Gibson Explorer
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| Gibson Explorer | |
| |
| Manufacturer | Gibson |
| Period | 1958, discontinued, then re-issued since 1975. |
| Construction | |
| Body type | Solid |
| Neck joint | Set |
| Woods | |
| Body | Originally ('58-'63)korina, reissues mahogany or korina |
| Neck | Originally ('58-'63)korina, reissues mahogany or korina |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic |
| Pickup(s) | 2 Humbuckers |
| Colors available | |
| Ebony, Cherry, Classic White, Natural | |
The Gibson Explorer, or X-plorer (since 2002), made its debut in 1958, then known as the Futura. It offered a radical, "futuristic" body design, much like its sibling, the Flying V. Its initial run was unsuccessful and it was discontinued in 1959. In 1975, Gibson began reissuing the Explorer after other guitar companies had success selling similar designs.
Highly valued
Gibson produced less than 100 Explorers during the 1958 run of the original Korina wood model. The low availability of this guitar has increased its value significantly and made them prized collectables.Explorer variations
There have been several variants produced by Gibson, including several smaller, more "user friendly" versions such as the Studio Explorer. An explorer was also produced in Gibson's "Goth" line, which feature some of Gibson's most renowned guitars including the Explorer, Flying V, SG, and Les Paul in Matte Black Finishes. Several variants are also produced by Epiphone, Gibson's lower cost, offshore operation. These include a model produced in Korina Wood and Epiphone's own "Goth" model. .Other makers
The Hamer Guitar company created a tribute to the Explorer in 1974 called the Hamer "Standard" . Gaining popularity with the more progressive rock musicians of the day, Hamer's success led the way for other reissues, including those from Gibson.The Jackson guitar company (now a subsidiary of Fender) was once sued by Gibson for their line of Kelly guitars, which are very similar to the X-plorer, although more lightweight. The Kelly was sleeker and lighter, but was otherwise identical. The most famous user of this now discontinued line is Marty Friedman of Megadeth fame.
Other companies that have produced Explorer-esque guitars are: ESP, Dean Guitars, Ibanez, and Jackson.
Famous users
- Paul Stanley used the Gibson Explorer in 1976 because he was getting tired of using Flying V's.
- Eric Clapton was an occasional user of the Gibson Explorer, notably during the "461 Ocean Boulevard" tour in 1974.([pictured here])
- Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers was a frequent Explorer user.
- Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd switched from a Firebird to an Explorer in 1976.
- Franché Coma played an Explorer during his stint with the original Misfits.
- Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü,
- The Edge of U2, Matthias Jabs of Scorpions and James Hetfield of Metallica all greatly increased the Explorer's popularity during the 1980s. The model is now used by many present day guitarists.
References
- Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars By George Gruhn
- The Ultimate Guitar Book By Tony Bacon
See also
Gibson GuitarsExternal links
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