1977 Gibson Explorer

rockinangus

rockinangus

New member
I just got this mint 1977 Gibson Explorer that is all original except for the pickups. It has DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups in it. I love this guitar it's a real find. My problem is that I don't feel like I can shred on this guitar like on my 1994 Gibson LP Studio which is all stock. I haven't really had the chance to play with the Explorer yet but I don't feel like I can shred on it as well as I can on thr LP. I put a new set of Gibson Brite wire 10 strings on it and I can't really bend the strings that well up towards the top of the neck. I am going to put 9's on it and try that. I'm wondering if I would be better off to put the Gibson 500 and 498 pickups in it like the new Explorer's come with.
I played a new Explorer at Guitar Center a while back and it was a beast with the Gibson pickups in it.
The 77 Explorer is a natural finish with a white pick guard and gold hardware and the thing is like a 31 year old beauty. Any thoughts as to what it's worth?
Any suggestions about pickups or set ups?
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

Ugh, this story just reminded me of "the one that got away".

When I just started playing guitar I was shopping around for an electric in '96. My parents agreed they'd get me one for christmas. Well, at the shop I took my lessons at there was 'the guitar' I had to have.

It was a Gibson Explorer (not sure of the year) that looked to be at least 15-20 years old back. It was probably wine red at one point but had faded to an awesome transparent light red and the binding had aged to a oh-so-sweet yellow color. It had trapezoidal inlays as well, from what I remember. The best part, it was $400. It sat in the store forever (the town I took lessons in wasn't really a ritzy town hence the asking price) but sold long before I could afford it as I was 10 or 11 at the time. I have no idea how good it really was but at that age I was enamored with. I remember being so disappointed when I didn't get it, though I can't blame my parents in the least bit for not buying me a $400 guitar for my first electric as a christmas present. I knew even then that it was a pipe dream. But d@mn I'd love to have that guitar.

The only reason I mention it is because it was probably around the same year guitar as the one you're mentioning.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

I'm about to put a bunch of pickups through my '93 Explorer.

What don't you like about yours when shredding? Sound? Playability? Fretboard radius? Neck profile?

I think a '77 brings about $1500 on Ebay. A few went through recently.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

rockinangus said:
I'm wondering if I would be better off to put the Gibson 500 and 498 pickups in it like the new Explorer's come with.
Click to expand...

Swapping out the pups for Gibsons isn't a bad idea, but NOT the 500/498 combo. You'd be better off with just about any other aftermarket pup.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

The neck pickup is so powerful it has alot of feedback if I'm facing my speaker cabinet.
The neck is nice and wide and I really love that as I have long skinny fingers. It is very clean sounding. I'm probably whining to quickly as I haven't had time to really play with it yet. I can't get under the strings up at the top of the neck with 10's on it. So I ordered some Gibson 9 strings, which is what it came with when I got it. I think I just need to play with it some more.
What pickups would you guys recommend for classic rock? Hendrix,Skynard, ZZ Top etc.
I guess I did pretty good then as I bought it for $500.00 with the original Gibson HSC case and it came with a brand new coffin HSC also.
Like a said outside of a couple little nicks and blemishes the guitar is like showroom condition.
A friend of my dad's bought it brand new in 1977 and he hasn't played it in years. I paid him what he bought for in 1977, $400.00 + $100.00 for the new coffin case he bought like a year ago.
That's another question I have. The original Gibson case is mint except the handle is broken on one side of the case. It like pulled apart where the handle is molded together and then goes around the pin that is riveted to the case where the handle attaches. Can that be fixed or can a new handle be installed?
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

Not too long ago, I replaced the stock Gibson 500/496 pups in my explorer with a set of blackouts.

If you're into shred, I would definetely give the BO's a try. They very much remind me of a passive pup, with lots of push.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

Empty Pockets said:
are the opposite of what you want for classic rock.

Put a set of 59's in it and mess with the action / intonation at the bridge until it plays right.
Click to expand...

why wuss around with 490's? At least put full shreds in it.He didn't say he wants classic rock. He wants to shred and he's 16.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

Man, you got a great deal!!! I have a Custom in the bridge and 59b in the neck.. The Custom covers alot of ground in my Explorer. Very Alive sounding!!
If you want hot n shreddy, go with the blackouts as previously mentioned.
Super distortions are great, but they are probably bottom heavy in an explorer
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

What condition are the frets in? If you're having playability issues I'd look at the setup & condition of the frets... being 30 years old they probably need a crowning, or maybe even replacement to really kick ass.

Sounds like you got a killer deal on a killer guitar...

BTW - Any luggage repair shop can fix that busted handle on the case for a few bucks.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

lex666 said:
Not too long ago, I replaced the stock Gibson 500/496 pups in my explorer with a set of blackouts.

If you're into shred, I would definetely give the BO's a try. They very much remind me of a passive pup, with lots of push.
Click to expand...

BO's wouldn't be my first recommendation when someone lists ZZ, Hendrix and Skynyrd. Pearly Gates set would work well, I imagine.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

jerryjg said:
why wuss around with 490's? At least put full shreds in it.He didn't say he wants classic rock. He wants to shred and he's 16.
Click to expand...


rockinangus said:
What pickups would you guys recommend for classic rock? Hendrix,Skynard, ZZ Top etc.
Click to expand...

What part did you not understand of it Jerry?
The shred matter was apparently to do with the playability, not the sound. AFAIK, Hendrix knew how to shred..
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

I'm gonna put a hybrid set on there and try that. What doesn't look right is where the strings lie across the pickup. The magnets are not directly under the strings, especially the E-strings, maybe the pick-up is a little too big?
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

Thanks for the awesome suggestions guys! If you have anymore, it'd be greatly appreciated. How are the pearly gates on a scale from 1-10?
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

rockinangus said:
I just got this mint 1977 Gibson Explorer that is all original except for the pickups. It has DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups in it. I love this guitar it's a real find. My problem is that I don't feel like I can shred on this guitar like on my 1994 Gibson LP Studio which is all stock. I haven't really had the chance to play with the Explorer yet but I don't feel like I can shred on it as well as I can on thr LP. I put a new set of Gibson Brite wire 10 strings on it and I can't really bend the strings that well up towards the top of the neck. I am going to put 9's on it and try that. I'm wondering if I would be better off to put the Gibson 500 and 498 pickups in it like the new Explorer's come with.
I played a new Explorer at Guitar Center a while back and it was a beast with the Gibson pickups in it.
The 77 Explorer is a natural finish with a white pick guard and gold hardware and the thing is like a 31 year old beauty. Any thoughts as to what it's worth?
Any suggestions about pickups or set ups?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...

I remember my 77 Les Paul having doggy pickups. I bought at the time Gibson PAF Tim Shaw reissues. Holy smoke did that make a HUGE difference in volume and tone!
I hear rave reviews about Duncan Pearly Gates. Might want to look into those.
 
Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

rockinangus said:
The neck pickup is so powerful it has alot of feedback if I'm facing my speaker cabinet.
The neck is nice and wide and I really love that as I have long skinny fingers. It is very clean sounding. I'm probably whining to quickly as I haven't had time to really play with it yet. I can't get under the strings up at the top of the neck with 10's on it. So I ordered some Gibson 9 strings, which is what it came with when I got it. I think I just need to play with it some more.
What pickups would you guys recommend for classic rock? Hendrix,Skynard, ZZ Top etc.
I guess I did pretty good then as I bought it for $500.00 with the original Gibson HSC case and it came with a brand new coffin HSC also.
Like a said outside of a couple little nicks and blemishes the guitar is like showroom condition.
A friend of my dad's bought it brand new in 1977 and he hasn't played it in years. I paid him what he bought for in 1977, $400.00 + $100.00 for the new coffin case he bought like a year ago.
That's another question I have. The original Gibson case is mint except the handle is broken on one side of the case. It like pulled apart where the handle is molded together and then goes around the pin that is riveted to the case where the handle attaches. Can that be fixed or can a new handle be installed?
Click to expand...

I feel sick...:barf: Excellent score! Explorers are one of the most perfectly balanced and comfortable guitars while playing high on the neck! That axe is worth more than three times the amount you paid!
Pictures...we have to see pictures!!!!
 
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Re: 1977 Gibson Explorer

If you're having playability issues with it, before I worried about the pickups, I'd pay for a good setup on the guitar (if you'd can't/don't do it yourself anyway).

That'll more than likely improve things alot more than just trying a slightly lower gauge of strings on it will :)
 
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