Questions about Gibson and Hamer Explorers

[Lewguitar]

Actually, about Gibson Explorers...I know about the Hamers.

I want to buy an Explorer. What years and models have you all had good luck with? What years and models might I want to avoid?

I'm just not all that familiar with more recent Gibson guitars...my knowledge about them kind of stops around 1980! :smack:

Lew

 

[orbiter]

Re: Questions about Gibson and Hamer Explorers

lew... buying a *cough* gibson????? I dont believe my eyes?? it must be some kinda trick?? just kidding man..

I havent had much luck w/ the eighties models outside the CMTand heritage ones... I'm sure there are a buch of good ones out there ... I just havent run into many of them I guess.

aside from the new ones ... the ones from like 92 up til about 94-5 seem to be really nice .. I'm not sure why .. but all the exp's I've played from these yrs have been really solid.. nice fretwork and ex++ playability ... you'll probably want to swap p'ups as they're pretty hot .. 500t's I believe.

I really like the newer natural burst ones too... great classic vibe.

I also highly recommend keeping yer peepers open for a random CS model .. as these tend to be super duper guitars!

the nicest .. I've played .. ever ... was an allen collins custom shop .. but sticker shock would prevent me from buying one .. ouch!?!

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Questions about Gibson and Hamer Explorers

Lew,

I had an early '90's Explorer that was nice, but I got bored with it. The 500T sounded nice in it, but then again so did a set of Antiquities (that are now permanently in my LP Custom). You might want to check out the new Gibson Explorer Pro. Has an ebony neck, maple cap, nice binding and inlays. It's a bit smaller than the original, but is balanced nicely. Plays nice, too.

Jeff

 

[Hellion]

Re: Questions about Gibson and Hamer Explorers

I don't currently own any Gibson Explorers, but I do own a Dean Z (Explorer style) from 1980 and have played more than my fair share of Gibsons. I've come to think they're a little like a craps shoot. Gibson's made some really good ones and some really bad ones. The really good ones respond like crazy. I think I'd stay away from the new ones, and concentrate more on maybe something pre 1985. But again, that's just my own opinion.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Questions about Gibson and Hamer Explorers

I'm kind of leaning towards a Hamer as I had a nice one a few years back that I would have kept had the previous owner not installed a Kahler vibrato on it that couldn't be removed. I'd never buy a new Gibson! But I see used Gibsons going for as little as $600 sometimes...'76 Reissues and the like. Lew