Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
Videos
Gibson Gear Guide
We Found The "Best" Gibson Explorer For You in 2024: Epiphone vs Gibson vs Custom Shop Explorer
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
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
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At about 0:16 in this video : https://fb.watch/5BldgB-qQt/ you can see him play with a Gibson Custom Shop Explorer
This picture from Nikki's Instagram shows several guitars, one of which is the 2017 Gibson Explorer Custom.
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.
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.
I’m this YouTube video you can see Claudio holding his Gibson custom explorer at 44.20.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
More Gibson Custom Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
IitisleeannGear IQ 1371
-