New 7 String Explorer

[Goldtop75]

Originally Posted by H.E.L.Shane

Looks fine to me...

All I have to say is... ITS ABOUT TIME.....

Yep... it's about time...

I'd bite on these for sure... Though i wish they didn't just dump the EMGs in there... I would have loved to be able to put in some standard 7 string pups wihtout having to hunt for a cavity filler.

[dspelman]

Originally Posted by dennistruckdriver

It's a 7-string, not a baritone.

Not the point (you haven't played much 7-string, I guess). The bottom end on a short scale 7-string just gets lost -- it's got no definition. I don't see any indication of the scale in the specs (as though Gibson considers that irrelevant?). I think the 12" radius is also a bit short for a 7.

Here's a better 7-string design (ignore the brand):



Radius is flatter (16" or 20")
Scale is 27" (better definition for bottom end)
24 frets
Multipiece Neck through (stronger given the increased tension)
EMG 707's (better than the EMG 81/7 in the bridge of the Gibby)
STRAIGHT LINE headstock (tilted headstocks usually break between the first and second tuners on six strings if there's any impact at all, due to the off-axis string tension).

The Floyd is a personal preference, but if you're going to be soloing on one of these, it should at least be an option. The new price on this particular guitar is around $625

One more thing -- I usually put Baritone guitars at around 28" scale and up, and then you're usually doing a non-standard tuning...

[Nigel T.]

Originally Posted by Goldtop75

I would have loved to be able to put in some standard 7 string pups wihtout having to hunt for a cavity filler.

Excuse my 7 string newbieness, but aren't all 7 string humbuckers the same size?

[Deej]

No, EMG's for 7-strings are larger, and require extra routing if mounting in a 7-string that originally came with other "standard 7-string humbuckers".

I agree that this is about 10 years too late. And the price is outrageous to get a 7 with the Gibson name on it. At least both points in my opinion.

I picked up a Peavey Predator 7-string for $385 - yeah, a cheapo, but it plays and sounds very well for the price. The Peavey was the only 7 string I played where I like the feel of the neck - ended up grabbing another when they discontinued them on clearance for $285).

I routed it out, and put EMG 707's in it. Sounds great, plays great, and was only about $600.

I'm a die-hard Gibson fan (own 6 Gibby's, 2 Peaveys, and 3 Ovations), but I wouldn't pay $2000 for a 7-string just because it's a Gibson. Besides, that's what I bought the LP Baritone for.

[Exluthier]

I have to agree that this is way late (hell didn't Korn switch back to 6 strings some time ago?). Also you can get a good sound out of a down tuned 24 3/4 scale, just listen to the riffs from tool's Prison Sex and Parabol/Parabola.

[Superpower]

ARGH! this is really really annoying me! The only reason (and I seriously mean only reason) you would buy this is because it is an explorer shape!

The idea is a really really good one, and i would love a gibson explorer 7-string. but i would bet money that my $800 C-7 hellraiser has a better sound than this $3300 piece of shit. 24.75" scale is absolute bullshit for a seven sting. that .59 sting is going to be so muddy, making it really goddamn hard to gallop, and making the sound so messed up.

Thru-neck would be far better for a seven string, because this is a guitar that would really benefit from that added sustain (having a muddy seventh string and all).

As some other guy said as well, having a straight line headstock is better for a number of reasons. although, this is an explorer, and it wouldnt be the same without its signature headstock.

Good idea, poorly executed.