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Average Price: $3,300

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$1001+

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Description

Designed in collaboration with the legendary musician Brendon Small, the Gibson Explorer Signature guitar is a bold homage to his innovative style and sound. This solid body electric guitar is engineered to deliver powerful tones and exceptional playability, making it an ideal choice for both serious musicians and dedicated fans of Small's work. The guitar is crafted with precision to ensure seamless performance, whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio.

At the heart of this dynamic instrument lies a pair of Burstbucker humbucking pickups, known for their ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from warm and smooth to aggressive and biting. Coupled with a mahogany body and neck, the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature offers a rich and resonant tone that can cut through any mix. Its 22-fret ebony fingerboard provides a sleek playing surface, perfect for intricate solos and fast-paced riffs.

The Explorer's iconic body shape is not only a visual statement but also contributes to its balanced feel and ease of play. With a traditional bridge and stopbar tailpiece, this guitar ensures reliable tuning stability and sustain. Whether you're channeling the energy of Small's performances or crafting your own musical path, this signature model is built to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck for a rich tonal foundation
  • 22-fret ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Burstbucker humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Iconic Explorer body shape for balanced feel
  • Traditional bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stability
  • Signature design inspired by Brendon Small

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer
Finish Silverburst
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Brendon Small
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Silver
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
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 Artist Collection

FAQs

What makes the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature unique compared to other Explorer models?

The Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature is distinct for its Silverburst finish and its association with the artist Brendon Small. It features an ebony fretboard, HH pickup configuration, and a set-neck construction, making it ideal for robust and versatile tones suitable for metal and rock genres.

Is the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature is designed with metal music in mind, featuring a powerful HH pickup configuration and a solid body that delivers the aggressive tones and sustain required for heavy metal and hard rock.

What is the neck profile like on the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature?

The Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature features a set-neck construction, providing a smooth playing experience with easy access to higher frets, which is ideal for fast and technical playing styles.

Does the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature come with any special features for Brendon Small fans?

This signature model is designed in collaboration with Brendon Small, offering a unique Silverburst finish and specifications tailored to his playing style, making it a great choice for fans of his work.

What type of music genres is the Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature best suited for?

The Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature is best suited for metal and rock genres, thanks to its powerful pickups and solid body construction that deliver aggressive and sustained tones.

Dalton D

Dalton D

Brendon Small and His Gibson Explorer Guitar

Video thumbnail for Brendon Small and His Gibson Explorer Guitar by Dalton D

Brendon Small and His Gibson Explorer Guitar

Dalton D

Dalton D

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Owners note the Gibson version is significantly pricier than the Epiphone, costing nearly $1700 compared to $700 for the Epiphone.

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  • The neck is noted to be better than the Korina model, providing a smoother playing experience.

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User experience

  • A user reported frequent strap lock issues with the Epiphone model, causing the strap to fall off during play.

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  • Users report that the guitar holds tune extremely well and the hardware quality is impressive.

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  • One buyer faced difficulties with Guitar Center's customer service but found success purchasing through alternative channels like Craigslist.

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Features and functionality

  • The neck feels more like a thin C shape, which is preferred by users familiar with Epi SGs' slimtaper necks.

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  • The coil splitting on the Burstbucker pickups offers distinct tonal variations, making it versatile for different musical styles.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The bottom three frets are considered too tight for comfortable play by some users.

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  • Quality control issues have been noted, compelling some users to buy from vendors offering easy exchanges.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A D-Tuna can be added without modifications, allowing for easier drop tuning.

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Build quality

  • The guitar's top finish on the initial batch is perceived as superior to later productions, which show less detail in the grain.

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  • Some owners reported a defective locking nut that required replacement immediately after purchase.

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Value and pricing

  • Epiphone restocking updates indicate fluctuating availability, affecting resale prices on platforms like Reverb.

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Artist usage

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See how Brendon Small uses Brendon Small Gibson Explorer Signature

Brendon Small

Guitarist

Dethklok

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen here in the B.B. King tribute "The Thrill is Gone"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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