Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

[BluesDisciple]

Hello.

Tried out a Gibson Explorer at the local GC yesterday. I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed. It sat on my lap perfectly, perfect balance and ergonomics. It felt amazingly familiar to a Strat. But the tone was pure Gibson. Weight wasn't an issue, as it was lighter than my Les Paul but heavier than my SG. If I want a twin humbucker guitar as similar to a SuperStrat as I could get, then this would be the make and model.

The strange part - the guitar was filthy enough to be nasty. Nasty enough that it gave me the creeps to hold it! Even signs of corrosion on the gold plating. And black strings. Whoever played it before me in the store had sweat of acid and it just about ruined this particular guitar. And so I wonder...

What has your experience been with the Explorer? Is the turn-off from this particular guitar extending into my feelings for the model as a whole? I really like the concept of the Explorer, just not that particular guitar. Before I drop $1400 on it, I'd like to know your experiences, and help me sort out my feelings for it.

Thanks,
BD

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

Dont let a nasty GC example turn you off. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my explorer! Plus, it sounds like you really liked the guitar except for the grime.. Its my experience that explorers dont sell fast at gc, but they are a big attraction.. so, lots of guys play them and then they sit.. So, a)this one can be cleaned, or get one that hasnt been a floor model and rock your socks off!

 

[uOpt]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I always wanted one but when I got one I couldn't keep it because the shape throws off my right arm too much.

The sound was special for sure. With same pickups it still sounded more aggressive than other guitars.

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

Personally they aren't my style. The closest I'd get to somehting like that would be a GIbson RD Model. Even then I don't think the headstock goes very well with the body shape.

 

[karpathion]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

Love 'em!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

Love my Epi,FWIW...

Needs new p/ups,tho...

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

Love my Epi,FWIW...

Needs new p/ups,tho...

I havent seen that one yet.. :beerchug:

 

[JeffB]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I've had several over the years- LOVE LOVE LOVE them. They have their own thing going on tonally, they are very ergonomic, and I prefer the 6 in line headstock tuners (easier bending or you can go up a gauge of strings for bigger tone). My fave Gibson was an old mid/late 80s Pewter colored version I had (Have never ever seen that color on any other Explorer) with a HUGE neck. I had that guitar for years with a SH5/59 combo in it.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I had a black one back in the '90's. Nice guitar (had the ceramic pups in it), but I got bored with it and traded for a Hamer Archtop Custom. I actually like the Explorer Pro (discontinued) since it had a slightly smaller body.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

It took me a little while to warm up to Flying V's, and more recently Firebirds, but I still can't get used to an Explorer. Maybe it's because I'm a blues player, and nobody in blues uses an Explorer. I've only see metal guys using them, which to me is not much of an endorsement. If I want to play a solid body, I'd much rather play an LP or SG than an Explorer.

 

[karpathion]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I actually like the Explorer Pro (discontinued) since it had a slightly smaller body.

That's what I have. Best guitar I've ever owned!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I havent seen that one yet.. :beerchug:

Bring y'ass-on by,BR,it's a HELLUVA player!!!
:drive:

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

*loves them*

*just doesn't have one at this point in time*

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I wouldn't judge any type of guitar by one I played at Guitar Center. I love my Explorer!! It sounds, plays, and looks great. I have a set of Phat Cats in it.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I too love Jolly's Explorererer

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I've liked all the ones I've played, I'd love to own one someday. I like how solid they feel, most of the ones i;ve played sounded pretty good too, and yeah they look awesome on stage. It'd be f-in hilarious to rock one at a jazz gig

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I've liked all the ones I've played, I'd love to own one someday. I like how solid they feel, most of the ones i;ve played sounded pretty good too, and yeah they look awesome on stage. It'd be f-in hilarious to rock one at a jazz gig

i used to play mine at church.. Jazz would be cool too. Ive seen Vs used for blues and jazz

 

[kherman]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?



Pure love!!!

 

[tc]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

^Yep. I'm not a fan of the regular Explorer for some reason. The Pro on the other hand...noyce.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Gibson Explorers Love or hate?

I really want one with mins or P-90's. They are so ugly and over the top that they are cool to me.