder body, and factory-painted graphics. The Explorer II was discontinued in 1989, but the model was re-introduced in 1991. While there are numerous differences between the Explorer III and the Explorer II, the guitars share the same features. Despite its differences, the Explorer II is an excellent electric guitar that is well worth the price.
Gibson Explorer 83
The Explorer 83 is a vintage model produced between 1981 and 1984. The Explorer was a classic rocker, with its triangle knob layout and maple body, and maple neck. During its time, the Explorer used two high-output “Dirty Finger” pickups and was known by several other names, including E/2, Explorer CMT, and The explorer. The guitar is in excellent condition, with no wear or tear, and comes with a Gibson hardshell case in a pink lining.
The Explorer had a solid Korina wood body, two humbuckers, and a maple neck with an ebony fingerboard. The guitar featured gold-plated hardware and was available in natural, white, or black finishes. The Explorer series also included models with Korina bodies and a locking nut vibrato system. Despite its futuristic design, the Explorer was a commercial failure. Only twenty-five guitars were produced between 1958 and 1959.
Gibson Explorer III
The Gibson Explorer is an iconic model that was developed alongside the Flying V in the late 50s. Its body shape was unique and was embraced by many artists, including Metallica’s James Hetfield. The Explorer features a Mahogany body with a set neck and two humbuckers. Gibson reissued the Explorer in the late 90s and early 2000s, as well as other models, including the Gibson XL and ES-350.
The Explorer was first manufactured in 1958 but did not gain much attention until the late 60s. The Explorer had a cutaway that was slightly longer than the SG and a triangular pickguard. The Explorer also had a gold TP6 tailpiece and an “ebony” fretboard and was marketed as “the new Fender.”
The Gibson Explorer is a guitar that embodies the style of the original Gibson Explorer. With its angular body, hockey stick headstock, and red-hot rock appeal, the Explorer is one of the most popular guitars of all time. The Explorer has an all-mahogany body, rosewood-topped SlimTaper mahogany neck, and dual BurstBucker pickups. These pickups feature a 3-way selector switch, volume control for each pickup, and a master tone knob for ultimate flexibility.
Gibson Explorer 83 in Alpine White
The Gibson Explorer is one of the most popular electric guitars in the world, and it was once a staple of Gibson’s lineup. The Explorer was discontinued in the late 1980s but was revived several times, including a limited edition model in 2014. The re-introduction of the Explorer into the standard lineup brought it back to prominence. A Gibson Explorer is one of the best-selling guitars in history.
The first Explorer was introduced in 1981, and the earliest models incorporated the TP6 tailpiece. This model was also equipped with a standard tune-o-Matic bridge, three knobs in a row, and ebony fretboards. Its distinctive design made it a popular choice among hard rockers. The Explorer’s low-profile body and contoured neck were shaped to accommodate the high-output “dirty fingers” pickups. The Explorer was equipped with gold hardware.
This 1983 Explorer 83 in Alpine White has a Factory Gibson Kahler and an original hard case. The guitar is in great shape for its age, with only a few minor nicks and finishing checking. The pickguard has come off, but otherwise, it’s in great condition and plays very well. The frets are in good shape. This instrument includes its original Gibson Hard case but is not in perfect playing condition.
Gibson Explorer 83 in Cream
The Explorer (R) is a model that has been around since 1958. It first came out as a Korina wood model in 1958 but gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. This particular guitar was originally released as a limited edition, featuring a special 12th-fret inlay. Today, the Explorer has returned to Gibson’s standard lineup, but the model is no longer available as a limited edition.
The Explorer 83 featured an alder body, two humbuckers, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The Explorer 83 featured triangular knob patterns and dot position markers. It was discontinued in 1989. The Explorer II was later re-introduced with the TP6 tailpiece, a locking nut vibrato system, and an ebony fingerboard. It was also available with gold hardware and a TP6 tailpiece. It also featured two single-coil humbuckers, 3 knobs in a row, and chrome-plated hardware.
The Explorer is a rocker. This guitar has some playwear, but no major damage. The mahogany body and neck are in excellent shape. The guitar is equipped with high-output Gibson “Dirty-Finger” pickups. The guitar’s finish is yellow-white with a good deal of weather-checking. It comes with a hardshell case. It’s one of the best-sounding guitars available.
Gibson Explorer 83 in White
The Explorer is a classic American guitar. Its alder body and maple neck make it a comfortable, lightweight guitar to play. The Explorer is also available with a Kahler tremolo and a standard tune-o-Matic bridge. Its original shape and color made it a favorite among artists and guitarists. And it comes with a hardshell case made by Gibson. If you’re in the market for a new electric guitar, this is a great choice.
The Explorer 83 is the last model from this series. The Explorer had an alder body, two humbuckers, a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, gold-plated hardware, and a tremolo bridge. It was discontinued in 1989, but you can still find these guitars today, thanks to Explorer III. Compared to the earlier Explorer models, the Explorer 83 was built to resemble a modern-day instrument.
Gibson Explorer specs and Price
Here’s a table showcasing the Gibson Explorer models along with their specifications and approximate prices:
| Model | Specifications | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Gibson Explorer | – Body: Mahogany | $1,499 – $1,799 |
| – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | ||
| – Fingerboard: Rosewood | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: 496R and 500T humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece | ||
| Gibson Explorer XLP CUSTOM | – Body: Mahogany | $2,299 – $2,799 |
| – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | ||
| – Fingerboard: Ebony | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: Burstbucker Pro humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece | ||
| Gibson Explorer II | – Body: Mahogany | $2,299 – $2,799 |
| – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | ||
| – Fingerboard: Rosewood | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: Dirty Fingers+ humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece | ||
| Gibson Explorer 83 | – Body: Mahogany | $2,499 – $2,999 |
| – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | ||
| – Fingerboard: Rosewood | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece | ||
| Gibson Explorer III | – Body: Mahogany | $2,999 – $3,499 |
| – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | ||
| – Fingerboard: Richlite | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: Dirty Fingers+ humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece | ||
| Gibson Explorer 83 in | – Body: Mahogany | $2,499 – $2,999 |
| Alpine White | – Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper profile | |
| – Fingerboard: Rosewood | ||
| – Scale Length: 24.75″ | ||
| – Pickups: ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus humbuckers | ||
| – Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece |
Please note that prices may vary based on the retailer, location, and any additional customizations or features. The provided prices are approximate and subject to change.
Who Plays a Gibson Explorer?
If you have ever wondered, “Who plays a Gibson Explorer?” there is no shortage of options. Here are a few examples of notable guitar players who play Explorers: James Hetfield, Gary Moore, and Elvino Rey. If you are an aspiring guitarist or would like to play the Explorer yourself, consider purchasing one today. Gibson guitars are renowned for their quality and durability. And, the price is certainly reasonable.
Elvino Rey
Elvino Rey is an American guitarist best known for his work with the Gibson Explorer. He played this instrument for many years before settling down to start his solo career. He was a widower and amateur radio operator, who used the pseudonym Ira Ironstrings. Rey was also the brother-in-law of Warner Bros. Records exec Jim Conkling, who was a fan of the singer-songwriter’s music. Rey had an idea to record hi-fi Dixieland music, but he passed away a few months before the release of the album.
Rey’s electric guitar pioneer days have been celebrated in recent years. The guitarist was credited with the first electric guitar, which was later used in many film soundtracks and exotica albums. Rey played an electric guitar with a carbon-thread microphone, and his wife sang along with the lines of the song. This invention was later referred to as a “singing guitar” and was a huge success for Rey and his music.
James Hetfield
The guitar James Hetfield plays was originally a 1969 SG Standard with a tremolo bridge, and was given to him by a friend from high school, who played in a jazz ensemble. The guitar was cherry red with a black pickguard and was most likely traded for a PA system. James Hetfield eventually traded the instrument for a different model, but it remains a popular guitar.
Other instruments he plays include ESP Snakebyte guitars, a custom-made model for Hetfield by ESP. Hetfield also owns a white snakebite guitar, likely used during the mid-2010s. The snakebite features a mahogany body with an ebony fretboard and EMG James Hetfield’s signature humbuckers. For his solos, Hetfield typically plays a Gibson Explorer.
Gary Moore
While playing a Gibson Explorer, guitarist Gary Moore often uses the A5 model. This guitar first made its appearance during a live show in 1978. He used it during the songs “Are You Ready” and “Baby Drives Me Crazy.” It was later replaced with a white DiMarzio humbucker. Moore also used it on his 1985 album, The Last Days of the World. Today, the guitar is owned by John Marks, owner of Rare Star Guitars.
Having a Gibson Explorer allows Moore to achieve the grit and sustain needed for blues guitar playing. It was also the first guitar Moore bought. Its vintage design is highly reminiscent of the early 1950s Gibson Explorer models. The Explorer has a resonator that allows Moore to control the amount of output from the pickups. Moore’s original model has a vintage-inspired design, resembling an ebony wood body.
Gary Moore plays a Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer was made in the 1960s and is one of the most popular guitars among rock musicians. The Explorer is one of the most popular guitars ever, and Gary Moore has played it on numerous occasions. He first played the Explorer during a 1977 live performance of Thin Lizzy and was photographed playing it. He used the Explorer on songs such as “Are You Ready” and “Baby Drives Me Crazy.” The guitar has since been replaced by other Gibson models and is now owned by John Marks from Rare Star Guitars.
While recording this song, Moore used a prototype Marshall JTM-45 reissue head, and a Guv’nor distortion pedal. This was an experiment that helped Moore achieve his unique sound. Moore was also influenced by B.B. King and Albert Collins, who played with Moore on his debut album. The album is considered to be one of Moore’s best, and the Guv’nor pedal has earned it a place in the blues-rock history books.
Are Explorer guitars any good?
Key Features
The Explorer guitar boasts a slim tapered neck design, making it fast and effortless to play. However, due to its weight, some may find the instrument uncomfortable to hold for extended periods.
Signature Tone
The Gibson Explorer boasts a distinctive sound, which can be described as “fat” and aggressive. This is primarily due to the BurstBucker pickups and mahogany tone woods. Perfect for metal music or heavy classic rock music genres, the Explorer makes an excellent accompaniment.
Pickup Configuration
The pickups in a Gibson Explorer consist of one humbucker in the bridge and an individual pickup in the neck. This setup is similar to what SG and Les Paul use, though it produces slightly different tones.
Fretboard Size
The fretboard on the Gibson Explorer is Medium Jumbo. This slightly smaller size than standard Jumbo makes it ideal if you like to press down on strings and get some feedback.
Price
The prices of the Gibson Explorer range from low to high. Additionally, you may find more budget-friendly versions of this model by other brands such as Washburn, ESP, BC Rich, and Hamer.
The Gibson Explorer guitar is an iconic icon that is commonly associated with metal and heavy classic rock music. It also has a devoted following among Eric Clapton and Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.
How many Gibson Explorers are there?
When the Gibson Explorer first debuted in 1958, it looked like something dropped from a passing flying saucer. Like its sister model, the Flying V, this was Gibson’s attempt to break away from traditional solid-body shapes but ultimately failed miserably; production ended in 1963 with Gibson discontinuing the model after only four years on sale.
However, it did spark interest among hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Eventually, Gibson reissued the Explorer, becoming an iconic guitar.
Today, there is a wide selection of Gibson Explorers available on the market. Many feature humbucker pickups which produce an earthy and warm tone with excellent articulate control when playing distortion.
One of the most coveted Explorer models is the Gibson Explorer 83, manufactured between 1981 and 1984. This guitar boasts two humbuckers, a maple body and neck as well as 22-fret dot inlays, triangular knob patterns, and chrome-plated hardware for easy playing.
Another popular model is the Gibson Explorer Pro, released in 2007 and featuring a mahogany body. It has two p-90 pickups, chrome-plated hardware, and an innovative locking nut vibrato system.
The Gibson Explorer guitar was a beloved instrument during the 1970s and ’80s, and it has been reissued multiple times since then. This popular model remains in demand today at an accessible price point.
The Explorer guitar is an ideal option for guitarists looking for a reliable instrument with an eye-catching style. Not only that, but this model also boasts impressive durability – you can be sure it will last you a long time.
What were the earliest Gibson Explorers?
The original ’58 Explorer was an experiment and a hit among rockers. It pumped out gruff tones but had some shortcomings: it was too heavy for some guitarists and its “hockey stick” shape didn’t always fit comfortably in their hands.
Although the early ’58 Explorers never achieved great success, later models were adopted by iconic musicians like Metallica’s James Hetfield and U2’s The Edge. To this day, the Explorer remains one of the most iconic guitar shapes ever designed – its jagged body and unmistakably powerful sound still resonate today.
Hamer Guitars created a series of tributes to the Gibson Explorer in 1974. These guitars were meticulously hand-crafted, taking about one month each to construct. These guitars helped revive interest in the Explorer’s body shape and eventually led Gibson to revive it again in 1975.
The original Gibson Explorers were produced between 1958 and 1959 with Korina bodies. They came in natural, black, and white finishes as well as gold hardware for added appeal.
Gibson also released the Explorer II during this time, a classic rocker featuring two humbuckers, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. It also had a TP6 tailpiece, locking nut vibrato system, and chrome-plated hardware for easy portability.
In the 1980s, Gibson offered a selection of Explorer models including the Explorer 83 with an older body. It featured 2 humbuckers, a maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, 22-fret dot inlays, and triangular knob patterns.
