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Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case)

The Gibson Explorer is a rock and roll classic. With unmistakable looks and dual humbuckers, there's only one Gibson Explorer.

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With its jagged body and no-nonsense tone, the Gibson Explorer is an instantly recognizable hard-rock icon. Closely associated with the heavy metal explosion of the late '70s and early '80s, the Explorer was actually first introduced back in 1958 along with its sister, the Flying V. While the original '58 run of Explorers never really caught on (though have since fetched some of the highest auction prices of any guitar, ever), later releases of the Explorer were embraced by the who's who of rock titans like Metallica's James Hetfield and U2's The Edge. Today's Explorer carries all the wicked style and snarling tone of the classics with superb tonewoods and a pair of powerful humbucking pickups.

See the Explorer in action with this video from Gibson:

Excellent Tonewoods and Classic Hardware

Today's Gibson Explorers are built with a mahogany neck and body. Known for its resonance, mahogany is exactly the right wood to use when going for s big, rock tone. Both pieces are connected with a sturdy set-neck tenon which enhances the guitar's sustain -- the legendary sustain of Gibsons like the Explorer is one of the main reasons these have been go-to metal axes for decades. Tapping into the very best in the model's long legacy, the Explorer includes a tune-o-matic bridge, mini grover tuners on the angular headstock, pearloid dot inlays, and a ergonomic rounded neck profile.

Super Hot Humbuckers

The Gibson Explorer features two ceramic-based humbuckers with a Gibson 496R in the neck position and a 500T at the bridge. Both pickups churn out a full-ranged of heated tones with low-end growl for power chords and the high-end squeal for shredding. The dual-coils have been left uncovered which gives a little more high-end bite to the complex tonal picture.

Features:

- Classic Explorer design
- Mahogany neck and body with sturdy neck joint
- Hot humbucker pickups -- 496R and 500T -- for excellent rock tones
- Rounded neck profile, great for power chord chugging and high-fret shredding
- Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
- Angular headstock with mini Grover tuners
- Included hardshell case

The latest Gibson Explorer is nearly identical to the second wave of Explorer production from the mid-to-late '70s. Guitarists of that era flocked to the Explorer for its bold body design, easy playability, and spectacular rock tone. With the current line of outstanding Explorer design, modern guitarists are sure to do the same. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Gibson products.

Manufactured in: Nashville, TN

Body Species: Mahogany

Neck Species: Mahogany

Profile: Rounded

Neck Joint Location: 19

Fingerboard Species: Rosewood; Ebony on Classic White

Scale Length: 24-3/4 in.

Nut Width: 11-1/16 in.

Inlays: Pearloid Dot

Hardware Plating Finish: Chrome

Tailpiece: Stopbar

Bridge: Tune-o-matic

Knobs: Black Speed

Tuners: Mini Grovers

Neck Pickups: 496R Ceramic magnet humbucker

Bridge Pickups: 500T Ceramic magnet humbucker

Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone, 3-way switch

Strings: Brite Wires .010-.046

Case Interior: Dark Gray Plush

Case Exterior: Black Reptile Pattern Hardshell

Case Silkscreen: Silver 'Gibson USA' logo

Gibson Warranty

Gibson Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-4GIBSON

zZounds is an
authorized Gibson dealer

Product Description

zZounds is an
authorized Gibson dealer

The Explorer's radical body shape debuted in 1958 and was almost 20 years ahead of its time. Not until the late 1970s did rock and roll's most daring guitarists embrace the cutting-edge model making the Explorer a rock classic ever since. Today's Explorer uses high-quality tonewoods and hardware for a guitar with outstanding tone and playability.

Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

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What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "zZounds is the best! They carry many of the top brands and their Play as you Pay installment plan allows me to split my order into low monthly payments." - customer on May 9, 2013

Customer Reviews

5 out of 5 (41 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 10 Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case) Reviews

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Balls to the walls TONE MONSTER"

Overall: I have several Gibson Les Pauls, and I have wanted an Explorer since I was a kid. I bought the Cherry version, and I couldnt be more pleased. When I opened the case, I was blown away by the looks alone... Shiny trans Cherry sitting in the plush white case... It just screamed "lets rock". When I picked it up, I first noticed the action was high for me. I lowered it a bit, adjusted the truss rod, and intonation. then I plugged it up to my Marshall DSL100. The clean sound was so big and full of that Gibson tone. The bridge pup had a bit of bite, but still had a good tone. The neck pup sounds smooth and mellow, and has a great feel. When I kicked in the overdrive channel, I was REALLY blown away. The pickups are much hotter than I expected. The harmonics just jump off the neck... The neck pup has such a sweet lead tone... I could solo all day with that sound! The sustain of this guitar is almost as good as my '04 Les Paul Standard. Also, I was surprised by how well balanced it is. I thought it would be neck heavy.... but it is perfect. When you let go of the neck, it stays right where its supposed to. For the price, you cant go wrong. The build quality is there- the finish is flawless. The only thing I would change, is I would have Grover mini locking tuners come standard on it. But the stock grovers seem to be doing just fine. I still ordered locking ones... I put them on every guitar I have. I saw in another review where someone said this guitar is impossible to play sitting down. I disagree. It is just as comfortable to play sitting down as it is standing up. I think a Maple top on this would be a cool addition and would add a bit more highs to the sound, not to mention it would look cool. But im not complaining. This guitar suits everything I play. I play in two rock bands that cover everything from 80s metal to modern rock, and I believe this will do it all. Ive had it for two days now and havent put it down much.... I have two gigs this weekend, and cant wait to unleash this beast. Not only does it sound amazing, but there isnt a more cool looking guitar than an Explorer. If you want a high quality guitar that sounds amazing and looks even better, I highly recommend this.

Style of Music: 80s rock, hair metal, modern rock, blues, classic rock.

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Hetfield-Gibson is a great buy"

Sound: The guitar sounds great. It needs a little bit of tweaking with the amp, and its perfect. Feature: The guitar is a Gibson, and the look is just awesome Ease of Use: There is no easy way to play this sitting down. Standing up its a surprisingly light guitar, and the neck is extremely comfortable. I was amazed at how easy it was to play Quality: This guitar will stand up to any amount of shredding you throw at it. Mine came with the Ebony finish, and the paint was perfect, not a single imperfection. Value: I would gladly pay more for this guitar. This is a life time gig machine for me Manufacturer Support: I've never had to call, so i'm assuming their good Overall: I will most likely look to buying more guitars, but this one is certainly a good buy, and can never be truly replaced

Style of Music: Rock, Metal, Thrash, Classical

15 of 16 people (93.75%) found this review helpful. Did you?

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Read all 10 Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case) Reviews

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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

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zZounds customer service is consistently rated at or near the top on every major comparison shopping website--probably because we only hire experienced musicians with outstanding customer service skills to work in our call center, and they don't work on commission. To us, this is our most meaningful measure of success. zZounds has served over a million customers since 1996, and they're the only critics whose reviews really matter to us.

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Available on
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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!: No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery: We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!: Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.

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