I just received mine a couple days ago.First of all it is a very beautiful guitar, you open the case and it just shines. The neck is very comfortable and the fretboard is solid not cheap looking like other rosewood necks I have seen in the past. You play legitimate blues,metal classic Rock and country on this guitar,it is very versatile and the pick ups are great. Im not a Profesional writer so excuse my writing but I am a long time guitar aficionado and I would recommend this guitar for any player from beginner to pro. You get a lot of guitar for your money and you get a very solid hard shell Gibson case as well. This is some great quality work from Gibson.

Sound
The guitar is a reissue of the 76 explorer but he sound is still relieved to today's music and sound.It is very versatile and can be played in numerous genres and musical settings.

Ease of Use
Very simple features and easy to dial in a tone. When paired with your choice of amplification your sound options are endless of course.

Quality
I would say this guitar will last a lifetime. I'm sure the gold on the hardware will fade because I put a lot of hours on the guitars I own. Reliability I would say you should never have a problem with this model if you keep it in the case when not in use and avoid extreme temperatures.

Value
The price is a bit high in my opinion but it is a solid guitar. Should… read more be priced around $1400.

The Wow Factor
The shape of the explorer reminds me of the 70's 80's bands like The Scorpions,Metallica,Lynryd Skynrd and Cheap Trick.Also The Explorer was the first Gibson I ever played. I later went on to own numerous Les Pauls and a couple high end Flying V's.

Musical Background:
Guitar enthusiast and liver of fine made instruments

Musical Style:
Trained in blues and rock music. Play thrash metal with some friends. read less