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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar, a true icon in the world of extended range guitars. This legendary instrument, first introduced in 1958, has been reimagined for the modern player who wants to push musical boundaries. The Explorer's signature angular, asymmetrical body not only stands out visually but provides a well-balanced, lightweight playing experience, thanks to its premium mahogany construction.

The guitar's unique neck design merges the best of vintage and modern worlds, offering a hybrid between the '50s rounded contour and the '60s slim-taper profile. This ensures comfortable playability whether you're shredding solos or laying down complex riffs. Equipped with EMG 707 and EMG 81-7 pickups, this Explorer delivers a powerful punch, with the neck pickup enhancing the depth of your low B strings while the bridge pickup offers razor-sharp attack and sustain, perfect for high-gain leads and aggressive rhythms.

To complete this sonic powerhouse, the Gibson Explorer features chrome hardware, a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, and reliable mini Grover tuners. This guitar is crafted for musicians who demand versatility, precision, and a bold statement in their sound and style. Whether you're exploring new musical territories or redefining your genre, this 7-string beast is ready to be your partner in sonic adventure.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body for balanced weight and exceptional tone
  • Hybrid neck profile: '50s rounded contour and '60s slim-taper
  • EMG 707 neck pickup for enhanced low-end response
  • EMG 81-7 bridge pickup for aggressive attack and sustain
  • Chrome hardware with Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Mini Grover tuners for stable tuning and precision adjustments

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar best suited for?

The Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar, equipped with EMG active humbuckers, is ideal for metal and hard rock genres, providing powerful, high-gain tones suitable for aggressive playing styles.

How does the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar handle extended range tuning?

The Gibson Explorer 7-String features a sturdy mahogany body and neck, offering excellent tuning stability and resonance, which is essential for handling the lower tunings associated with 7-string guitars.

What are the key features of the pickups on the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar?

The guitar features EMG 707 and EMG 7-81 active humbuckers, known for their clarity and punch, delivering a balanced tone with tight lows and clear highs, suitable for modern metal and rock.

Is the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar comfortable for live performances?

With its iconic Explorer body shape and balanced weight distribution, the Gibson Explorer 7-String provides comfort and ease of play, making it suitable for extended live performances.

Does the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar comes with a Gibson hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar.

Value and pricing

  • Owners report that the 7-String Gibson Explorer is very rare, with estimates of only 200-225 made due to production impacts from a facility flood.

    Source
  • One owner suggests a price of $5,000 for a mint, original condition Explorer 7, indicating high market value due to scarcity.

    Source

User experience

  • Finding an Explorer 7 can take years, as noted by an owner who spent 2 years searching for one.

    Source
  • A user with professional setup reports their 7-string Gibson LP in tobacco sunburst stays in tune and meets expectations, countering claims of poor quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report issues with Steinberger gearless tuners not holding tune well, particularly on the Explorer model.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user strings their Gibson 7-string with .006/.007 gauge strings for a high A flat tuning, noting that it rarely breaks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Explorer 7 is said to become less playable past the 15th fret, which limits its use for certain playing styles.

    Source
  • The pickups on some Gibson 7-string models are described as slightly hotter PAF-style, offering a vintage tone with a bit more output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Matt Heafy 7-string guitar, with a 25.5" scale, is recommended for better low tuning stability compared to Gibson's shorter scale.

    Source
  • A user transitioned from a Gibson Explorer 7 to a Sterling Music Man JP7, suggesting better satisfaction with the latter's design and functionality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Matt Heafy uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Matt Heafy

Singer, Guitarist

Trivium

...
Verified via YouTube

Matt Heafy also uses 7 string Explorers as his main 7-string guitars of choice live before his endorsement with Epiphone.

See how Brian Welch uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Brian Welch

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

at 2:07, he is seen with this guitar

See how Chad Kroeger uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Chad Kroeger

Singer, Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

At 18:06 of the YouTube Video source, Chad Kroeger's tech talks and shows the 7 string explorer Chad Kroeger uses for "Burn It To The Ground" as well as "This Means War".

See how Yağmur Sarıgül uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Yağmur Sarıgül

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Photo

Yağmur Sarıgül uses the Gibson explorer 7 string in a photo

See how Philip Näslund uses Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar

Philip Näslund

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Ebony Year: 2011

In the YouTube video titled "Bruce Dickinson's Philip Näslund – RIG RUNDOWN," Philip Näslund confirms that he uses the Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar during Bruce Dickinson's The Mandrake Project 2025 tour.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Explorer 7-String Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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