Explorer Review

The classic space-age styled electric guitar with dual humbuckers, and Chrome hardware.

Features:	9.1
Sound:	9.4
Action:	8.9
Reliability:	9.5
Impression:	9.6
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	8.3
Comments:	95

overall: 8.8

Featured review by: Jamband3333, on january 09, 2006

Price paid: $ 1100

Purchased from: Birmingham, AL Guitar Center

Features: This thing is so sweet. My Explorer was made in 2005 in the US with 26 frets, maple fretboard, and a solid-top. It is black with a white pick guard. My pickups are what come with all Gibson Explorers and that is the 496R-500T ceramic humbuckers which I left in there instead of adding different ones because the sound is chunky and just perfect for all kinds of rock. It feels great but is not meant to be played sitting down. It is a stand-up guitar and is just awesome. // 10

Sound: It allows me to play all kinds of rock which is just perfect for me. On that guitar I can play stuff that I like back in the day like Led Zeppelin and '80s bands like Skid Row and stuff like punk like NOFX and Green Day to hardcore bands like As I Lay Dying and Throwdown. As far as my other setup goes I run the Explorer through a Roland 15-watt (small but loud as I need) and a Boss Metal Zone pedal. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: Everything set-up wise is great. The pickups were adjusted right and everything. The only thing is at Guitar Center, you can pick up just about any guitar there and plug it in and play it. The Explorer that was shipped to me had to chips off of it (about small finger nail size) but as soon as I notified them they were great about giving me a brand new one. That might sound greedy but if I pay 1100 for it I want it to be perfect you know. // 7

Reliability & Durability: You can, of course, definately use this guitar live and it will definately last. // 8

Impression: I play in rock and this is a great match for my guitar. I have been playing about 3 years and I own my Roland 15-watt amp and a Boss Metal Zone pedal and a Jackson Soloist SL3. I couldn't have chosen a better guitar. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 26, 2004

Purchased from: Play It Again Music

Features: Ok, recently I bought a revised 1976 Gibson Explorer. Black acrylic finish, with a pearly white pick-guard. The Explorer has 21 frets, with sound distortion, volume, tone, and a 3-way. It's a Active plug in with an amazing Maple neck. And the best thing is, it works pperfectly fine on a Berhinger bass amp. Good stuff... // 10

Sound: The style is DEAD ON to what I wanted to play, Punk and Heavy Metal. I use it with a little distortion here and there, but it sounds great on its own. And the sound on this Gibson, is the best sound you could ask for in a guitar. I LOVE the sound. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The set-up of my guitar was amazing, not a single defect, no loose nobs or plug-ins, not a scratch, not a smudge, just....perfect. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The 1976 Gbson Explorer was MADE for live playing, I've been playing it for days straight, and I've only had to tune it once becuase I dropped it, and it still didnt have a scratch on it or anything. That's how reliable this Explorer is... // 10

Impression: This guitar is everything that I could wish for. And the shape, haha don't even get me started on how much I love the shape. And comparing it with other guitars? Get A Real Guitar Friends! The 1976 Gibson Explorer Is Just The Thing You Need!!! // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: mookieman, on december 05, 2003

Price paid: $ 1363.35

Purchased from: Coda Music

Features: American made. 1 Tone knob, 2 Volume knobs. 496R pickup in the neck, 500T for the bridge pick-up. It's got an ebony finish, chrome hardware, tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. Came with a lovely hardcase. Built in 2001 but purchased in 2003. Everything you need - tuning stability, decent pickups, solid finish and a good quality body. No whisltles and bells like trems or effects. Supposedly rosewood fretboard, looks ebony, but it could be a heavily dyed rosewood. // 10

Sound: Lets start by eliminating this myth - the Explorer is not just a hard rock/metal guitar. It is versatile. You can get a nice blues sound, clean sound, classic rock sound, mild distortion and hard metal distortion, it all sounds good. Think who've used this guitar and embraced it; Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), The Edge (U2), Rivers Cuomos (Weezer), Wayne Static (Static-X), Metallica (pre-AJFA) and many others. This guitar is a nice guitar for most styles, though it's shape immediately suggests rock.

The 496R is nice, sounds good for blues and rock. Sometimes to bassy, but the tone/volume knobs can calm it down. Same with the 500T which is uber-hot, but still useful in certain styles particularly dirty sounds. And single notes ring nicely with an attack for blues runs. With a three way pick-up selector you can use 3 settings; 1)496R 2)496R + 500T 3)500T. I tend to use option 1 and 2 for cleans. Option 3 for just about all of my dirty sounds. If you roll all the knobs to 10 and crank up the gain you can get a nice metal crunch. Roll em back and its more rock n roll. It's a gorgeus pick-up combination.

I play bits of everything; blues, classic rock, and some modern rock (Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Filter, Nirvana) and some softer stuff (Counting Crows, Coldplay, Starsailor). This guitar suits most of those styles. Though you can't get any sounds remotely like single coil sounds, so i struggle to get any Chili Peppers or Starsailor sounds. I don't gig or play my own music, I play for fun.

If you play soft/clean stuff exclusively, look away from this and consider a s/c Fender, if you want buckers, a Les Paul or SG might be better. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: No dents. A couple of minor scuffs from nearly a years' playing it. Well finished, no sharp frets or bent parts. All solid as a rock. Pickup selector sometimes gets noisy, but its easily fixable and doesn't bother me. Action nice and low. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Gibson finishes are amazingly thick. Had to get straplocks installed. YOU MUST GET STRAPLOCKS! One strap button is on the back of the guitar, without straplocks the guitar comes off the strap. Could be goodbye headstock. Had to get it set up again soon after purchase because I had issues with fretbuzz, but I'm sure it was to do with me accidently changing the bridge height while changing strings. All fine now. // 10

Impression: I've been playing 2 years. I'm no shredder or guitar Prodigy, I just play what I hear and like. My favourite band is Foo Fighters, but I also dig the sounds of RHCP, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Filter and softer Indie bands like Starsailor, Coldplay and Radiohead.

I play through a Line 6 Flextone II which suits me fine. This guitar sounds good with any number of effects too. I also own an Ibanez RG320 which is alright, but I only have it because I wanted a Strat. Silly me should have bought a Strat and upgraded it. Oh well. I also have a Washburn D10CE Electro acoustic. I've also owned in the past a sunburst Squier Strat and a Fender Telecoustic.

This is one of my favourite guitar models. Now if only I could get a HSS config Strat and a Flying V to put alongside it. :D

I love this guitar because it goes where I want to go. It plays easy. I can do lead/rhythm/freaky stuff all on the same guitar. Looks okay too. // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: Hydra26, on january 05, 2008

Purchased from: Online

Features: 2007 Gibson Explorer with Short Vibrola. 22 frets, 24 3/4" scale, 2 volume, 1 tone, yadda yadda. You've all seen an Explorer, but what made me buy this was that it cam from the factory with 57 Classic pickups (neck-57 Classic, bridge 57 Classic Plus) and a vibrola. I figured I'd try something with a trem. Standard fare. Typical good construction similar to the other Gibsons I've owned. And since it's a slab of mahogany, you won't see Gibson wrecking the weight distribution/balance by chambering it for weight relief anytime soon I suspect. It has a nitro finish, which means it'll take some care early on until the lacquer fully cures. Small price to pay for it's longevity. // 9

Sound: Ok, the stock Explorer comes with the 496R/500T ceramic pickup set. Very hot. Really. A little too hot for me actually. I like metal, but I prefer a chunkier sound than the normal high gain stuff. These 57's are the bomb. If the regular Explorer is a flame thrower, the gotw edition is a Howitzer. Loud, punchy, very clear. I Switch over to lower gain settings on the amp and I'm playing Chuck Berry with no trouble at all. The trem is a nice gimmick, I don't use it much. You can't really dive bomb a Maestro like you can a floyd, you're not supposed to. Would probably work once or twice before the arm snapped off. But it's for warbling the pitch and it works reasonably well at that. My other explorers sound just as good unplugged but once I amp up, they sound a little too scooped by comparison. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar needed a truss rod adjustment when it arrived. A couple partial turns later, all was perfect. It rings and sustains like it should. I looked it over and I couldn't find even any minor blemishes. Furthermore, the transparent amber finish they used makes the neck and body the same color which I've seen a lot of variation on with natural finishes. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I haven't played this one live yet, but I've played its twin live and had no issues. This one seems jsut as solidly built. Unfortunately, Gold plating likes to wear off so I'm sure that will become an issue later on. I changed out the knobs (personal preference, replaced black speed knobs with amber tophats and pointer washers) and added schaller straplocks. It's be kinda stupid not to put straplocks on and I've found if I don't use them, the strap will wear swirl marks around the button. I expect this guitar to take anything I can dish out and sound better as the years go by for probably the remainder of my natural life barring fire, flood or some other catastrophe. // 10

Impression: I'm thrilled to bits with the new guitar. It takes what I though was alread a great guitar and just sonically broadens it's capability and impact even more. I use it for metal, rock, and such with the band, folk, rock and some other stuff for my own enjoyment. This one jumped out at me and it was worth the wait. I'm seriously considering pickup retrofit to the rest of my explorers now. // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on october 03, 2007

Purchased from: Musicians Friend

Features: I have a 2006 Gibson Explorer with natural finish with Gold hardware. I play all types of music from blues, surf, classic rock, metal and lots more which I play all with the Explorer. It has 21 frets with rosewood fingerboard with mahogany neck and body with a Tune-O-Matic bridge. It has one tone knob for both Humbuckers and a two volume knobs with a three way selector. It has 496R-500T Ceramic Humbuckers and it has mini grover tuners. The guitar came with a nice hard case with plush inside but the only complaint I had with the guitar was the case that it came with. The hardcase feels like it weighs 15 pound heavier then the Explorer. // 9

Sound: The Explorer is a great guitar for sound and looks. The guitar has great tone for many types of music. It is good for blues, rock, metal, and some slower music. The neck pickup is a little bassy but with the playing with the tone knob it clears out really well. It is good for a clean tone which is good for a jazz or blues tones. The bridge pickup 500T is a hot pickup and has a great treble and is good for dirtier tones and is also good for blues to hard rock distortion. The Explorer has great sustain better than my Gibson SG. The combination of the two Humbuckers gives you a great clean and dirty tone with is great for classic rock sound and is also a good clean tone with the gain put down. I use a Peavy 100 watt amp with a Boss GT 8 effects processor. I play with a band every week and this guitar is a great stand up guitar. It is one of the best guitar for Live performances but not just for it's looks(even thought it looks really awesome)but it has the best balance of any guitar I have ever played you can let the guitar go and it stays level(My Gibson SG always nosed dived) The draw back is the Explorer is not a good sit down guitar it can be done but it is somewhat unconformable siting. But it is a great all around guitar. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: I bought the Explorer from Musicians friend and the shipped it within two days. When I received it everything was perfect out of the box. I had no problems and I have had my Explorer for 10 months now and I still have no problems with it. The body is very strong I have hit the wings with chairs, walls, desk, with it and it hasn't been dented yet just light scratches. The gold hardware on my bridge is fading off but I heard it is pretty normal ware for the gold to ware off the bridge from the hand rubbing it off. But the electronics are great I had no buzzing or any type interference with my guitar. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar as I said earlier is a great for Live playing. I play live twice a week and it holds up great. I recommend getting strap locks for it just with experience with my older guitars I have always had straps falling off my guitars and almost falling on the ground and with a $1,200 guitar Strap locks is quality cheap insurance. I can depend on this guitar lasting throughout the whole performance without any problems. // 10

Impression: I play blues, some jazz, metal, surf, rock and many more. I have been playing for about 5 years been playing Live for a 4.5 years playing lead guitar in my band. My first guitar was a Silvertone SG after that I knew I needed a better quality guitar. Right now I still have the Silvertone SG, I have Gibson SG which is a great Guitar as well, And last but not least and my favorite is my Gibson Explorer. I would love to buy more Explorers if I could, but my wallet won't let me. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: metal jello, on may 07, 2007

Purchased from: Larry Morgan's Music (at the Dallas guitar show)

Features: My Explorer is a 2006 ebony. It came with Grover tuners, hich ock, but I changed them to those crazy auto-trim locking tuners. They cut the string for you! A solid Mahogany body and rosewood 22 fret (not 26 fret)neck give this beast the sustin it needs to play anything and do anything. The stock 496r and 500t are amazing and sound clear but also get good distortion when you want it. Case included, but be sure you know how to set it before you pull the red tab out. // 10

Sound: I typically blend classical and blues techniques into heavy metal. This guitar can do anything, twangy country (except the Explorer shape doesn't fit country to well) to alternative and screemo (whick I hate). The sound is fat and punchy and makes walls shake and can kill small furry animals. It can do anything. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was awesome, fast and easy. The finish is so strong, I accidentally bumped the big tail fin around and it is still beautiful. Not a single scratch. This guitar was built for the road and built for a true guitarist Who knows what he's doing. The only down side is the black finih being hard to keep clean, but that's completely normal. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The one and only guitar to gig with, you don't even need backup. Live, recording, or hobbying, this guitar is perfect and built to last. My best friend. The finish, tuning, action, look, and sound are amazing and are untouched by any instrument ever made. The strap buttons hold well, but get Schaller strap locks for security. I think this guitar could last forever. // 10

Impression: Like I said, no matter what style you play, this guitar is for you. The pickups can get any sound, whether it be bright, twangy, crystal-clear country type sounds, to dirty tone full metal solid-body distortion sound that sustains forever and causes 3rd degree burns. The greatest guitar ever. If it were to get stolen, I would hunt that evil person down and torture them so inhumanly I'll have warrants for my arrest in every country. // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 22, 2005

Price paid: $ 948

Purchased from: Long and McQuade

Features: It's an American Gibson, what more can I say. It's a solid body, neck through, rosewood fretboard. Metallic yellow paint. It's quite unique looking, with the yellow paint on silver hardware. // 8

Sound: It sounds awesome when it's plugged in. When it isn't it's quite noisy, and a pretty harsh buzz comes from the neck pickup, which is unnoticable when plugged in. It also has mini humbuckers, which can be fun to play around with as theres alot you can do with them. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: The body and paint were nicely done, or so I thought when I bought it. Once I brought it home I examined it a bit more and found a bit of chipping where the covers on the back meet the body. The volume and tone knobs are a bit loose, and so is the pickup selector, but it's liveable. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I think it would withstand it, yes. The hardware seems okay and that it should last a while. The strap buttons are solid, a little bit over sized, which in my opinion is a good thing but something like that could be quite controversial. // 8

Impression: I play anywhere from soft, minor rock, to heavy thrash metal, which this guitar can pull pretty well anything off, so as far as matching my personality, I think its quite good. I've played a while, and all I have either than this are Jackson's, BC Rich's, and Fender's. And I wanted to try something different. If it were stolen, I would probably get something else, as I dont think it was worth the money I paid. I loved the action, and hated how it was a halfassed paintjob. The only thing I wish it had, was an ebony fretboard wither than that, it's alright // 8

overall: 8

Reviewed by: kai29, on september 14, 2007

Price paid: $ 1280

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I bought this guitar about a month ago. It was made in May 2007 in Nashville. 22 frets Classic White with Ebony fretboard solid mahagany body set neck tune-o-matic bridge. You know, the Standard. Came with a case. Not too much razzle dazzle. For what it has, it is good. Could use better pickups. // 7

Sound: Sounds great! I play many different types of music. I dislike metal, but if I wanted to play it I could. It hums a little when the volume on the guitar is above 3. It doesn't have great treble but a pup change can fix those minor problems. I'd say this guitar is very versatile. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: This area is my only complaint. There was and is minor buzzing. The guy at guitar center was too lazy to check it out when I asked him, but I am going back on Saturday before the warranty runs out to get it set up. The action is probably as good as it gets. It plays very well though. The intonation is off on 4 strings and on the other 2 it is decent. The toggle Switch comes loose and doesn't lock too well in bridge or neck positions. The saddles in the bridge weren't carved out well enough and some look like they were cut twice. // 6

Reliability & Durability: After a straplock system is installed then it should be great for Live playing. Everything about this guitar seems durable to me. No problems yet, just be careful with the wings. I haven't played Live yet but I will. If I had money I would get a backup but for a small gig, I wouldn't worry about playing w/o a backup. // 10

Impression: I love mine. I have been playing for 5 years and this is my second electric. It's about time too. I wish that the guy at guitar center wasn't such a jerk. They really need more qualified people there. He wouldn't lower the price at all for cosmetic blemishes on another one so I had to travel there back and there again for a good guitar. 45 miles. If it was stolen, I wouldn't have money for another one but I would easily buy another. // 9

Comments

[595Metallica595]

good lord 26 frets! if i had the money id buy this baby

[Johnny Blade]

what a ****ing ugly guitar!

[frett_ledgend]

**** off johnny blade is the best ever

[big-T]

i would never buy an explorer, firebird yes, explorer no

[CDawg211]

i don't know what johnny blade was thinking, maybe he's high or something. but the explorer is perfect for playing the freebird solo. I'd buy one in a second, i just don't have 1600$, it still is one of the coolest guitars ever.

[maidenrulz19]

i would get a expolorer any day but id rather get a dean expolorer than a gibson it just cost to much anyways i just bought a gibson v and i cant waste any more money

[Spartan 117]

wtf? the first review said his had 26 frets!

[Dominish]

hey how much would one of these tings cost in english pounds? £££££

[wmzbomgzors]

26 frets

[i bleed metal]

26 frets? thats bull, unless he customized the neck, its 22

[mr_j_o]

come on big T what wrong with the explorer??? the firebird was born from the explorer. I own a gibson '76 reissue its very nice but it doesn't quite compare to my RR1 but its still very destructive.

[joe124]

its about £850-£1000 ish in the uk

[UnsignedRecords]

$1100 - $1200 is perfecttt. maybe a little overpriced actually...

[bluehawk15620]

just played one today at guitar center....god i want one soooo bad

[PhantomWuss95]

Claudio Sanchez uses Explorers

[cukd7x-a2-]

i am saving to buy one, but i still have 2 YEARS till i can work, so, wishful thinking

[jthm_guitarist]

"It sounds awesome when it's plugged in. When it isn't it's quite noisy, and a pretty harsh buzz comes from the neck pickup, which is unnoticable when plugged in. It also has mini humbuckers, which can be fun to play around with as theres alot you can do with them."

HOW CAN A PICKUP BE NOISY WHEN IT'S UNPLUGGED? DOES ANYONE ELSE UNDERSTAND THAT UP THERE??

[H, Omitted]

James Hetfield, rhythm guitar/vocals for Metallica uses Explorers.

[Cliff_lives]

The first reveiw guy has a Gibson Explorer, and a Freakin Jackson Soloist but runs them through a 15watt amp!! What the hell!! great reveiw but stop spending your money on sweeeeet guitars and buy a bigger amp...thats all im sayin....

[XMetallicaX]

tHIS gUiTaR iS iNsAnE
just like that writing

[dwal11]

I'm planning to buy an explorer and need to know has anyone had any trouble with playing at the 21st-22nd fret on their explorer on account of the horn bit with the pickup selector on it? It looks like it gets in the way with fitting your hand between that and the fretboard

[nalapoke]

I love explorers, Claudio shreds with explorers and he rocks, so what else is there to say?

[kfong03]

beautiful

[EpiPaul]

whoever posted 26 frets is a noob. and whoever posted that it has mini buckers and a "yellow" finish is even more of a noob. the wood is yellow... it's korina remember? anyway this guitar is perfect for any rock - awesome stage prescence and a great tock sound. and it has 22 frets...lol

[Steven Jack]

26 freTS?? did he accidently type 6 instead of of 22??

[uninsane_guitar]

the most frets i have counted on a guitar was 24, and i have seen quite a few guitars, but he must be from some far off planet where they add two to everything

[metal jello]

The most amazing guitar EVER!!! Metallicious baby!!!
My best guitar and the best guitar I could own. You NEED to get one.

[\m/Torin\m/]

the explorer is an amazing guitar but the price is too steep for me. but i'd kill to have one!

[metal jello]

It's worth every penny, it may be expensive but this thing is incredible.

[GiR 2.0]

i bleed metal wrote:

26 frets? thats bull, unless he customized the neck, its 22

WELL, THANKS A LOT I BLEED METAL. You SOB. You ruined my dreams. YOU RUINED MY DREAMS!!!!!

[GiR 2.0]

I gotta get me one of those babies. I've always wanted 'em, so I try to get the Ephiphone Explorers. They're cheaper, but they back the same punch. But man, I would love to have this guitar. I'd be like James Hetfield or that fat kid who couldn't play guitar. Dammit, why didn't I steal and take it to the gypsies! I could've set fire to the gypsies and escaped with that damned guitar. CURSE YOU GYPSIES!!!

[techmetalftw]

I got one of these badass guitars in Heritage Cherry. It's been my main guitar for almost a year now and I have no complaints.

[GreekRockr9]

I'll be getting a natural finish Explorer here in about a month. I'm really really excited! I've only played them a couple times but they're amazing!

[Ismail93]

I've had mine for almost a year now. It has 22 frets. 22. Not 26. It is beautiful. It is black with a white pick guard.

[doug789]

Im hoping to get one soon. Does anyone no if the guitar is awkward to sit down and play?

[metal jello]

The explorer is most comfortably standing, but sitting isn't like torture. The tail fin makes it hard to rest your picking arm comfotably while playing, but it's not that bad. Just sit on a tall bench and keep your feet on the floor. You would be like, half standing and half sitting, with the guitar still staying low. That's a more comfortable way to rest while playing.

[GreekRockr9]

Update: I'm buying this baby in Natural finish tomorrow!!!!! I'm so excited!

[Timus]

EMG pickups go well with this, otherwise its brill on its own; unfornately I don't own one but have heard it played. Les Paul beats it though ...

[chancevalentine]

Explorer is a great guitar. I had one for a few years until I got a Jackson RR3 Rhoads V, then I never played it anymore and sold it. It is an awesome guitar, just not my style anymore.

[stafford5150]

H, Omitted wrote:

James Hetfield, rhythm guitar/vocals for Metallica uses Explorers.

doesnt hetfield use esp's? considering he is endorsed by them

[tornoutlaw]

He used to, pre ..and Justice For All (I believe, I could be totally wrong).

I totally fell in love with this guitar after watching Claudio from Coheed and Cambria playing one. Hopefully I will get one in a few months, when I have saved up a couple of hundred quid more.

[tornoutlaw]

whoops, I mean he used to use Gibson's, before the ESP's (sorry if that wasn't clear)

[Mr Lordi]

michael angelo batio has 28 frets so its not unbelievable I NEED AND EXPLORER cept I cant work still too young xD

[ralleymonkey]

Hey i need some help . a couple ppl i know say these guitars are really bulky, body heavy and weigh a tone. iv never played one but someone who owns one can u plz help me with some answers to solve my delema cheers

[Metallicaxp]

ralleymonkey wrote:

Hey i need some help . a couple ppl i know say these guitars are really bulky, body heavy and weigh a tone. iv never played one but someone who owns one can u plz help me with some answers to solve my delema cheers

well ive played em, and there really nice, not bulky persay, yea the tail finn is big but not in the way so ui cant play big, while stiing is not that hard (different style of playin i guess) but it doesnt weigh any more than a les paul...

[j2112c]

2 questions: Can you get similar sounds to a Les Paul out of an explorer?
Anybody who has a white one... how does the finish last as I hear they can discolour and the wood colour can bleed through is this a major issue? (This is one reason the main importer states in the UK for not holding stock of white ones).

[the_lil_rocker]

got one of these 4 $400 guy didnt know what he was selling!

[LazyLatinoRocke]

^lucky soab

[NorfIrIon]

I demand pointyness and 30 frets, then this guitar will be, infact, perfect.

[tragicpunk]

i love mine, had it for bout 8 months, after just randomly seeing it in a store. just to help the curious:
i) its definitely not uncomfortable to play sitting down
ii) its actually lighter than my strat...
iii)its def 22 frets
iv) i got mine for bout £800, although it is b-stock

[minivia]

is that the paintjob gibson put on the explorer or was it custom painted by somone later, either way looks awsome

[-blaze-]

the_lil_rocker :
got one of these 4 $400 guy didnt know what he was selling!

lucky bastard. I'll take it off your hands for 450. lmao. =D

[whosamerica]

i dunno. i think id want a hotter pickup at the bridge. haha... but im a gain junkie. so thats just me.

[dale-banez]

H, Omitted wrote:

James Hetfield, rhythm guitar/vocals for Metallica uses Explorers.

the ones he uses are ESP

[Frusciante30]

F**king hideous.

[guitarsolo_17]

26 frets?

[acdc1]

love mine only down falls are it only has 22 frets and the case i got is huge, everyone thinks its a base

[acdc1]

hetfield used to use one also a flying v but he he switched to esp

[Slash_HuDsOn]

stafford5150 wrote:

H, Omitted wrote:

James Hetfield, rhythm guitar/vocals for Metallica uses Explorers.

doesnt hetfield use esp's? considering he is endorsed by them

used to use gibson now he uses the ESP custom versions

[HavokStrife]

Man...

This guitar doesn't have 26, 21, 16, 8, 77, 125, or 3 frets, it has TWENTY-TWO.

I know, cuz I just bought one.

And in case anyone is wondering, it totally disproves just about ever Gibson rumor there is. There's just one thing though, it's a '92. Newer Gibson's probably do have the finish problems and such that they're known for.

But as far as -mine- goes: Perfectly balanced, not as heavy on the shoulder as you'd think, plays better than just about any guitar I've ever played, sounds better than just about any guitar I've ever played (still swapping the pickups though, gotta.), and, of course, reach to the 22nd fret (on the 6th string :P)isn't too hard, because the neck is actually, *gasp* on the thin side.

Despite the haggard decals or whatever on the default picture, the Explore is a totally badass guitar.

[Cobalt Blue]

I was going to say, 26 frets? that had to have been a typo.

[IMABBALLPLAYER]

someday... someday...

that is one nice guitar.

[human panda]

Nice guitar

[Slovak_Ghost]

first all mookieman.....
you name all of these people playing explorers.....

Think who've used this guitar and embraced it; Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), The Edge (U2), Rivers Cuomos (Weezer), Wayne Static (Static-X), Metallica (pre-AJFA) and many others.

know what you are talking about....Wayne Static and James Hetfield both play esp guitars.....dumbass

[Thewolf_and_man]

"On that guitar I can play stuff that I like back in the day like Led Zeppelin and '80s bands like Skid Row and stuff like punk like NOFX and Green Day to hardcore bands like As I Lay Dying and Throwdown."

Six 'like' in that sentence...

[fretsonfire74]

this is my favourite gibson.

[MESAexplorer]

EpiPaul wrote:

whoever posted 26 frets is a noob. and whoever posted that it has mini buckers and a "yellow" finish is even more of a noob. the wood is yellow... it's korina remember? anyway this guitar is perfect for any rock - awesome stage prescence and a great tock sound. and it has 22 frets...lol

Gibson made an Explorer Studio version that can come in a yellow finish with mini humbuckers noob.

They do have 22 frets though, so basically you can disregard just about all the reviews,it's just BS. People are probably writing fake reviews of stuff they've never played but they think james hetfield is cool so it deserves 10s across the board.

[GoWithTheFlow]

holy shit 26 frets? i was completley un aware of this!

[Dean-Junkie]

jthm_guitarist wrote:

"It sounds awesome when it's plugged in. When it isn't it's quite noisy, and a pretty harsh buzz comes from the neck pickup, which is unnoticable when plugged in. It also has mini humbuckers, which can be fun to play around with as theres alot you can do with them."

HOW CAN A PICKUP BE NOISY WHEN IT'S UNPLUGGED? DOES ANYONE ELSE UNDERSTAND THAT UP THERE??

I think he meant when he turns the volume knob down.....even tho im not sure, actually.

[Ali-b912]

GiR 2.0 wrote:

I gotta get me one of those babies. I've always wanted 'em, so I try to get the Ephiphone Explorers. They're cheaper, but they back the same punch. But man, I would love to have this guitar. I'd be like James Hetfield or that fat kid who couldn't play guitar. Dammit, why didn't I steal and take it to the gypsies! I could've set fire to the gypsies and escaped with that damned guitar. CURSE YOU GYPSIES!!!

James plays an ESP most of the time. but the gibson wins points for originality. but how i love the ESP's spikes..

[Silence@FullVol]

jthm_guitarist wrote:

"It sounds awesome when it's plugged in. When it isn't it's quite noisy, and a pretty harsh buzz comes from the neck pickup, which is unnoticable when plugged in. It also has mini humbuckers, which can be fun to play around with as theres alot you can do with them."

HOW CAN A PICKUP BE NOISY WHEN IT'S UNPLUGGED? DOES ANYONE ELSE UNDERSTAND THAT UP THERE??

there could be something loose, making it rattle or "buzz". just a possibility

[E V H 5150]

MESAexplorer wrote:

EpiPaul wrote:

whoever posted 26 frets is a noob. and whoever posted that it has mini buckers and a "yellow" finish is even more of a noob. the wood is yellow... it's korina remember? anyway this guitar is perfect for any rock - awesome stage prescence and a great tock sound. and it has 22 frets...lol


Gibson made an Explorer Studio version that can come in a yellow finish with mini humbuckers noob.

They do have 22 frets though, so basically you can disregard just about all the reviews,it's just BS. People are probably writing fake reviews of stuff they've never played but they think james hetfield is cool so it deserves 10s across the board.

I noticed that unregistered reviews tend to glorify the instrument, and sound like a sales pitch instead of an unbiased review.

[LD_Luke D]

notice how some people run amazing guitars, like the first review, but run it through a small amp, i had a fender 15 watt (i think it was 15 watts, really little tho) , and i upgraded to a line 6 spider 3 75 watt amp and the difference is huge. i know you might not need all that power, but the line 6 is deffineteley better made then my old fender one. it better be, considering what the price diff was. and it is so im happy

[keavo5]

Wow Rockers i just purchased one and it sounds Lush !!

[JamesCopti]

Your explorer does not ****ing have 26 frets.

[Ringtone]

I think explorers are possibly the ugliest guitars in existance. I don't care how amazing they sound, they're hideous.

[Feak329]

GoWithTheFlow wrote:

holy shit 26 frets? i was completley un aware of this!

As said before mate it has 22 and the pic can prove it or else the very bottom would have another double dot set and 6 more tiny spaces and i read above that dude said 26 frets impossible but mate there was review a while back maybe in sept or august or osmething with like 28 frets...

[The Arch-Mage]

Ringtone wrote:

I think explorers are possibly the ugliest guitars in existance. I don't care how amazing they sound, they're hideous.

It's nice know I'm not alone on that. It's true that it may have great sound, but it is, quite literally, the most ugly guitar shape I have ever seen.

[-blaze-]

No, the Gibson Firebird is much uglier. Explorers are amazing. Skwisgaar uses them =D

[Hydra26]

The one in the pic is an 80's paintjob. They did them in "designer" colors back then. I should point out,t hat my review is of the GOTW edition with vibrola. Although it's very very similar to the stock explorer ithas a few differences - 57 Classic and 57 Classic+ pups instead of 496r/500t, short vibrola instead of stop tail, and i cna't be sure, but i think the peghead has slightly more pitch to it.

[RiffOffUrFace]

explorers are alright firebirds are disgusting

[millynell14]

GoWithTheFlow wrote:

holy shit 26 frets? i was completley un aware of this!

wow you are an idiot for thinking it actually has 26, IT HAS 22!!!!

[I am Samuel]

I have one, I play indie almost exclusively; no metal, hard/rock or anything. I have to admit, It's been gathering dust lately; I play my MIM strat much more. The neck pickup has a beautiful clean sound, but that's all I use it for. My other beef with it, is that it looks far too 'MeTaL'.

[BlisteringDDj]

Friebird's beautiful, Explorer's amazing! I have a Gibson Explorer with natural finish and gold hardware. Looks awesome, plays well, sounds great! Fits all rock and metal. I haven't really thought of it that much, but the headstock of the guitar is far by the coolest headstock I've ever seen. As some reviewers said: It's smart to use strap locks.

[Triumph2002]

I own one of this bastards, Seymour Duncan SH2n and SH-5 at the bridge. I made the rest of the band crap their pants when I used for the first time at practice. Not bad for a mid range priced guitar, and MADE in the U.S.A. I would like 26 frets but only in dreams, unless you $hi# money for custom shop.

[Rocker115]

My friend HATES these guitars, i think he can go f**k himself!!

[McGeee]

EMG pickups go well with this, otherwise its brill on its own; unfornately I don't own one but have heard it played. Les Paul beats it though

...Please, to anybody who read that, don't put EMG's into a Gibson...or anything else high-end for that matter. Don't get me wrong, EMG's are great pickups...but the whole point of those things is to (1)Give you that extra bit of volume and (2) make a crappy guitar sound really good. With those pickups (and any active pickup for that matter) you hear virtually none of the attributes of the guitar itself (wood, binding, finish). With an 81 and 85 a $400 ibanez will sound the same as a $2500 Gibson Les Paul standard...oh, and the Gibson pickups school EMG's...they are passive pickups and are still higher output (the 500T in the bridge in Gibson's highest output passive pickup).

[McGeee]

Also, due to much mis-information read thus far here we go. The Gibson Explorer has 22 frets...that's it...not 21 or 26, but 22 with a 24.75 scale neck. The body is solid mahagony as is the headstock and neck acompanied by a rosewood fretboard (unless you get it in alpine white which comes with an ebony fretboard). It comes with a Gibson 495T in the neck (very high output) and a 500T in the bridge (Gibson's highest output, matched only by the dirty fingers). As odd and rock-ish as the guitar looks it also has the best center of balance out of all the Gibson models. Where the SG is neck heavy and the Les Paul is bottom heavy, the Explorer is actually practically perfect in its center of balance and is actually extremely comfortable standing, sitting traditional, or sitting with the back on your right thigh (similar to how you would sit with a V, but more more effective). As showy as this guitar may seem it is actually rediculously practical and crosses all genres of music with no problems...blues, classic rock, metal, and virtually everything in between.

[McGeee]

Slovak_Ghost :
first all mookieman.....
you name all of these people playing explorers.....
Think who've used this guitar and embraced it; Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), The Edge (U2), Rivers Cuomos (Weezer), Wayne Static (Static-X), Metallica (pre-AJFA) and many others.


know what you are talking about....Wayne Static and James Hetfield both play esp guitars.....dumbass

Pretty sure those guys play about 10 different guitars...including an explorer.

[luke-bassist]

the firebird wasn't made from an explorer. The firebird originally non-reverse body, but it wasn't selling thats why its different now. anyway explorers suck eggs. my friend has one and it has a crap sound and the neck feels slow and slimy.

[metal jello]

GiR 2.0 wrote:

i bleed metal wrote:

26 frets? thats bull, unless he customized the neck, its 22


WELL, THANKS A LOT I BLEED METAL. You SOB. You ruined my dreams. YOU RUINED MY DREAMS!!!!!

Hey, I've seen a really old guitar with about 31 frets.... It was INSANE!!!!!

[joesyrnichenko]

i just bought a 84' reissue and i was wondering what gauge of strings you would recommend. i play mostly metal in drop c but i wonder if it would be possible to alternate between drop c and standard tuning with out having to set up the guitar again

[Multiplayerjon]

I like the one in the photo... look gnarlay

[SyazaVengeance]

wait!
I need people's Opinion!
SHOULD I BUY EXPLORER OR LES PAUL???!!!
I CANT MAKE UP MY MIND!

[BlisteringDDj]

luke-bassist wrote:

the firebird wasn't made from an explorer. The firebird originally non-reverse body, but it wasn't selling thats why its different now. anyway explorers suck eggs. my friend has one and it has a crap sound and the neck feels slow and slimy.

Does he have the Gibson Explorer? Because mine is fast as hell, and I have really small hands. It doesn't sound crap either, but neither does it sound superb. That can be fixed with a pickup change anyway. The stock Gibson pickups are decent though, and they give a nice clean sound.