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I bought the 2016 model Explorer in late 2017 when it was marked down in anticipation of the 2018 models. It was a "blemished" model so the net discount was 35% off the original price. This is the GREATEST deal I've ever gotten on any guitar. The blemishes were minor cosmetic issues you have to be looking for to see. The body isn't really heavy (compared to my anvil of a Les Paul) and has a terrific resonance when played sans amp. It is wonderfully balanced and a dream to play while standing or sitting down. The neck is slender but not a toothpick like some slim taper profiles I've played. The rosewood fretboard was slightly dry but the frets were properly seated with no overly sharp edges. I had to lower the strings a bit but the intonation was perfect. The nut appears to be properly cut and slotted. The Grover tuners and standard Gibson hardware are excellent, as usual. The ceramic 496R/500T pickups took some getting used to (I prefer Alnico II's) but I find they respond well as I cycle the knobs from 0 to 11. (I had to install custom Spinal Tap inspired speed knobs.) Setting the volumes around 6 or 7 {I tend to keep my pup selector in the middle position} and rolling back the tone to around 7, the sound is bright and clean, almost Strat like, but with the fullness of a humbucker. With everything on 11 through a distortion box, this baby absolutely wails. I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in an Explorer to strongly consider the 2016 model. Partly due to the reduced price and partly due to a spec change starting with the 2017 models; the 500T bridge pup has been replaced with the 496T. Oh, and ABSOLUTELY invest in some strap locks. I recommend Dunlop Dual Design.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

For starters I did have issues with keeping it in tune until I got it nice and broken in. It took a little getting used to for me because the neck is shaped a bit different compared to the Ibanez guitars that I normally play. After I got used to it though... Man does it scream. The pickups in it sound great and the clarity you get is awesome. The cleans are crisp and well defined as well. I normally play a lot of rock and metal so I am running this through a 120W 6505. Hopefully that helps some of you. I did notice a lot of flaws in the paint along the neck where the fret board meets the wood and in a few very small places. They are not noticeable unless you are really looking though. Great guitar overall.

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Flawless finish and exquisite tone. The neck is very comfortable and the factory set up was satisfactory right out of the box. It's my second Gibson explorer and I couldn't be happier. Thank you zZounds !

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Guitar arrived 3 days after placing order in perfect condition. Playable right out of box. No. blemishes in finish, flawless. Unmistakeable Gibson "tone till tomorrow". Gig bag is nice, very thick padding. Zzounds customer service most helpful. I will continue to purchase from Zzounds and you should, too. This company is so easy to work with.

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I bought the Blemished Explorer. I was hesitant till i called and was told the blemished are just returned guitars that are checked out and resold. Two tiny bumps that are barely visible is all i can find.

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Previously, I've owned 2 epiphone explorers. This is my first Gibson explorer. There is no comparison at all. If you're on the fence as to which brand to get, get the Gibson.The explorer is not quite as heavy as a les paul, but it has some heft to it. The sound resonates throughout the entire body. The pickups are very high output. I play it through 2 different mesa boogies. So high output pickups being played through high gain amps don't really sound that great IMHO. The neck pickup is fine, but playing on the bridge pickup.....there's so much gain that the bottom end doesn't sound tight. In other words, you're not gonna be able to play master of puppets with this combination. The tone of the pickups are great. They both have that gibson sound, just very gainy. The guitar arrived in excellent condition, but was in need of adjustments in both action and intonation. The gig bag is sturdy enough for carrying the guitar around town, but to be sent via fedex, etc., well that's pretty cheap of gibson to pull a stunt like this and not give a hardshell case. Kudos to zZounds for the free 2 day delivery.

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I've always wanted a Explorer since I saw James Hetfield play one when I was 9 years old. This guitar is pure metal I love it. I have seen a lot of complaints on YouTube about the quality of this guitar from Gibson. I think it is a bunch of bull I will play this guitar over any guitar I own other the Gibsons I own. Stop crapping on Gibson. I would rather pay more money for a American guitar then something from South Korea. Especially if you pay over $1000

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