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Description

The Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer Custom Artisan is more than just an electric guitar; it’s a sonic powerhouse crafted for those who dare to stand out. Designed in collaboration with Bring Me the Horizon's lead guitarist, Lee Malia, this guitar embodies the perfect fusion of classic design and modern versatility. With its bold '70s-style Artisan aesthetics and a distinctive combination of pickups, this Explorer takes you on a journey from vintage warmth to aggressive tones with ease.

Underneath its striking exterior lies a fusion of vintage and modern features. The Gibson USA P-94 and 84T-LM pickups offer a vast array of tonal possibilities, from crunchy rhythms to smooth leads, enhanced by a coil tap for added single-coil clarity. The P-94's Dummy Coil technology ensures your sound remains hum-free, allowing you to focus solely on your performance.

The guitar is anchored by a classic mahogany body topped with maple, delivering the iconic Explorer sound with added brightness and punch. Its '59 C-profile neck, often referred to as the "baseball bat" neck, is not only comfortable but also renowned for its sustain, making each note and chord resonate with depth and clarity.

Whether you're shredding on stage or crafting new tunes in the studio, the Lee Malia Signature Explorer is your ticket to exploring new musical horizons.

Key Features:

  • Collaboration with Lee Malia of Bring Me the Horizon
  • Gibson USA P-94 and 84T-LM pickups for versatile tone
  • Dummy Coil technology eliminates 60-cycle hum
  • Mahogany body with maple top for classic Explorer sound
  • '59 C-profile neck for enhanced sustain and comfortable playability
  • Distinct '70s-era Artisan design
  • LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and 14:1 tuning machines for stable tuning

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Lee Malia Signature Explorer Custom Artisan
Year 2018 - 2019
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Lee Malia
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
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
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer?

The guitar features a Gibson USA P-94 single-coil in the neck and a Gibson USA 84T-LM humbucker in the bridge, offering versatile tones. You can achieve warm, bluesy sounds with the neck pickup and powerful, aggressive tones with the bridge, suitable for rock and metal.

Is the Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer suitable for beginners?

While the guitar is designed for experienced players, especially fans of Lee Malia, beginners can also find it accessible due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound options. However, its unique design and features are best appreciated by those with some playing experience.

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer?

The neck on this model is a SlimTaper profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience. This makes it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing, accommodating various playing styles.

How does the Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer compare to other Epiphone Explorer models?

This signature model features unique pickups and aesthetic details like the custom artisan finish, setting it apart from standard Explorers. It offers a distinct tonal palette and visual appeal that reflects Lee Malia's personal style and sound preferences.

What kind of music genres is the Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer best suited for?

The guitar excels in rock and metal genres due to its powerful humbucker and single-coil combination, offering both aggressive and clean tones. Its design and features are tailored for those seeking versatility in heavy music contexts.

TotalGuitar

TotalGuitar

Me And My Guitar: Bring Me The Horizon's Lee Malia / Signature Epiphone Explorer Custom Artisan

Video thumbnail for Me And My Guitar: Bring Me The Horizon's Lee Malia / Signature Epiphone Explorer Custom Artisan by TotalGuitar

Me And My Guitar: Bring Me The Horizon's Lee Malia / Signature Epiphone Explorer Custom Artisan

TotalGuitar

TotalGuitar

Video thumbnail for A P-94 in a Metal Guitar?! || Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Custom Artisan Demo/Review by Agufish

A P-94 in a Metal Guitar?! || Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Custom Artisan Demo/Review

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for Lee Malia Epiphone Explorer Custom Artisan Outfit | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Lee Malia Epiphone Explorer Custom Artisan Outfit | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Me and My Guitars - Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Artisan by Nihilist92

Me and My Guitars - Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Artisan

Nihilist92

Nihilist92

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer Custom Artisan.

Build quality

  • Some owners report that the tuners and input jack are often subpar, suggesting potential DIY improvements for reliability.

    Source
  • The thick C-shape neck is praised for comfort, especially suitable for players with larger hands.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with poorly drilled stop tail studs and nut installation can require additional work for optimal playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing volume and tone knobs can reduce static; RS Guitar Works offers high-quality pots and wiring kits for this purpose.

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Features and functionality

  • The pickup combination is described as phenomenal, providing versatility for various musical styles.

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  • The humbucker/P90 pickup combo offers a unique blend of mean distortion with single coil-like clarity, described as less muddy than typical middle positions.

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Value and pricing

  • Used models are typically priced between $600-$750 on Reverb, offering a more affordable alternative to Gibson Explorers.

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Comparisons

  • The Epiphone's finish isn't as refined as a nitrocellulose Gibson, but it remains impressive for its price point, offering solid playability and tone.

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User experience

  • Owners have noted that the guitar setup out of the box is satisfactory, requiring minimal adjustments for optimal play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The P90/P94 neck pickup provides a fatter single coil sound, ideal for players seeking versatility between humbucker and single coil tones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Custom Artisan

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer Custom Artisan offers a striking take on a classic design with its walnut and gold livery, challenging the notion that Explorers are solely for metalheads. Its versatility shines through a well-chosen pickup configuration, though the overall tone leans dark, especially evident with the hot bridge humbucker that thrives under gain but feels congested clean. The P90 pickup, however, delivers throaty leads clean or dirty. While its thickness might overwhelm some amps, pairing with a brighter rig uncovers its true potential. A visually bold, sonically rich choice for diverse genres.

positive

Epiphone Ltd Ed Lee Malia Explorer Custom Artisan review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer Custom Artisan is a surprising gem in the world of signature guitars. While it sports a unique aesthetic leaning more Skynyrd than Slayer, it's the versatile tones that steal the show. The P-90/humbucker combo offers a rich sonic palette, from rock to blues and even funk, thanks to its effective coil-splitting options. Despite its impressive sound capabilities, minor finish issues and fret polishing mar its otherwise standout performance, especially at its price point. Yet, its tonal range and unique pickup configuration make it a worthy contender for those seeking something different.

positive

Epiphone Lee Malia Explorer Custom Artisan | Guitar Review – Agufish Music

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