Gibson Explorer Gothic II Electric Guitar with EMG Pickups (with Case)

Gibson's Gothic series of guitars have a dark and foreboding persona and a sound that will steal your soul.

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Gibson Explorer Gothic II Electric Guitar with EMG Pickups (with Case) reviews

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13 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10

 

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* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Gothic Explorer is back, and better"

Feature:
The guitar is flat black with a black pickguard and no inlays on the neck anywhere. There is also no picture of Orville Gibson on the back of the neck as there was with the 2000 model. It does have the all black chrome tune-o-matic bridge and black tuners. The battery compartment is on the back of the guitar and takes one 9v battery for the EMGs. It came with a nice lockable case with a plush white interior.

Quality:
Very nicely made, well set up from the factory but I'm sure will need adjustment once 10-52s are installed. The flat black finish is nice... I did not expect that you would still be able to see the wood grain underneath it. It looks classy and contrasts with the black pickguard.

Value:
I thought the value was great. It was identically priced to other explorer models that did not come with the EMGs and they are easily a $200 bonus value.

Desirability:
I ordered this sight-unseen as zzounds still did not have a picture up or much in the way of a description. The guitar did not disappoint, and is significantly nicer than Epiphone versions I have played in my local guitar store. I'm glad I did not have to buy a model year 2000 version with 498/500 pickups in questionable condition from ebay. Thank you Gibson for releasing this guitar, with the EMGs that finally do justice to the looks.

Sound:
Great sound from the EMG 85 neck pickup and EMG 81 bridge pickup. This guitar sustains very nicely and the heavy wood body plays a role in that I'm sure.

Ease of Use:
I also own a Gibson SG, so other than a wider neck and heavier body, it felt very similar. The tuners are a bit cramped together but I suppose it is that way with every variety of Explorer. There are two volume knobs, one tone, and a 3 way toggle just like most other Gibson guitars.

Support:
Rated 6 because I have not had to deal with the company with either of the Gibsons I own. They are quality and easily DIY adjustable so I don't really see why I would need to deal with the factory.

Overall:
Very happy with the guitar and the beautiful case. If something were to happen to this guitar and it was lost or stolen, I hope Gibson is still making them new, because I would not hesitate to replace it with the exact same model. It has a great heavy resonant body, and I'm glad I chose to go with this model instead of installing EMG81/85 in my Gibson SG, as I'm sure it would not end up sounding the same as this very nice combo.

Submitted: 11/2/2007

Style of Music: metal, prog, jazz

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About This Product!
Description
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From Our Catalog
Gibson builds their Gothic guitars with a dark vibe that's more than just a black paint-job. Features include a mahogany body, a 1959 rounded Les Paul neck shape, and an ebony fingerboard. Its pickups are EMG 81/85 humbuckers. Other features include black chrome hardware, Grover kidney tuners and a Tune-o-matic bridge. Can it get blacker than this no, none more blacker.

Includes a Deluxe Gibson Hardshell Case.

Technical Info

Body: Mahogany

Neck/Profile: Mahogany/1959 Rounded Les Paul

Fingerboard/Inlay: Ebony/Side markers

Scale/Nut Width: 24-3/4 inches / 1-11/16 inches

Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic/Stop bar

Hardware: Black chrome; graphite nut; Grover kidney tuners

Pickups: EMG 81/85 humbuckers

Controls: Two volume, one tone, three-way switch

Strings: Brite Wires .009-.042

Finish: Satin Black

Audio Samples

How much more black could it be? Way beyond the paint-job, this axe has an inky darkness that penetrates down to your soul. Mahogany body and neck with ebony fingerboard deliver deep, murky resonance, and the EMG 81/85 humbuckers carve out a ragged hole in your innermost core. Includes deluxe hardshell case.

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