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Average Price: $5,999
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step into the world of rock history with the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition. This iconic electric guitar, known for its radical design and pioneering sound, has returned to celebrate its original release. Crafted with a solid mahogany body, this guitar delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that resonates with both classic and modern players. Its distinctive angular shape not only makes a visual statement but also offers excellent balance and playability.
Equipped with a pair of vintage-style humbuckers, the Gibson Explorer promises a powerful sonic experience, capturing the heart of rock and roll. The specially calibrated pickups deliver a diverse range of tones, from warm and creamy to raw and aggressive, perfect for any musical style. The set neck construction ensures optimal sustain, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition offers exceptional versatility and craftsmanship. Its bold design and superior sound quality make it a must-have for any guitar enthusiast looking to own a piece of music history.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body for rich tonal depth
- Dual vintage-style humbuckers for versatile sound
- Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Limited edition reissue of the iconic 1976 model
- Iconic angular design for striking visual presence
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Explorer Limited Edition Mahogany |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1976 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Explorer |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Norlin Era |
FAQs
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What kind of neck profile does the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition have?
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The Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition features a set-neck construction with a comfortable and fast-playing neck profile, ideal for rock and metal genres.
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What type of pickups are used in the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition?
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This guitar is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
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Is the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its solid body design and robust hardware, ensuring stability and reliability on stage.
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How does the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition compare to other Explorer models?
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The 1976 Limited Edition is known for its distinctive natural finish and vintage appeal, offering a unique aesthetic and tonal character compared to more recent Explorer models.
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What is the tonal characteristic of the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition?
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The Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with strong midrange presence, making it ideal for hard rock and heavy metal genres.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
Chicago Music Exchange
"Pick of the Day" - 1976 Gibson Explorer and 1994 Marshall 1959LTD Super Lead 100
Emerald City Guitars
GIBSON EXPLORER 1976
Didier Bottier
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition.
Mods and upgrades
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Dimarzio Super Distortion pickup is a popular upgrade for the bridge position on this model, reflecting common mod trends from the era.
Source
Features and functionality
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Originally equipped with Tarback pickups, these are crucial for maintaining the 1976 model's authentic tone and value.
Source
User experience
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The guitar's aesthetic, particularly double cream pickups and a washed-out look, is often praised for its visual appeal and vintage vibe.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
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For optimal care, it's recommended to take the guitar to a respected local luthier for a professional setup, especially after long-term storage.
Source
Build quality
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The model is known for its ergonomic design, with a comfortable arm rest on the lower bout and well-positioned tuners.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 11 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
The Edge famously plays a Limited Edition 1976 Explorer. The link is an interesting article on the Edge's 1976 Explorer and how the tone of that guitar shaped the sound of U2. Worth a read, There are some really interesting points on the type of Explorers in production in '76 and also a bit from Dallas Schoo about his signal chain and how he gets his sound.
In this user-uploaded photo, Jeff Hanneman is seen playing a Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition.
Max used an Explorer during this performance in 1986.
Matthias’ most famous guitar is his 1976 Gibson Explorer. He painted it white himself in 1979. He then applied the black stripes with 2” wide gaffer tape. He eventually sent it to Gibson, where the iconic paint job was applied professionally. The pickups and gold hardware are stock, with the exception of Grover tuners.
In the 1991 live performance photo shared on Instagram, Ted Skjellum (Nocturno Culto) is seen playing a Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition. The guitar features a distinctive darker burst finish and is equipped with metal humbuckers, aligning with his signature black metal sound.
In the picture you can see Al Pitrelli playing a Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition.
In this video of Devo live at The Crypt in 1977, from 0:00 to 22:05 there is a picture of Bob playing a Gibson Explorer next to Gerald Casale.
In this cover of Metallica's Enter Sandman, Zac Brown is seen using a Gibson Explorer.
I recorded the rhythm guitar parts with my 1976 Gibson Explorer as usual
From Rolf's linked interview with MetalAddicts
According to Rolf, his first "real" guitar was a 1976 Gibson Explorer he purchased in 1978. It has been his most extensively used guitar with Running Wild for both recording and playing live. He would go on to make numerous customizations to this Explorer over the years including a sticker of the band's logo (seen in the highlighted image), a reflective golden pickguard around The Brotherhood's release, and most recently some rather piratical looking riveted metallic gold plating. Additionally, as seen in the image linked below, the original pickups have been changed out at least once since he got the guitar, although the specific pickup models have never been divulged.
https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/98889/IMG-5805.JPG
In a performance at OFF GUARD GIGS during Latitude 2012, King Charles is seen playing a Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition while performing "Love is the Cure," as captured in a video by Right Guard UK on YouTube.
Album Usage
The Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition 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 Explorer 1976 Limited Edition, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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