Gibson X-plorer Studio Electric Guitar (with Case)

Body is 90 percent of the classic Gibson Explorer, which makes for a more balanced, ergonomic fit with the player.

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Gibson Explorer 1958 Electric Guitar (with Case)

    • New $1,399.00
    • List: $2,399.00
      • SAVE: 41%
  • Installment Plan:4 payments of $349.75
    • free ground shipping
    • In stock
    • 23 people rate: 10 out of 10

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 Explorer, and that classic 1976 styling is captured on today's X-Plorer. Learn More...

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Gibson X-plorer Studio Electric Guitar (with Case) reviews

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30 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10

 

3 People wrote reviews

Read all Gibson X-plorer Studio Electric Guitar (with Case) reviews...
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Buy from zzounds!"

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.

Submitted: 8/10/2004

Style of Music: I like it all

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* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

"Completely Satisfied Owner"

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).

Submitted: 12/8/2003

Style of Music: Classic Rock

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Additional Images:

Main
Main
Case
Case
Natural Swamp Ash
Natural Swamp Ash
Studio Yellow
Studio Yellow
Studio Copper
Studio Copper
Studio Blue
Studio Blue
Studio Red
Studio Red
Studio Green
Studio Green

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About This Product!
Description
Docs
The X-plorer Studio brings a wider variety of finishes and a new level of affordability to guitarists who have embraced the slightly scaled-down body size. The X-plorer Studio's body is 90 percent of the classic Gibson Explorer, which makes for a more balanced, ergonomic fit with the player. Features include two high-output ceramic mini-humbuckers, a basswood body, mahogany neck with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, and chrome hardware. Includes Gibson USA hardshell case.

Gibson Mini-Humbucker
When Gibson introduced the Les Paul Deluxe in 1969, it incorporated the mini-humbucker which had only been available on certain Gibson-made Epiphone models. With its smaller size, narrow magnetic field and unique design combination, the mini-humbucker produces bright and focused output, while retaining the famous Gibson humbucker performance.

The X-plorer features a vintage replica of the original mini-humbucker, with adjustable pole pieces and bar Alnico II magnets.

Technical Info

Specifications

Manufactured in: Nashville, TN

Body: Basswood

Neck:
- Species: Mahogany
- Peghead Pitch: 17 in.
- Thickness at 1st fret: .800 in.
- Thickness at 12th fret: .850 in.
- Heel Length: .625 in.
- Neck Joint Location: 19th Fret

Fingerboard:
- Species: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 24 3/4 in.
- Total Length: 18.137 in.
- Number of Frets: 22
- Nut Width: 1.687 in.
- Width at 12th Fret: 2.062 in.
- Inlays: Dot

Hardware:
- Plating Finish: Chrome
- Tailpiece: Stopbar
- Bridge: Tune-o-matic
- Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
- Tuners: 'Grover'

Electronics:
- Neck Pickup: Ceramic Mini-Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: Ceramic Mini-Humbucker

Other: Case Included
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