Gibson Explorer

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Gibson Explorer

Manufacturer	Gibson
Period	1958, discontinued, then re-issued since 1975.
Construction
Body type	Solid
Neck joint	Set
Woods
Body	Originally ('58-'63)korina, reissues mahogany or korina
Neck	Originally ('58-'63)korina, reissues mahogany or korina
Fretboard	Rosewood
Hardware
Bridge	Tune-o-matic
Pickup(s)	2 Humbuckers
Colors available
Ebony, Cherry, Classic White, Natural

The Gibson Explorer (or X-plorer as it has sometimes been called since 2002), made its debut in 1958, then known as the Futura. It offered a radical, "futuristic" body design, much like its sibling, the Flying V. Its initial run was unsuccessful and it was discontinued in 1959. In 1975, Gibson began reissuing the Explorer after other guitar companies had success selling similar designs.

1 Highly valued
2 Explorer variations
3 Other makers
4 Guitarists notable for their Explorer use
5 References
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] Highly valued

Gibson produced less than 100 Explorers during the 1958 run of the original Korina wood model. The low availability of this guitar has increased its value significantly and made them prized collectables.

[edit] Explorer variations

There have been several variants produced by Gibson, including several smaller, more "user friendly" versions such as the Studio Explorer and the Matthias Jabs designed Explorer 90 (named so because it was 90% the body of a regular Explorer). An explorer was also produced in Gibson's "Goth" line, which feature some of Gibson's most renowned guitars including the Explorer, Flying V, SG, and Les Paul in Matte Black Finishes. Several variants are also produced by Epiphone, Gibson's lower cost, offshore operation. These include a model produced in Korina Wood and Epiphone's own "Goth" model.

[edit] Other makers

The Hamer Guitar company created a tribute to the Explorer in 1974 called the Hamer "Standard" . Gaining popularity with the more progressive rock musicians of the day, Hamer's success led the way for other reissues, including those from Gibson.

The Jackson guitar company (now a subsidiary of Fender) was once sued by Gibson for their line of Kelly guitars, which are very similar to the X-plorer, although more lightweight. The Kelly was sleeker and lighter, but was otherwise identical. The most famous user of this line is Marty Friedman of Megadeth fame.

Other companies that have produced Explorer-esque guitars are: ESP, Dean Guitars, Ibanez, Jackson, Yamaha and Kramer.

[edit] Guitarists notable for their Explorer use

Eric Clapton was an occasional user of a Gibson Explorer, notably during the "461 Ocean Boulevard" tour in 1974.(pictured here)
Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers was a frequent Explorer user.
Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd switched from a Firebird to an Explorer in 1976.
Paul Stanley switched from Flying V to an Explorer in 1976.
Tommy Shaw of Styx used a Gibson Explorer from 1979 to 1982.
Franché Coma played an Explorer during his stint with the original Misfits.
Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü,
The Edge of U2, Matthias Jabs of Scorpions and James Hetfield of Metallica all greatly increased the Explorer's popularity during the 1980s. The model is now used by many present day guitarists.