NGD: Vintage Explorer awaits....

[STLMTLHD79]

Found an original 1984 White Gibson Explorer (Hetfield 80s version) a few months ago on FB Marketplace. We debated about the condition and came to an agreed price. It needs a bit of elbow grease but it will come around. I got the guitar completely filthy-cleaned it and then disassembled the bridge, took off the tuners. There will be some needed work to get this back in player condition for sure. Frets will definitely need a level/crown, or maybe even replacement. I did verify that this is the Alder body/maple neck version with ebony fretboard. Original electronics are untouched however, they are just basic Tim Shaw era Gibson humbuckers (low output). I will be replacing this with the actual pickup that Hetfield had in his, The Seymour Duncan The Mag. I actually have one of these that MJ repaired about 4 years ago (came with a Les Paul Custom i bought around that time). I knew repairing that pickup was a good choice

I need to get a new bridge/tailpiece (OEM or Tone Pros), Tuners (Gotoh ordered-fit in oem screw holes, but will have to dowel/fill the holes created by the little pegs on the Sperzel tuners). The trem luckly just was posted to the original bridge/tailpiece threaded pieces but it did chip up the paint a little in that area (minor repair needed). More to come on this bad boy!

here are some pics before/after cleaning and disassemble:

 

[playas]

Nice. Happy NGD

 

[uOpt]

I approve of this guitar.

 

[Mincer]

Congrats! I know the bridge will be replaced, but what bridge is that one?

 

[STLMTLHD79]

Congrats! I know the bridge will be replaced, but what bridge is that one?

The bridge was a Washburn Wonderbar.....I was mounted using the existing screw posts of the guitar with an adapter plate.

 

[Mincer]

Oh yeah, I remember the giant hunk of metal that was the Wonderbar.

 

[STLMTLHD79]

Got more goodies for the Explorer:

I had some store credit at my local Music-Go-Round, so was able to get a "free" 2000's era Gibson case. I also purchased the Tone Pros bridge/tailpiece, Gotoh tuners (basically exact OEM replacements), Schaller Strap locks and some chrome dome knobs.

As I mentioned, I had this "The Mag" repaired about 4 years ago as i got it with a Les Paul I bought. The pickup had zero lead left but I had it repaired since it is pretty rare. The JNJ Jazz was also repaired by MJ as it had a broken coil. It has some really cool worn bobbins. I have a few friends that are giving me hell that im taking out the Shaw-buckers, but I just cant get into them. I also really enjoy replacing pickups with period-correct replacements such as these.

Here are some pics including the pickup set that will be going in:

 

[Mincer]

Don't feel bad about taking out the Shaws and replacing them with some iconic pickups (with great stories).

 

[d1dsj]

That’s gonna be killer!

 

[Rex_Rocker]

What's a "The Mag"?

Killer guitar! Looks amazing!

 

[Mincer]

Like a Stag Mag, but flat poles. It was earlier, I believe.

 

[jeremy]

and a5 vs a2 for the stagmag

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Seems like the DCR is also different?

 

[jeremy]

so it does!

 

[80's_Metal]

It needs an EET FUK sticker and it will be perfect!
That's a sexy animal right there.

 

[Sam SG]

That is cool!
Back when I was about 19 a guy that I knew wanted to sell me his explorer. It was a 3x P90 one. Like a jackass 19yr old I didnt want it cause it didnt hsve humbuckers.....IDIOT!!!(ME)
Appearantly his had been rattle can painted befor he got it and he stripped it back to the original finish with oven cleaner or so the story went. Guitar was a nice red color.

 

[Securb]

Love that guitar. And remember the Wonderbar. I would also take it off, but the one I had on my Mockingbird in the 80s got the job done.