Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

Mllerrin

New member
Just seeing if there is any interest before I get new batteries to take pictures.
They only made these from what I know 1979-1983 and this one is a 1980 from what I was told. I'll get the Serial Number for you guys later too (It's at my band's practice space).

This is definately a 26 Year old guitar it is not in Pristine Condition. Natural Nitro Finish. Some of the Finish is wearing off the back and there are dings here and there. But hey if you like the Relic thing it's done for you! This is how I got it. From what I know I am the second owner. The tech that I had set it up and do all the upgrades to says it is a Walnut/Mahogany/Maple body with a Laminated 3 Piece Maple/Mahogany Neck. The Fingerboard is Ebony.

What Upgrades you ask: I put on a Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz Set, Tonepros Locking Bridge, Grover Locking Tuners, New Bone But (old one was brass ick). All the electronics/pots are new as well because when I got it some idiot was using EMG pots with Dimarzio X2N in the bridge. The action is about medium, not too low, and not too high. Also I got a new pickguard b/w/b from www.terrapinguitars.com cut specifically for the guitar. I also have the old just plain black pickguard as well. I don't have any of the other original hardware. It was sticky, rusted, and just nasty looking and I forgot the tech kept it. I haven't had the chance to travel up and ask him if he still has them. I also had Dunlop Strap Locks put on it but the tech forgot to give me the pieces that connect to the strap as well (My mom picked up the guitar for me so I had no idea).

So basically you have a well ages 26 year old guitar, that plays beautiful, looks beautiful despite the player's wear (which I will get pictures of ASAP), and has all the upgrades you could want on it.

The guitar will come in it's original Gibson Hardshell Case with Pink Interior (which isn't in pristine condition either but not bad at all I will also get pictures of it ASAP.) I don't have much experience shipping guitars but I will have UPS or Fedex or whichever you prefer do it themselves. I will pack the hardshell case too to make sure it doesn't move around in the box.

Why am I selling it? Personally I love it, it has a beautiful hard rock sound in the bridge and a great bluesy sound in the neck. I've narrowed it down to the nut width. It's just too wide for me to play comfortably. I love the 1 3/4" nut width on my acoustic, but I play that sitting down. So I'm selling this and buying a Telecaster. I played it in a store and instantly fell in love with it. Plus the telecaster is much cheaper and I'm a broke College Student. I'm going to use the leftover money to buy clothes and pay off what I owe my sisters for my books.

I'm looking for 900 for this guitar. I payed for it from www.guitarcity.biz for $980, and with all the upgrades I've got about $1,400 in this guitar. Shipping (I'll pay for packing) should be about $35 as the case is huge but I'll give you an exact quote.
 
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Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

Sorry guys wasn't able to get batteries for my camera but here are the pictures from www.guitarcity.biz.

Explorer_002.jpg


Explorer_004.jpg


Explorer_001.jpg


Explorer_003.jpg


Explorer_006.jpg


You can see the serial number on the last one.

But I will get more recent photos with all the upgraded parts hopefully tomorrow!
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

Also due to my stupidity, I have found all the hardware/pickups that the guitar came with and will include them with the auction (including the tp6 bridge, schaller tuners, Dimarzio X2N, and Invader Neck. I just really need to sell this guitar to pay off college books and clothes.

Still haven't been able to take any pictures but here is a couple of me playing it at my gig last saturday, excuse the goofy pose on the last one lol.
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

That's beautiful. I'd honestly love to take it off your hands, but I can't afford to do so.
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

I have wanted a guitar from 1980 (my year of birth) and I have always liked Explorers!! Hmmmm????
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

Bumpity, Pleeeeeease, I really need to afford college and clothes.

Make me a serious offer atleast.
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

I have wanted a guitar from 1980 (my year of birth) and I have always liked Explorers!! Hmmmm????

Man, me too, but anything gear related from 1966 that I'm interested in is EXPENSIVE.

That's a fine looking Explorer. I just don't like those shapes, or I'd be all over it for that price. I love the natural finish, the real relicing and the gold hardware.
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

That guitar fits you man.





You sure 'ya wanna launch it rather then get used to the neck?




It's a pretty kool piece...




I'd try & hang onto it if I were me.









(...must...not...check....checking.account...balance...)










.
 
Re: Wts: 1980 Gibson Explorer II /w Upgrades

Yeah that's what my band members say too. The shape in general looks better on my body, but I can't afford to keep it. I'm flat broke. It's not financially smart for me to sell the halfstack, because after shipping and everything I'd have if I'm lucky, 200 more dollars, and a less full sounding 2x12 Amp. I can't even really afford to replace this thing with the Telecaster mentioned above. I might just end up sticking to my Fender Showmaster, and using my other guitarist's guitar as a backup.

Maybe one day when I'm more financially secure (It will be another month or so before I get my first paycheck from my job, the interview is tomorrow but I'm pretty much guaranteed the position.), another Gibson Explorer will come to me. Perhaps after the band has bought the PA Speakers we need the money will start being split ... 5 ways. I'd wait it out but I can't stand owing people money, let alone my own family.

While I'm at it, the serial Number is 80020059

And I have a couple more close up pictures from the show:
 
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