Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $799
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your inner rock deity with the Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer, a guitar that combines striking looks with extraordinary sound. Designed in partnership with Brendon Small, the mastermind behind the animated band Dethklok, this instrument is not just a tribute to a fictional universe but a powerhouse of musical innovation. Crafted from a solid mahogany body and neck, the Thunderhorse Explorer promises durability and a rich, resonant tone that’s perfect for both studio recordings and live performances.
Equipped with Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups, this guitar delivers that signature vintage tone with contemporary clarity, allowing you to explore a wide range of sonic landscapes—from bone-crushing metal riffs to soulful, bluesy solos. The '60s slim-taper neck ensures comfort and speed, making it effortless to shred through your favorite scales and chord progressions. Meanwhile, the phenolic fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays provides a smooth surface for your fingers to glide over, enhancing playability and precision.
Whether you’re an avid Metalocalypse fan or a musician seeking a unique and reliable addition to your collection, the Thunderhorse Explorer is a perfect match. This guitar doesn’t just play music; it commands attention, offering both style and substance in spades.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body and neck
- '60s slim-taper neck profile
- Phenolic fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
- Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups for vintage tone
- Designed in collaboration with Brendon Small of Dethklok fame
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Brendon Small Signature "Thunderhorse" Explorer |
| Finish | Silverburst |
| Year | 2013 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Artist | Brendon Small |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Silver |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Composite |
| Model Family | Epiphone Explorer |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Epiphone Artist Collection |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer?
-
The Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer features a comfortable, slim taper neck profile, making it suitable for fast playing and intricate solos, ideal for metal and rock genres.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this guitar?
-
The Thunderhorse Explorer is equipped with a dual humbucker configuration, providing powerful and articulate tones with excellent sustain, perfect for heavy metal and hard rock styles.
-
Is the Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer suitable for beginners?
-
While it's designed for versatility and powerful performance, the Thunderhorse Explorer's user-friendly features make it accessible for beginners who are serious about playing metal and rock music.
-
How does the mahogany body of the Thunderhorse Explorer affect its sound?
-
The mahogany body of the Thunderhorse Explorer contributes to a warm, rich tone with excellent sustain and resonance, making it ideal for genres requiring depth and power.
-
Does the Thunderhorse Explorer come with any special features related to Brendon Small?
-
Yes, the Thunderhorse Explorer is a signature model designed in collaboration with Brendon Small, featuring a unique Silverburst finish and specifications tailored to his playing style.
Videos
OfficialEpiphone
Skwisgaar Skwigelf of Dethklok and the Epiphone "Thunderhorse" Explorer
Skwisgaar Skwigelf of Dethklok and the Epiphone "Thunderhorse" Explorer
OfficialEpiphone
Brendon Small Introduces The Dethklok Epiphone Thunderhorse
OfficialEpiphone
Brendon Small - Thunderhorse Explorer
OfficialEpiphone
Brendon Small 'Thunderhorse' Explorer
Music Games Randomness
WILL IT JAZZ? - Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer
N Stuff Music
Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer Electric Guitar - Review
Robot Romance
Reviews
PROS
-
Thunderhorse offers a solid build and exceptional durability
-
Burstbuckers provide a roaring sound with a nice fat tone
-
Coil splits offer versatile sound options
-
Outperforms some Gibson models in playability and sound
-
Great value as a discontinued model, potential for rising value
-
Painted binding adds a stylish, high-end appearance
-
Excellent for laying down heavy tracks
-
Looks are striking and appealing
CONS
-
Machinehead tuners spaced too wide, causing string breakage
-
Nut not cut correctly, leading to string pinching
-
Neck is weak for large headstock size
-
Pickup sound lacks depth compared to Gibson Les Paul Studio
-
Heavier weight may not suit all players
-
Slight neck heaviness affects balance without strap adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer.
Build quality
-
The Thunderhorse model features a phenolic fretboard, which is a plastic material rather than wood, but many owners find it indistinguishable in playability.
Source -
Owners find the strap lock placement problematic, causing straps to frequently detach during play, which may require additional strap lock accessories for secure use.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
The guitar's thick poly finish is often described as having a plastic-like feel, though this can be smoothed with 2000 grit sandpaper.
Source -
Owners have successfully set up the guitar with NYXL 12-60 gauge strings for C Standard tuning, demonstrating its adaptability to lower tunings without issues.
Source
User experience
-
Some users have reported encountering non-functional units in stores, emphasizing the importance of testing before purchase.
Source -
The limited run and out-of-production status make the Thunderhorse Explorer a desirable collector's item, with owners recommending quick purchase if found.
Source -
One user expressed disappointment at missing out on a local purchase opportunity, highlighting the model's desirability and limited availability in the market.
Source
Value and pricing
Features and functionality
-
The Thunderhorse Explorer comes equipped with Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups, known for delivering a killer sound and enhancing the guitar's tonal versatility.
Source -
The guitar maintains the standard Gibson 24.75" scale length, which might surprise those expecting a longer scale for drop tunings.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
477
A Metal Machine
The guitar is solidly built, is a real shredder and sounds super thick. The binding work on the guitar is actually PAINTED on rather than actual plastic binding found on higher end models. However, I find that the binding, despite painted, adds some swag to the guitar and makes it look more expensive. Unlike most would believe, the pickups on the guitar are actual Gibson USA Burstbuckers - they have nice fatness and balls in the sound. I found the guitar is a little neckheavy but with a trustworthy leather strap and moving the strabutton location to the back of the neckjoint, it is incredibly stable.
All in all, I'd highly recommend this guitar if you can find it for a decent price in used gear stores for it has now been discontinued.
Artist usage
Add artist
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Epiphone Solid Body Electric Guitars
$689.00 - $799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
-m.webp?v=1783177043)
$549.00 - $842.03
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$399.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783110491)
$219.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$460.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$199.00 - $415.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783065634)
$369.00 - $479.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$579.00 - $997.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpeg?v=1782978863)
$739.00 - $2,899.00
$519.00 - $1,087.15
-m.webp?v=1783177074)
$638.00 - $799.00
$349.00 - $3,395.00
$269.00 - $279.00
$447.77 - $549.00
$399.00 - $668.03
$933.00 - $2,048.16
$373.00 - $549.00
$451.00 - $599.00
$389.00 - $499.00
$798.38 - $1,299.00
$589.00 - $649.00
$522.00 - $977.16
.png?v=1782928266)
$749.00 - $799.00
$545.00 - $555.00
-m.webp?v=1783176814)
$460.00 - $1,299.00
$199.00 - $206.01
$250.00 - $799.00
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
