❌SOLD❌ Gibson Explorer Ebony, 2016

The Gibson Explorer was one of three radical new designs introduced in 1958, along with the Flying V, which made it into production, and the Moderne, which existed only in prototype. Despite best hopes, sales were poor and the models were discontinued in 1963. However, by the mid 1970’s musical tastes caught up to these 1958 models and they were re-introduced to production.

Here we’re looking at a Gibson Explorer in Ebony finish, with white/black/white pickguard . This example was built during 2016 in Nashville TN, and is in overall good clean condition though there is an extra pickguard screw hole by the neck pickup. Included in the case is a faux-tortoise pickguard, which likely would use that hole. The gloss black or ‘Ebony’ finish is in good condition with only light wear, and fret wear is negligible.

Woods used in the Explorer are few – Mahogany for the body and neck, and Indian Rosewood for the fingerboard. Hardware is also straightforward – a set of Grover Mini-Rotomatics on the ‘Scimitar’ headstock (also known informally as the hockey stick), a Nashville-style Tune-o-matic and Stop Tailpiece set. Electronics include a pair of humbuckers, pickup selector switch, two Volume controls and a master Tone control. The output jack is on the lower edge of the body.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Gibson Explorer has a particular and welcome feature that’s not visible – this is a relatively light guitar that tends to balance almost perfectly. When seated with the guitar on one thigh, it has no real tendency to droop one way or another. It’s a remarkably comfortable guitar to play.

Sold with a well-used, brown Gibson Explorer case. The case contains the alternate pickguard, hang tags, and truss rod adjustment tool.

Here’s the builder on the current 80’S Gibson Explorer:

“The Explorer™ was first introduced in 1958, and guitarists discovered its many charms as the years passed. Rockers embraced its futuristic shape and powerful sound by the 1970s, but during the hard rockin’ 80s, the model came into its own and was adopted by some of the greatest players of the decade. The new 80s Explorer is based on the popular 1984 model. It features a fast-playing SlimTaper™ mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard. The iconically-shaped mahogany body is outfitted with new 80s Tribute pickups that accurately capture the unique fat-toned sound and rich sustain of the models from that era. Now available in Ebony. A hardshell case is also included. “