X-plorer vs. Explorer

[lex666]

I'm a little confused... I've been noticing Gibson Explorers being referred to now as "X-plorer"
http://www.gibson.com/Products/GibsonElectric/Gibson Electric Guitars/X-Plorer/X-plorer/

...or "X-Factor"
http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-GIB-DSXR-EB.html

...and now, Gibson has the "Explorer Pro"
http://www.gibson.com/Products/GibsonElectric/Gibson Electric Guitars/X-Plorer/Explorer Pro/#

can someone out there summarize the differences in these models, including how they compare to an original Gibson "Explorer"?

Any advantages or disadvantages between these models?

Thanks!

 

[BTMN]

Re: X-plorer vs. Explorer

You can read the spec sheets on the two you linked. Basically same hardware but The Pro has binding and the maple top even though they show a Black one with binding. It looks like them other fellas just have it mislabeled as XFactor when what they are offerring is the Xplorer. Not to be confused with the Xplorer's of early '80's issue with shaved off edges.

 

[jmh151]

Re: X-plorer vs. Explorer

The Explorer, X-Plorer and X-Factor are all the same. A few years ago Gibson stupidly changed the name from Explorer to the "trendy" X-Factor then X-Plorer. Same guitar.

The Pro is a miniature, 7/8" size explorer with binding and a flame maple cap. The original ones had ebony fingerboards and block inlays like a Les Paul Custom. It's basically a smaller, lighter explorer.

 

[BTMN]

Re: X-plorer vs. Explorer

Oh yeah I forgot the Pro was a hair smaller. Brad Whitford had a really sharp Amber colored one when the first came out in '02. I have never seen one in a local Tampa Bay shop to try out. They either move quick or we just dont get them.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: X-plorer vs. Explorer

The Explorer, X-Plorer and X-Factor are all the same. A few years ago Gibson stupidly changed the name from Explorer to the "trendy" X-Factor then X-Plorer. Same guitar.

The Pro is a miniature, 7/8" size explorer with binding and a flame maple cap. The original ones had ebony fingerboards and block inlays like a Les Paul Custom. It's basically a smaller, lighter explorer.

correct