2016 Gibson Explorer T

$1,175.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (5)

2 Reviews

1 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jun 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (16)

$1,175.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $1,175

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 2016 Gibson Explorer T is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your inner rock god with the 2016 Gibson Explorer T, a guitar that truly embodies the spirit of adventure and sonic exploration. Known for its striking angular design, this solid body electric guitar is not just a visual statement but a powerhouse of sound. With its 496R and 500T humbucker pickups, this guitar delivers a crisp, thunderous tone that effortlessly cuts through any mix, making it a go-to choice for both studio sessions and live performances.

Crafted with precision, the Explorer T's mahogany body and neck ensure a rich, resonant sound with sustain that seems to last forever. The rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, inviting you to explore new riffs and solos with ease. Whether you’re chugging heavy riffs or soaring through solos, the Explorer T's versatile sound palette covers everything from metal to blues.

The iconic design is matched with practical features like Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners for reliable tuning stability, a traditional Tune-o-Matic bridge for superior intonation, and a slim taper neck profile for effortless playability. This guitar is not just about aesthetics; it's a durable, reliable partner for musicians who demand both style and substance.

Key Features:

Mahogany body and neck
Rosewood fingerboard
496R and 500T humbucker pickups for powerful sound
Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
Slim taper neck profile for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Explorer T
Finish	Cherry, Ebony
Year	2016
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	X-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Red
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
Series	Gibson T

FAQs

What type of music genres is the 2016 Gibson Explorer T best suited for?: The 2016 Gibson Explorer T is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its aggressive tone and powerful dual humbucker pickup configuration.
What is the neck profile of the 2016 Gibson Explorer T like?: The 2016 Gibson Explorer T features a comfortable slim taper neck profile, offering fast playability suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Does the 2016 Gibson Explorer T have a set-neck or bolt-on neck construction?: The 2016 Gibson Explorer T features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a smoother heel for easier access to higher frets.
What are the finish options available for the 2016 Gibson Explorer T?: The 2016 Gibson Explorer T is available in Cherry and Ebony finishes, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
How would you describe the tone of the 2016 Gibson Explorer T's pickups?: The 2016 Gibson Explorer T is equipped with dual humbuckers that deliver a thick, powerful sound with high output, perfect for distorted tones and heavy riffs.

Videos

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Musician's Friend

Gibson 2016 Explorer T

Musician's Friend

Gibson Explorer 2016 T Electric Guitar - Gibson Explorer

American Musical Supply

Gibson Explorer 2016 T Electric Guitar Performance - Gibson Explorer

American Musical Supply

Quick Riffs: Gibson 2016 Explorer T

Swee Lee

2016 GIBSON EXPLORER UP CLOSE GUITAR BODY HARDWARE VIDEO REVIEW AT ESSEX RECORDING STUDIOS UK

Essex Recording Studios

Reviews

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PROS

Iconic Explorer shape makes channeling your inner rock star effortless
Comfortable neck offers a thicker, more rounded feel preferred by many players
Versatile sound with pickup upgrades like 57 Classics or Seymour Duncan
Ideal for high-gain styles with clarity and definition
Great condition and build quality reported by multiple owners

CONS

Stock ceramic pickups often replaced due to harshness
Noisy electronics over time, common issue with Gibson guitars
Glossy neck finish may not suit everyone's preference, can be modified

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2016 Gibson Explorer T.

Features and functionality

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The 2016 Gibson Explorer T is equipped with 500T pickups, known for their powerful, passive tone with substantial "oomph," ideal for heavy music styles.
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While the 2016 Explorer T often comes with a white pickguard, some owners have successfully customized theirs with a black pickguard, either custom-ordered or 3D printed for a perfect fit.
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Build quality

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Owners report the 2016 Gibson Explorer T as having exceptionally bright and resonant sound quality, distinguishing it from other electric guitars.
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Comparisons

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The 2016 Explorer's passive 500T pickups are compared favorably to active Fishman pickups and EMGs, noted for their distinctive, punchy tone.
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User experience

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Despite concerns about Gibson's 2016 quality control, owners of the Explorer T and other 2016 models report no significant quality issues, describing their guitars as perfect.
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The balance of the Explorer is generally well-regarded, with owners noting no significant balance issues during use, even when stock availability limits hands-on trials at stores.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners have swapped the Explorer’s pickups with a Slash Seymour Duncan neck pickup and a 57 Plus bridge pickup for enhanced performance through high-gain amps like the Splawn Nitro.
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