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Average Price: $2,199

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Description

Step into the electrifying world of vintage rock with the 1985 Gibson Explorer, a masterpiece that captures the rebellious spirit of an era when music dared to break boundaries. Crafted with precision and flair, this guitar's angular body design and iconic headstock make it a standout on any stage. Its solid mahogany body delivers a bold and resonant tone, ideal for both crunchy rhythms and soaring solos, while the set neck construction ensures superb sustain and articulation that will make your riffs unforgettable.

Equipped with Gibson's renowned humbucking pickups, the 1985 Explorer offers a versatile sound palette, from warm cleans to aggressive overdrives, perfect for any genre. The fast-playing neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard provide exceptional playability, allowing your fingers to dance effortlessly across the frets. Whether you're shredding in a packed arena or jamming in your garage, this guitar promises to inspire your creativity and elevate your performance.

For collectors and players alike, the 1985 Gibson Explorer is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of rock history, embodying the essence of a decade that defined modern music. Join the ranks of legendary guitarists who have wielded this iconic axe and let your sound be heard.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for rich, resonant tones
  • Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Gibson humbucking pickups for versatile sound options
  • Fast-playing neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Classic Explorer body shape with iconic headstock

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Explorer 83, Explorer 83 with Triangle Knob Layout, Explorer 83 with Vibrato
Finish Camouflage, Ebony, Ferrari Red, Natural, Purple Burst, White
Year 1983 - 1989
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar, Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Green, Purple, Red, Tan, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Explorer
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1985 Gibson Explorer?

The 1985 Gibson Explorer features a slim-taper neck profile, which offers fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of pickups does the 1985 Gibson Explorer have?

The 1985 Gibson Explorer is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for rock, metal, and other high-gain music genres.

Is the 1985 Gibson Explorer suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the 1985 Gibson Explorer is well-suited for heavy metal due to its aggressive tone, solid body construction, and iconic design favored by many metal guitarists.

What finishes were available for the 1985 Gibson Explorer?

The 1985 Gibson Explorer was available in various finishes, including Camouflage, Ebony, Ferrari Red, Natural, Purple Burst, and White, allowing players to choose a style that fits their aesthetic.

Does the 1985 Gibson Explorer have a tremolo tailpiece option?

Yes, certain models of the 1985 Gibson Explorer were available with a tremolo tailpiece, providing additional versatility for players who enjoy using vibrato effects in their playing.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1985 Gibson Explorer.

Features and functionality

  • The 1985 Gibson Explorer often features the Gibson-branded Kahler tremolo system, known for its stability and ease of stringing compared to the Floyd Rose.

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  • Rare models exist without tremolos, increasing their rarity compared to the more common tremolo-equipped versions.

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  • The 1985 models sometimes feature an extremely pointy headstock, resembling a Jackson hockey stick, making it distinct from other Gibson Explorers.

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Build quality

  • The Explorer from this era typically has a "pointy headstock" design, which was specific to the mid-80s models.

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  • The finish can turn from white to lime green over time, earning nicknames like "booger" due to its unique color change.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's beneficial to check the pickups; ceramic magnets indicate a standard model, while Alnico magnets could signify a higher-end variant.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is associated with heavy metal players from the 1980s, making it suitable for that genre's style and sound.

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  • The unique mint green color used on some 1985 Explorers was primarily applied between April and July, indicating a limited production run.

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Value and pricing

  • These models are not extremely valuable but can be priced around $2000 to $2400, though they may take a long time to sell.

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Comparisons

  • Owners find the Kahler tremolo easier and more stable than a Floyd Rose, with some preferring its functionality.

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Other

  • Explorers from 1985 and 1986 are considered pre-custom shop special editions, with fewer produced and unique design features compared to standard models.

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