Manufacturer's Description for Gibson '76 Explorer Electric Guitar (with Case)
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.
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"I was treated so well by the call center staff that I plan on buying all my instruments and accessories exclusively through zZounds from now on." - customer on January 25th, 2012
"The perfect guitar for advanced players looking for a classic radical cut"
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturer 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.
The Wow Factor:
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.
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. :)
Style of Music: Neo-Classicalcore, Alternative, Ska
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"Gibson X-plorer review"
Sound:
Powerful sound
Feature:
tremelo bar
Quality:
great finished look to it
Value:
i got a great deal considering how well the guitar performs
Manufacturer Support:
very helpful
The Wow Factor:
power rocker look
Overall:
love the guitar
3 of 3 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.