Description
The Gibson Explorer was released alongside the Flying V in the late 1950s to mixed reaction. It rewrote the design rulebook for the electric guitar, but many saw it as too radical – fast forward to the 21st Century, and this incredible instrument still turns heads and divides opinion. The ‘70s Explorer features a number of design tweaks that strike the balance between old-school and precision.
Body & Neck
The body is solid Mahogany, and as with a lot of Gibson’s core models, it boasts luxurious resonance and weighty low-end emphasis. The neck is also Mahogany, and has a 24.75″ scale length with a Slim Taper profile – comfortable territory for any player.
A bound Rosewood fretboard with acrylic dot inlays offers smooth playability and a classic look that perfectly complements the Classic White finish.
Electronics & Hardware
Uncovered ‘70s tribute humbuckers offer heaps of the gutsy tone you’d expect from a classic Explorer. Concealed within are the prized Orange Drop capacitors, famed for helping to define the legendary Gibson humbucker tones of old.
Next up, they’ve combined the Aluminium stopbar with the Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge – this is the tried-and-tested Gibson solid-body formula. Understated in look but efficient and hardy in functionality. Aluminium also boasts surprising resonant qualities, so you get even more sustain to boot. Chrome plating, Black top hats and the edgy white pickguard complete the picture – the Explorer has most certainly still got it.
Specifications
Body
- Body Shape: Explorer
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck
- Material: Mahogany
- Profile: Slim Taper
- Scale Length: 24.75″
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 12″
- Number Of Frets: 22
- Frets: Medium Jumbo
- Nut Material: Graph Tech
- Nut Width: 1.695″
- End of Board Width: 2.26″
- Inlays: Acrylic Dots
Hardware
- Finish: Chrome
- Bridge: Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Aluminum Stop Bar
- Pickguard: White 3-ply
- Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
- Switch Tip: Cream
Electronics
- Neck Pickup: ’70s Tribute Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: ’70s Tribute Humbucker
- Controls: 2 Volumes, 1 Tone & Toggle Switch (Hand-wired with Orange Drop Capacitors)
Miscellaneous
- Strings: 10-46
- Case: Hardshell Case
- Accessories: Includes Gibson Accessory Kit
