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Gibson '76 Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case)

Ceramic humbuckers. Deluxe case.

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About This Product!
Description
From Our Catalog
The original Explorer of 1958 was more radically modernistic than its famous cousin, the Flying V. Musicians finally caught up with the Explorer in 1976, and today's Explorer revives the first reissue. Features include 496R/500T ceramic humbuckers, a Mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and chrome hardware. A Gibson deluxe hardshell case is included.

In 1958 "At the Hop" by Danny and the Juniors topped the radio and record charts for 7 straight weeks, surpassing 2 other monster hits that year-"The Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley and "The Chipmunk Song" by, of course, The Chipmunks. In that same year Gibson's Ted McCarty met a challenge from rival Leo Fender and introduced 3 revolutionary, highly stylized solidbody electric guitars -- the Explorer, the fabled lost Moderne, and the Flying V.

The Pickups
The 496R is a smokin? neck pickup with incredible sustain and cutting power. You'll be amazed how the high-output ceramic magnet adds more highs with increased definition and no muddiness.

The 500T is built to deliver the no-holds-barred, in-your-face hard rock licks you want. The powerful multi-ceramic magnet structure enables this monster to cover lots of territory. It can scream or growl - never losing its rich combination of enhanced lows and crystal clear highs.

Technical Info

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Mahogany

Neck Profile: Rounded

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Inlay: Dot

Scale: 24-3/4 in.

Nut Width: 1-11/16 in.

Bridge: Tune-o-matic

Tailpiece: Stop bar

Hardware: Chrome

Pickups:
496R ceramic magnet humbucker
500T ceramic magnet humbucker

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

Strings: Brite Wires .009-.042
A reissue of a reissue? Yes! Way ahead of its time in '58, the Explorer had only a limited production run. Reissued in '76, it was embraced, then underwent several changes over the years. This is a reissue of the '76 model, complete with mahogany body and set neck, 496R and 500T humbuckers, and gold hardware. Includes case.

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Gibson '76 Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case) Reviews

160 People rated this product :
           9 out of 10
           10 out of 10
"The perfect guitar for advanced players looking for a classic radical cut"
Feature:
It's made very well. The humbuckers are nice, the bridge works great with palm muting. I'm not too thrilled with gold hardware, it seems just flashy to me. But, for this guitar, I don't really mind. It almost makes it look even better. Oh, and it stays in tune for weeks because of the Grover Tuners.

Quality:
Like I mentioned, it's made very well. There was a weird highlighted part of the wood on the back of the head, but I've come to think it looks pretty awesome. It's the perfect guitar for gigging, at least I think so.

Value:
I own a Paul Reed Smith Custom Hollow Body along with this. Twelve hundred dollars compared to almost five thousand, and the Explorer seems like the better guitar. So, if it's better than a five thousand dollar guitar, I think it's worth saving up a little extra cash for.

Desirability:
Well, keep in mind. This guitar was originally disliked for its looks. So, all those classic people may not like it. And, all these kids today are into Ibanez and Dean and stuff like that, so they won't bother looking at a classic model. But, in my personal opinion, this is pretty much the archetype of radical cut guitars, and the only better looking one out there would be an original '56 model.

Sound:
The sound is great. It ranges from almost a hollow body-type sound to a punchy, hardcore type sound with no distortion. With distortion, it's even better. I didn't notice a lot of difference with the toggle-switch while distorted, but it may just be my pedal, too (I use a Big Muff Pi). I don't think I'd change anything about the guitar's set up.

Ease of Use:
It's very easy to get a nice sound out of it. But, if you practice sitting down, there's a lot to get used to. The main thing being the way the body is cut. It locks you into place, which is sort of an awkward feeling at first, and I suggest using a stool or your amp to put your foot up on to make sure it doesn't slip out. But, if you play standing up, then it's pretty much perfect. It's not even that heavy of a guitar, despite its looks. So, your shoulders won't tire out to quickly.

Support:
This guitar does not break. Throw it off your roof, it may just get scratched a little. :P So, I have not yet had to deal with support at all.

Overall:
I'm saving up for a Gretsch White Falcon right now, but even when I get that, I will still play my Explorer. I don't know if it will last forever, but I'm hoping it will last as long as I can make it. :)

Submitted: 01/09/2008
Style of Music: Neo-Classicalcore, Alternative, Ska
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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           10 out of 10
"Gibson X-plorer review"
Feature:
tremelo bar

Quality:
great finished look to it

Value:
i got a great deal considering how well the guitar performs

Desirability:
power rocker look

Sound:
Powerful sound

Support:
very helpful

Overall:
love the guitar

Submitted: 08/05/2005
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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