Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Kais

Kais

New member
Which option would you pick:

1: Blemished 2016 Gibson Explorer Traditional, comes with gig bag $925. Supposedly 2 minor nicks on the head.

2. 2001 Gibson Explorer 76 Reissue, comes with hard case. Couple nicks and scratches but nothing major. The neck has been sanded down because it was "sticky". $950

I can add pics if needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

On the 2001 example, how much of the "sticky" nitro cellulose neck finish has been removed? Naked wood could suffer if exposed to humidity and moisture content variations. Check the neck for straightness.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

see a few pics below, what do you all think? Is the neck a detractor?

alwdsoth5njmrqcgcip3.jpg
ggyktceflrorwlf5ty0p.jpg
r5mxti39lifpwmyfhkuw.jpg
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Id be inclined to go with the older one. I like the sanded neck, and its had 15 years more to dry out, and the lacquer to crisp up. It will likely have a bit chunkier neck too. The newer models have a flatter thinner profile.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

The old one without doubt.

That period of Gibson had incorrectly cured nitro, pretty commonly. You are probably able to re-polish that to gloss or near-gloss.

It doesn't look like so much has been removed to pose a threat. Still looks sealed.

I am also experimenting with some recent automotive polymer layers. They are ultra-thin, seal, and you can get different ones with different feel. I have one that gets me pretty perfect back of the neck feel. Would have to re-applied probably every year or so.

Same for using tru oil (not tung oil) and wax like Music Man does. Lots of options.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Rand-O-Monium said:
'76 R/Is are Natural aren't they?
Click to expand...

No. The '76 Reissue is the only Explorer model Gibson USA has made since 1989.

To the OP, go with the older one as the neck finish looks fine. Gibson's recent quality control has been especially poor (even for their low standards) and I would be VERY hesitant to trust a new one. I would honestly be hesitant to buy either without playing first, more so the 2016.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

I'm inclined to think that if you play the $h!t out of the sanded neck, it will smooth out.

Most of the guys I know that have satin finished bodies for a couple of years now have smooth shiny bodies just from normal wear.

The think the sanded neck is safe in this particular instance but there are guys on this forum who work on, build and mod guitars full time here and they might have better insight.

Good luck.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Yeah I'd go 2001 and talk him down a bit. Even though I would like the sanded down neck, its a nice barter point.

With that said, I'd go Hamer ;)
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

The case would also be a big selling point for me, I think it bs that to get a hardshell case on the 2016 you have to get the more expensive "hot rod" model
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Lucy Diamond said:
I'm inclined to think that if you play the $h!t out of the sanded neck, it will smooth out.
Click to expand...

In a way the body chemistry works similar to tru oil + wax here. At least that's how I think it feels like.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

I am leaning towards the used one, found a 2004 in much better condition with a hard case for less. Thanks for the tips everyone, I have enough info to make a decision now.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

Bump, ended up picking up another Explorer from eBay and the seller did a terrible job with the description. It has this ding that was covered up by the previous user by hand, not a big deal but it wasn't in the description. I feel like I've been had a bit. I paid $75 to have this thing shipped, and I already swapped the pups. Terrible thing is a local one popped up for same price in much better condition. I should've waited. What do you all think of the paint fill?

b4c56aa3dea1739fd6a82cbd8effa88e.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

I wouldn't worry about it, Explorers get dinged easier than most.

I'd prefer it without the fill, but thats the kind of dude I am I guess
 
Re: Gibson Explorer Advice Needed

I would prefer the 2001, and I wouldn't worry one bit about the sanded neck. But the price is waaay too high. I got my 2006 in better (i.e. original) shape for $600 with the OHSC, and it is the model with an ebony board. IMO, that 2001 is a $600 guitar at the absolute max.

I would not buy a newer Gibson without planning to put $150 to $200 worth of fret, nut, fingerboard, and setup work into it to get it playing as a quality guitar should. They don't crown the frets properly out of the factory, they don't slot the nut properly, they don't round over the fret end bevels, they leave the fingerboard edges sharp, and they are usually set up like ****. $950 is overpriced IMO. This crap has been creeping in for 15 years, and seems to be getting worse and worse every year. With the 2001, you might have some of these issues, but probably not all of them, and probably not to the same degree. Nowadays, I don't ever pick up a new Gibson that doesn't have every one of these problems.

In other words, I'd pass on both of those and keep shopping.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Nsatke81
Gibson Explorer ‘76 Reissue
Replies
9
Views
332
Mincer
Mincer
Mononoaware
  • Locked
FS 2013 Gibson LPJ, Cherry
Replies
3
Views
2K
Mononoaware
Mononoaware
Low_fidelity2100
Lots of Stuff FS/FT possibly...2 Jazzmasters, AVRI Jag, 65 Duo-Sonic, Pedals, Amps...
Replies
7
Views
2K
Low_fidelity2100
Low_fidelity2100
Back
Top