Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$4,599.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$5,799.00
Amazon
$8,966.03
Musician's Friend
$5,799.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$4,799.00 $4,775.00 $24.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,988

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop Explorer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer, a legendary instrument that combines bold aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship. This guitar is more than just a musical tool; it's a statement of style and sound. With its iconic silhouette, the Explorer is dressed to impress, featuring an ebony fretboard and a sleek finish that exudes elegance. The bound body and headstock add a touch of sophistication, making it not only a pleasure to play but also a delight to behold.

At the heart of the Explorer's powerful performance are the 490R and 498T humbucking pickups. These pickups deliver the classic Gibson tone with a modern twist, offering robust and versatile sound that suits everything from sultry blues to searing rock solos. The combination of Alnico V and II magnets ensures a balanced output, with pronounced mids and highs that cut through any mix.

Designed for comfort and playability, the Explorer features a maple neck with a '50s profile and an extended upper horn for balance. The deep belly cut adds to the comfort, allowing you to perform effortlessly for hours. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar is equipped with premium components like CTS control pots and a Switchcraft toggle switch, ensuring reliable performance.

Key Features:

  • Asymmetrical mahogany body with cream binding
  • 490R and 498T Gibson humbuckers for versatile tones
  • Maple neck with '50s profile
  • Ebony fretboard with block pearl inlays
  • Grover kidney tuners for tuning stability
  • Includes hardshell Custom Shop case

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Explorer Custom
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Medium C
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut Material Corian
Bridge/Tailpiece Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar
Tuners Grover Kidney
Neck Pickup 490R Bass Humbucker
Bridge Pickup 498T Treble Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer?

The Gibson Custom Shop Explorer features a Medium C neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players who enjoy a balanced grip between thin and chunky necks.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer?

The Explorer is equipped with a 490R Bass Humbucker in the neck and a 498T Treble Humbucker in the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, smooth rhythms to powerful, cutting leads.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer suitable for metal and rock genres?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer's solid mahogany body and powerful humbuckers make it ideal for producing the heavy, aggressive tones often associated with metal and rock music.

How does the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer's neck-through design affect its playability?

The neck-through design of the Explorer enhances sustain and stability, providing a seamless playing experience with easy access to higher frets.

What is the body finish on the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer?

The Gibson Custom Shop Explorer features a Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, which allows the guitar to resonate more freely and develop a unique patina over time.

Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson Gear Guide

We Found The "Best" Gibson Explorer For You in 2024: Epiphone vs Gibson vs Custom Shop Explorer

Video thumbnail for We Found The "Best" Gibson Explorer For You in 2024: Epiphone vs Gibson vs Custom Shop Explorer by Gibson Gear Guide

We Found The "Best" Gibson Explorer For You in 2024: Epiphone vs Gibson vs Custom Shop Explorer

Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson Gear Guide

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 2-piece body has an almost invisible seam line, mainly visible at the end grain, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

    Source
  • One owner highlighted the striking visual appeal of the flametop and the detailed multi-ply binding, emphasizing its art-like quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its large body, the guitar is surprisingly light and does not suffer from neck dive, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the neck profile as being smaller than expected, providing a comfortable playing experience.

    Source
  • The guitar was a Made to Measure (M2M) model, taking almost two years to complete, highlighting the exclusivity and custom nature of this instrument.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is noted for its resonant and loud unplugged sound, with crisp tones rich in mids and highs.

    Source
  • The guitar features a massive, fat neck profile and Custombucker pickups, providing a growly tone, particularly appreciated by those favoring heavy rock styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to other humbucker-equipped guitars, the Explorer stands out with a distinctive tonal profile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners consider replacing the gold hardware with nickel or chrome, noting preferences for these finishes due to personal aesthetic choices.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's powerful sound and aesthetic make it suitable for those seeking a standout stage presence, particularly in genres like rock and metal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Duplantier uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Joe Duplantier

Singer, Guitarist

Gojira

...
Verified via Facebook

At about 0:16 in this video : https://fb.watch/5BldgB-qQt/ you can see him play with a Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

See how Nikki Sixx uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Nikki Sixx

Singer, Bassist

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Photo

This picture from Nikki's Instagram shows several guitars, one of which is the 2017 Gibson Explorer Custom.

See how Matthew Tuck uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Matthew Tuck

Singer, Guitarist

Bullet for My Valentine

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video, Matthew Tuck plays an explorer. The binding around the body, fretboard and headstock, the body shape and hardware used indicate that this is an explorer custom.

See how Joe Trohman uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via Photo

This Rig Rundown article (https://www.premierguitar.com/videos/rig-rundown/fall-out-boy-2024) states that Joe uses an 80s Gibson Custom Shop Explorer in "plumburst" for the band's "So Much (For) Tourdust" live show. The guitar was a gift to Trohman from his wife; in her honor, he nicknamed it "Sanders" for her maiden name.

See how Claudio Sanchez uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Claudio Sanchez

Singer, Guitarist

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via YouTube

I’m this YouTube video you can see Claudio holding his Gibson custom explorer at 44.20.

See how Lady Gaga uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Lady Gaga

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In the video linked, Lady Gaga is seen playing an Explorer guitar. While the specific model is not confirmed as a Gibson, the footage provides a glimpse of her using this style of guitar.

See how Richie Faulkner uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Richie Faulkner

Guitarist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via YouTube

The explorer played by Richie throughout this video has binding around the body, neck, and headstock. Additionally it has block pearloid inlays, a ‘76 style body shape, and gold hardware. These specs are only found on the Gibson Explorer Custom.

See how Tommy Thayer uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Tommy Thayer

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

"From my experience, the Explorers and the Flying Vs, and things like that, they have a little more of that midrange honk to them, which is nice."(6:30) Tommy shows his Gibson Custom Shop Explorer in this rig rundown for Premier Guitar.

See how Michael Weikath uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Michael Weikath

Guitarist

Helloween

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Weikath plays a Custom Shop Explorer with white/black finish. The guitar doesn't have a pickguard and features a maple fingerboard with black dot inlays.The guitar also features two humbuckers.

See how Pink Ranger uses Gibson Custom Shop Explorer

Pink Ranger

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Pink Ranger is confirmed to use a Gibson Custom Shop Explorer guitar, as evidenced by a listing on Temu featuring a vibrant pink metallic finish electric guitar with HH pickups.

Album Usage

The Gibson Custom Shop 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.

Used With

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

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