Help with Gibson Explorer

[FatTony]

Hi guys. I don't know much about guitars. I inherited a few guitars from a relative. I have been trying to find information but I have this Gibson explorer and I can't seem to find another one like it.
It has Seymour Duncan pickups which I have seen on others but it also has a Gibson tremolo and vibrato tailpiece which I have not been able to find another one online, also on the back of the head by the serial number is a portrait of Orville Gibson? Again, I have not seen another guitar with that portrait.
Was this a special edition or were these things added aftermarket?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Help with Gibson Explorer

No Gibson expert but I think they had a Gothic series that had the "portrait" on the back of the headstock. But don't know anything other than that. Also, thought the Gothics were all black.

Someone here will know. But, try the Gibson forum or even My Les Paul forum.

 

[man-in-moon]

Re: Help with Gibson Explorer

Call Gibson and give them the serial number. They can tell you what it is and the year. After looking at the pics better it's a gothic that has been refinished had inlays added and the vibrato. Gothic's had the pic on the back of the headstock. Plus the star and crescent moon inlay.