Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,700

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite is a tribute to bold innovation and timeless rock and roll spirit. With its daring design, featuring an angular, asymmetrical body and iconic pointed headstock, this guitar is not just a nod to the past but a beacon for future rockers. Crafted from solid mahogany, both the body and the set-in neck offer a SlimTaper profile, ensuring a comfortable grip and swift navigation across the fretboard. The torrefied granadillo fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and playability to this already distinguished instrument.

Under the hood, the Explorer Elite roars with a pair of Burstbucker humbucking pickups that deliver a spectrum of tones, from warm, deep lows to searing highs. These pickups are renowned for their ability to articulate rock and metal tones with precision. The guitar's precision is further enhanced by Plek technology, which meticulously levels the frets, making each note resonate with clarity and power.

For those who cherish durability, the cryogenically treated frets extend the lifespan of your playing surface, ensuring the Explorer Elite remains your companion through countless gigs. Whether you're shredding on stage or jamming in your garage, this guitar promises to elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a SlimTaper neck profile
  • Torrefied granadillo fingerboard
  • Burstbucker BB2 and BB3 humbucking pickups
  • Plek'd for exceptional playability
  • Cryogenically treated frets for extended durability
  • Mini Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Fast-access heel for easy upper fret access

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Explorer Elite
Finish Aged Cherry
Year 2018
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Granadillo
Model Family Gibson Explorer
Model Sub-Family Gibson Explorer Elite
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

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite's pickups?

The Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite features dual humbucker pickups, which deliver a powerful, full-bodied tone ideal for rock and metal genres. These pickups offer excellent sustain and clarity, making them suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite?

The Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slim taper neck profile, allowing for smooth playability and fast action, which is ideal for players who enjoy quick fretboard navigation.

Is the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile sound, and professional-grade components, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live performances.

What is the fretboard material on the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite?

The fretboard of the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite is made from Granadillo, a durable wood known for its smooth feel and bright tonal characteristics, contributing to the guitar's overall sound quality.

Does the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite come with a case?

While the product page does not specify, Gibson typically includes a hard case with their high-end models like the Explorer Elite, offering protection and convenience for transport. It's advisable to verify with the retailer.

How does the body shape of the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite affect its playability?

The X-style body shape of the Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite offers a unique aesthetic and balanced weight distribution, which can enhance stage presence and playing comfort, especially for standing performances.

Musikhaus Öllerer

Musikhaus Öllerer

#7: Gibson Explorer Elite 2018 Aged Cherry

Video thumbnail for #7: Gibson Explorer Elite 2018 Aged Cherry by Musikhaus Öllerer

#7: Gibson Explorer Elite 2018 Aged Cherry

Musikhaus Öllerer

Musikhaus Öllerer

Video thumbnail for 깁슨 Gibson USA 2018 Explorer Elite by BUZZBEE TV

깁슨 Gibson USA 2018 Explorer Elite

BUZZBEE TV

BUZZBEE TV

Video thumbnail for Room 335 - improvisation | Gibson Explorer Elite 2018 by 최기윤

Room 335 - improvisation | Gibson Explorer Elite 2018

최기윤

최기윤

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite.

Features and functionality

  • The 2018 Explorer Elite is noted for its gold hardware and a dark wine red finish that appears nearly black without proper lighting.

    Source
  • A custom mahogany pickguard can visually clash with the body, leading some to prefer the included black plastic pickguard.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners consider replacing the stock Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups with Burstbucker 1 and 2 for lower output and clearer guitar tone.

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  • Owners often enhance their Explorers with Sperzel locking tuners and Graph Tech nuts for superior tuning stability.

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  • EMG 81-60 pickups are popular among owners for a more aggressive tone, especially favored in metal genres.

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  • Some users relocate the pickup selector to the first pot position for easier access during performance.

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User experience

  • The Explorer Elite is praised for having a thin neck comparable to Jackson or Ibanez models, making it more suitable for shredding and leads.

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  • Owners note that Gibson Explorers can be hit or miss in playability, with some needing additional setup for optimal performance.

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  • Tall players appreciate the Explorer's body shape for its comfortable fit, while shorter players use the body to counter neck dive.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite its metal association, the Explorer is considered versatile enough for indie rock, with ceramic pickups providing a unique bite and overdrive push.

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  • Despite its metal-friendly image, the Explorer performs well with tech death and fast shredding, making it versatile for various aggressive musical styles.

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Other

  • The case for the Explorer is notably large, which can be cumbersome for transport despite the guitar's comfort during play.

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Value and pricing

  • Second-hand purchases with extensive upgrades, including original parts and hard cases, can cost around £1500 GBP.

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Comparisons

  • Some players find the playability of the Explorer Elite comparable to high-end Ibanez models, specifically the AZ Prestige, emphasizing its smooth action.

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