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Average Price: $799

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$400

$1001+

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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.

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Skwisgaar Skwigelf of Dethklok and the Epiphone "Thunderhorse" Explorer

Video thumbnail for Skwisgaar Skwigelf of Dethklok and the Epiphone "Thunderhorse" Explorer by OfficialEpiphone

Skwisgaar Skwigelf of Dethklok and the Epiphone "Thunderhorse" Explorer

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Brendon Small Introduces The Dethklok Epiphone Thunderhorse by OfficialEpiphone

Brendon Small Introduces The Dethklok Epiphone Thunderhorse

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Brendon Small - Thunderhorse Explorer by OfficialEpiphone

Brendon Small - Thunderhorse Explorer

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Brendon Small 'Thunderhorse' Explorer by Music Games Randomness

Brendon Small 'Thunderhorse' Explorer

Music Games Randomness

Music Games Randomness

Video thumbnail for WILL IT JAZZ? - Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer by N Stuff Music

WILL IT JAZZ? - Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer Electric Guitar - Review by Robot Romance

Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer Electric Guitar - Review

Robot Romance

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

  • A price of $400 for a used Thunderhorse is considered a good deal by enthusiasts, especially given its unique design and features.

    Source
  • The Epiphone model is noted to be significantly more affordable than its Gibson counterpart, with prices around $700 compared to nearly $1700.

    Source

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

Use cases and applications

  • The Explorer's design facilitates easy access to high notes, making it ideal for speed play whether sitting or standing.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
zodiacslaughter

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
See how Brendon Small uses Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer

Brendon Small

Guitarist

Dethklok

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Brendon Small - Thunderhorse Explorer" by OfficialEpiphone, Brendon Small is featured with the Epiphone Brendon Small Thunderhorse Explorer guitar.

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