Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$2,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$2,499.00
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$955.12 New
$1,800.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,499.00
zZounds
$2,499.00
Thomann
4.4 (11)
$2,099.00 $2,080.00 $19.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,299.00

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

What type of neck profile does the Gibson '80s Explorer have?

The Gibson '80s Explorer features a SlimTaper neck profile, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What pickups are used in the Gibson '80s Explorer, and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson '80s Explorer is equipped with an '80s Tribute pickup set, known for delivering powerful rock and metal tones with clarity and punch.

Is the Gibson '80s Explorer suitable for heavy music genres?

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.

What is the body material of the Gibson '80s Explorer?

The Gibson '80s Explorer features a mahogany body, which contributes to its warm tone and substantial sustain.

How does the fretboard of the Gibson '80s Explorer enhance playability?

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

  • Great neck profile, comfortable for extended playing

  • Lightweight yet super resonant with loud acoustic properties

  • Bridge pickup delivers surprisingly good performance

  • Unique sound that stands out in a band setting

  • Switch position is convenient and user-friendly

  • Iconic design with a distinctive '80s aesthetic

CONS

  • Large and clunky, may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Limited fret count and lack of jumbo frets may not suit all players

  • 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

  • The rosewood fretboards on '80s Explorers are often criticized; some prefer ebony for better quality.

    Source
  • Graphtech TUSQ nut is a popular choice to enhance tuning stability and playability.

    Source
  • The control layout is criticized for not matching the original '80s placement, which some owners find disappointing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP Snakebyte is noted for being lighter than expected, despite its bulky appearance, contrasting with the Gibson's classic build.

    Source
  • Owners note the mahogany body and neck differ from the original alder used in the '84 models, affecting authenticity.

    Source

User experience

  • The '80s Explorer's off-white finish is in high demand, often selling out quickly and reselling at premium prices.

    Source
  • The ESP Snakebyte's matte black finish is a fingerprint magnet, leading to frequent cleaning.

    Source
  • Positive feedback on the Explorer for heavy music, with a preference for its tone over LTD models.

    Source
  • One owner experienced poor condition upon delivery, requiring a replacement, which also arrived in worse condition.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner suggests replacing stock pickups with SD SH-1 '59 pickups for improved tone.

    Source
  • 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

  • Fixed bridge is preferred by some for easier maintenance, contrasting with the complexity of floating bridges.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Total cost with mods was approximately $3400, indicating a substantial investment for customization.

    Source
  • Despite being labeled an '80s model, the guitar is criticized for not being a true reissue, impacting perceived value.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson 80's Explorer Review: I Wonder Where This Came From?

electrikjam.com

The Gibson '80s Explorer rekindles nostalgia with its sleek design and solid craftsmanship, but it's not without flaws. While the reimagined features like the lightweight aluminum bridge and updated pickups may attract some players, others may find the high price tag hard to justify, especially when competing brands offer better value. The guitar plays well, though the painted neck could be a turn-off for some. Despite the impressive build quality and homage to a beloved model, Gibson faces ongoing criticism for lagging behind rivals in innovation and player appeal. Ultimately, it's a decent offering but falls short of being a must-have for everyone.

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stephen Carpenter uses Gibson '80s Explorer

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Matt Heafy uses Gibson '80s Explorer

Matt Heafy

Singer, Guitarist

Trivium

...
Verified via Photo

Matt Heafy was recently seen using a Gibson '80s Explorer during a live performance with Trivium on the Ascendancy Poison Tour, as documented by an Instagram post from @triviumband.

See how Emily Roberts uses Gibson '80s Explorer

Emily Roberts

Guitarist

The Last Dinner Party

...
Verified via Photo

In this screencap of The Last Dinner Party performing at The Roundhouse, Camden on 1 February 2024, Roberts can be seen playing an Gibson 80s Explorer.

Album Usage

The Gibson '80s Explorer has been featured on the following albums:

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

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