Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,119
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson '80s Explorer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson '80s Explorer is a bold throwback to an era when rock music redefined boundaries. Known for its angular, futuristic shape, this guitar is a homage to the iconic 1984 model. Crafted from solid mahogany, both the body and neck provide a warm, resonant tone, while the Slim Taper neck profile ensures lightning-fast playability. The rosewood fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and medium jumbo frets offers smooth navigation for intricate solos and powerful chord work.
Equipped with dual '80s Tribute humbuckers, this guitar delivers a punchy, fat sound that pays tribute to vintage heavy metal and hard rock tones. These pickups are designed to push your amp into overdrive with ease, yet they can also produce lush, clean tones when dialed back. The electronics, featuring Orange Drop capacitors, are wired to vintage specs, ensuring a true-to-era sound and feel.
The hardware is built for reliability, with a Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners offering stable tuning and intonation. The absence of a pickguard and binding complements its no-nonsense attitude. This guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a statement piece that embodies the rebellious spirit of the '80s.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body and neck
- Slim Taper neck profile for fast playability
- Rosewood fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and medium jumbo frets
- Dual '80s Tribute humbuckers for fat, punchy tones
- Period-correct Orange Drop capacitors for vintage sound
- Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners for stable tuning
- Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | '80s Explorer |
| Finish | Classic White, Ebony |
| Year | 2023 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Model Family | Gibson Explorer |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.695" |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What type of neck profile does the Gibson '80s Explorer have?
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The Gibson '80s Explorer features a SlimTaper neck profile, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
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What pickups are used in the Gibson '80s Explorer, and what tones can they produce?
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The Gibson '80s Explorer is equipped with an '80s Tribute pickup set, known for delivering powerful rock and metal tones with clarity and punch.
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Is the Gibson '80s Explorer suitable for heavy music genres?
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Yes, the Gibson '80s Explorer is well-suited for heavy music genres. Its mahogany body and '80s Tribute pickups provide a strong, aggressive sound ideal for rock and metal.
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What is the body material of the Gibson '80s Explorer?
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The Gibson '80s Explorer features a mahogany body, which contributes to its warm tone and substantial sustain.
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How does the fretboard of the Gibson '80s Explorer enhance playability?
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The Gibson '80s Explorer has a rosewood fingerboard with a 12" radius and medium jumbo frets, allowing for smooth bending and comfortable chord playing.
Reviews
PROS
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Great neck profile, comfortable for extended playing
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Lightweight yet super resonant with loud acoustic properties
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Bridge pickup delivers surprisingly good performance
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Unique sound that stands out in a band setting
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Switch position is convenient and user-friendly
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Iconic design with a distinctive '80s aesthetic
CONS
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Large and clunky, may be uncomfortable for some players
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Limited fret count and lack of jumbo frets may not suit all players
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Unique sound and feel may not appeal to traditionalists
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson '80s Explorer.
Build quality
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The rosewood fretboards on '80s Explorers are often criticized; some prefer ebony for better quality.
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Graphtech TUSQ nut is a popular choice to enhance tuning stability and playability.
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The control layout is criticized for not matching the original '80s placement, which some owners find disappointing.
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Comparisons
User experience
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The '80s Explorer's off-white finish is in high demand, often selling out quickly and reselling at premium prices.
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The ESP Snakebyte's matte black finish is a fingerprint magnet, leading to frequent cleaning.
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Positive feedback on the Explorer for heavy music, with a preference for its tone over LTD models.
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One owner experienced poor condition upon delivery, requiring a replacement, which also arrived in worse condition.
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Mods and upgrades
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An owner suggests replacing stock pickups with SD SH-1 '59 pickups for improved tone.
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Owners recommend EMG 81-60 pickups and Gotoh tuners for enhanced sound and reliability.
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Some users are considering replacing stock pickups with "real" Dirty Fingers to better capture the vintage tone.
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Features and functionality
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Fixed bridge is preferred by some for easier maintenance, contrasting with the complexity of floating bridges.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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In the video titled "Deftones – Entombed (Stephen Carpenter Play-Through)," at the 0:13 mark and various other points, a black Gibson '80s Explorer can be observed hanging on the wall to the left of the closed window, confirming Stephen Carpenter's use of this guitar.
Album Usage
The Gibson '80s Explorer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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