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Explorer Copy

Explorer Copy

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Find out who is using Explorer Copy

Slash

2 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

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Videos

JEEJ

Explorer Guitar Copy Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for Explorer Guitar Copy Review + Demo by JEEJ

Explorer Guitar Copy Review + Demo

JEEJ

Video thumbnail for Fernandes Explorer Copy - Teardown and Troubleshoot by Fanblade Instruments

Fernandes Explorer Copy - Teardown and Troubleshoot

Fanblade Instruments

Fanblade Instruments

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners recommend Gotoh tuners for improved tuning stability and Gibson humbuckers for enhanced tonal quality.
Source
0 0

Owners looking for non-metal aesthetics in Explorer copies consider swapping hardware and pickguards to achieve a more classic look.
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Setup and maintenance

0 0

Frets require polishing, but hand-rolled fret ends offer high-end playability similar to premium Ibanez models.
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0 0

The Ghost Fret's intonation and action were reported as problematic, with the action being notably high, requiring additional setup work to correct.
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Build quality

0 0

The neck is consistently straight, and factory fretwork is surprisingly level, indicating improved craftsmanship in recent copies.
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0 0

Issues with the Ghost Fret include incorrectly cut nuts causing tuning difficulties, significant scratches under the finish, and unfinished sanding leading to rough contact points.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The neck profile is a medium C shape without the flat D spot, closely resembling Gibson's design.
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0 0

Some Ghost Frets were noted to have lower quality feeling switches and pots, despite expectations of higher quality components like CTS pots.
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Value and pricing

0 0

Total investment post-upgrades is around $430, significantly lower than a legit Gibson or Epiphone Explorer.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

With quality parts, these guitars are suitable for stage performance, even replacing genuine Gibson models in some users’ lineups.
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Comparisons

0 0

Epiphone's Korina model offers a 1958 Explorer style, considered on par with LTD range guitars from ESP, both seen as alternatives to pricier models.
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0 0

PRS S2 and lower-end American Gibsons are highlighted as setting a high bar for quality, against which the Ghost Fret's issues are compared.
Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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Artist usage

See how Slash uses Explorer Copy

Slash

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Slashparadise

A cheap Gibson Explorer natural copy was also one the first owned Slash guitar.

Genre Usage

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

Alternative Rock

Alternative Metal

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Explorer Copy, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1960 Gibson SG

1960 Gibson SG Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

1967 ES-335

1967 ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

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1990 Gibson Les Paul 12-String

1990 Gibson Les Paul 12-String Extended Range Guitars

1

Gretsch G6120SSL Brian Setzer Nashville with TV Jones Pickups

Gretsch G6120SSL Brian Setzer Nashville with TV Jones Pickups Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

1

Travis Bean 1977 Travis Bean 1000

Travis Bean 1977 Travis Bean 1000 Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

Guild Crossroads Double-Neck

Guild Crossroads Double-Neck Extended Range Guitars

1

Gibson 'Norlin Era' Les Paul Standard (1974-1985)

Gibson 'Norlin Era' Les Paul Standard (1974-1985) Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

Gibson Les Paul Standard "Burst" (1958-1960)

Gibson Les Paul Standard "Burst" (1958-1960) Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

Fender Telecaster

Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Gibson Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars

1

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26 artists using

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in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank

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in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank

Who’s using this:

George Harrison

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in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank

Who’s using this:

Billie Joe Armstrong

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