Gibson Explorers in white

[ItsaBass]

Hi,

I notice that the fingerboards for the standard Explorers are ebony with the white finish and rosewood with the back finish. Anyone know what years follow this convention?

Also, about the "Classic White" finish. Is is a yellowish or pinkish white, or a neutral white? I see a lot of variation in photos on the Web, plus I cannot be sure which are really the color Gibson calls "Classic White" and which are some other type of white.

 

[jmh151]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

I think around 92 they started with the ebony- it started with the white Les Paul Studios

The "Classic White" is a neutral white. Gibson's "Alpine White" is an extremely bright, like snow white- that eventually fades into something resembling classic white, and then aged white which is a cream color

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

Thanks. I'd prefer Alpine White, but as long as it is not that horrendous fake-aged color like on the Epi G400 Custom, I can deal.

I asked what years because I'd like to start keeping my eyes peeled for used ones.

Anyone know if they are/were clearcoated? If so, they would yellow much worse.

 

[lex666]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

All of the below are "Classic White". As jnh151 stated, the alpine white is a very bright, bold white. The classic white is more subdued, but not 'yellow'. I much prefer the classic white (obviously). Yes, they're all covered in nitro. The LP Studio & Explorer have ebony fretboards. The SG Standard is rosewood.

 

[jmh151]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

Also, as far as being yellowish or pinkish, I had a Les Paul Custom in Alpine White that seemed to age to yellow and pink in different spots very quickly

 

[BTMN]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

Wonder if the Pinkishness is the slight Reddishness of Mahogany showing through while the Yellowing is the Nitro ageing. :dunno:

 

[uOpt]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

Gibson usually uses Ebony fretboard with white finishes because the rosewood would bleed color into the white.

Since they pre-make unfinished guitars and only later decide which color it's gonna be you routinely see non-white guitars with ebony boards, too.

I like Ebony. Maybe I should hunt for one of those. What I want is a LP special in white with ebony board and black soapbars.

 

[Archer_of_Fish]

Re: Gibson Explorers in white

The fingerboard is 'Obeche'

feels like Ebony to me and the guitar sounds great