GAS For An Explorer

[markerdown]

I want one! Started doing a little research, gonna test drive a gibby and an epi this week at the local GC. I haven't read any bad reviews on either.

So whats the skinny on these axes? Anthing I should stay away from or issues with these?

Besides epi upgrades that are always inevitable (pups, bridge, wiring harness, tuners) and I think the korina is a veneer.

Im leaning towards the gibby in ebony.

Any info is greatly apreciated.

[Actinic]

The custom shop korina Explorers are not veneer. They are solid and expensive. Just like their brethren of the past.

I have both Gibson and Epi korina explorers. Gibby's are more outspoken- they really have lot of punch and presence. Epi's seem polite by comparison. You can change all that with effects pedals.

Earlier in the year we had a lot of members pick up a Dethklok Thunderhorse Explorer, and most seem happy with the fit, finish, and Burstbuckers. I would be careful with the lesser Explorers, nearer to the $1K price point, because they don't seem to have the right resonance and projection. Scale up, you won't regret it. Don't let the good ones get away. There is an Explorer 50th Anniversary model in a brimstone color on ebay, and that one would be a prize in the low $2000 range. Too bad the BIN price is so high.

[Mat_P]

I think the Gibson 76 RI is a great bang for the buck.
Got mine in 2006 and just now felt the need to mod her.
The 500T and 498R sound great in this guitar if you are into highish gain sounds, don't let anybody tell you otherwise, powerfull yet crisp and clear when needed.
I've just recently modded it with Burstbuckers, Luxe caps and matched CTS pots though because I needed another guitar for a classic rock band. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't have touched the original setup.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Years ago, as a favor to a bud, I set up his Explorer, a mid-80s RI. It was mahogany. It played as well as any guitar I've played, was rock-solid with no movement for the three winter weeks I had it, and was perhaps one-dimensional tonally ... but lorrdy, it did the in-your-face thing very well. I don't know what p'ups it had. I was happy to use it on a demo of a jazz-metal thing I had going at the time, and I'll own one one day, I imagine.

[FUS44]

You'll get no discouragement from me. The explorer is badass.
There was guitar of the week explorer that was finished like a 58 (had a vibrato) that I would track down. Seems like the perfect spot between the epi and the historic.

Although I have a 98 epi flying v that is absolutely incredible. so I wouldn't discount an epi entirely.

[markerdown]

Just picked up a faded brown gibby explorer. I did the math, it was more cost effective than a new epi figuring in pup, bridge, tuner, nut, wiring/component upgrades and a hsc

[Mat_P]

Congrats then on your NGD.

[steve_huck]

I have a faded explorer to. Really bitchin guitar, neck is great.

Show us some PICS!

[Heppe]

I will have to agree, the Gibson Explorer is great. I bought my 1976 back in 1995. It sounds great!

[joedonner2001]

I have a 1992 Explorer and that thing is like a howling, restless soul in my hands - go for it!

[1959burst]

korina or mahogany as long as they are gibson's............i love explorers