Gibson X-plorer Studio Electric Guitar (with Case)

Feature:
I picked up the Swamp Ash Studio Xplorer, it's about as complicated as a hockey stick. Get a firm grip and let 'er rip. What you may not expect: this guitar is extremely lightweight compared to most of its peers out there, it has perfect balance, like it seems to find my fingers, not the other way around. And that upper wing makes for a cool place to hang out late in the night!

Quality:
The finish is flawless though just a very simple clear satin coat. Nice case. Not afraid to travel with it.

Value:
Can't lose. This guitar is the real deal.

Desirability:
The natural appearance blends right into whatever music is coming out: hard rock, classic rock, country. People will stop and watch, this guitar has real appeal.

Sound:
The 496R/500T pups that were once only used on the full-size Explorer, some high class Les Pauls and the Swamp Ash version of this guitar, are beginning to replace the mini-humbuckers for all the studio Xplorers. These pups are rich, the sound has a great punch to it, a signature sound that turns heads around.

Support:
I emailed a simple question to them a while back and they responded within 24 hours. No need for service or anything like that.

Overall:
This guitar packs everything you want into its small body: easy to use, tough, fun, sweet. I don't plan to sell it, though I tend to want everything I don't have sooner or later. But it'll be with me as long as I want it, for sure.

Feature:
The mini-humbuckers provide a solid, reliable sound--very crisp. Switches, knobs connectors all excellent, though I immediately replaced the strap knobs with quick-release hardware. The metallic paint finish was flawless. I have the metallic copper; I haven't seen the other finishes.

Quality:
I've only had it for three months without any issues. The case is also quite a statement of craftsmanship, though I find the 'hot pink' case interior a peculiar color choice. Overall, flawless materials and construction.

Value:
I played quite a few guitars and talked to the staff at probably five different guitar shops in town. Given the professional quality, the comfortable design, the hardshell case, and the dependable reputation of a Gibson, you can't go wrong with this guitar.

Desirability:
This guitar probably belongs in the hands of someone younger than myself--it looks like more of a metal or progressive rock instrument. That's okay, I like just as it is. It will also command respect and attention for you in any presentation.

Sound:
A year ago I budgeted $1,000 for my ideal electric guitar. It took me nine months before I found it in the Gibson Studio Explorer. The sound is very chimey, great sustain. If I have any issues with the mini-humbuckers, it's that they seem to lack the range of sound you can pull out of the full-size explorer. However, I'm still learning what this guitar can do!

Support:
None needed thus far.

Overall:
I'd like to play this guitar until my arms fall out of their sockets. Then I'll put it in my will for one of my kids. If I had to replace it, I'd probably consider the Swamp Ash version of the studio explorer. This one has the 496/500 pickups, though I don't know how well that satin finish wears compared to the metallic paint of the other studio explorers. But I'd still stay with this body style (Explorer Pro or Studio explorer).