Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case)

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Loaded with hot 496R and 500T ceramic magnet humbuckers, today's Gibson Explorer still rocks the body shape and set-neck design that made it a '70s icon.

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.

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 read more 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.
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Manufactured in: Nashville, TN

Body Species: Mahogany

Neck Species: Mahogany

Profile: Rounded

Neck Joint Location: 19

Fingerboard Species: Granadillo

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

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar

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.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (41 ratings)
Submitted March 22, 2012 by Don P in Lynn Haven, FL

"Balls to the walls TONE MONSTER"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
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 read more 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.

Musical Background:
Lead guitar, been playing for 35 years. I play in two rock bands, and do fill in work for other bands. I also do studio work.

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