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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

What kind of neck profile does the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition have?

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.

What type of pickups are used in the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition?

This guitar is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition compare to other Explorer models?

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.

What is the tonal characteristic of the Gibson Explorer 1976 Limited Edition?

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.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1976 Gibson Explorer and 1994 Marshall 1959LTD Super Lead 100 by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1976 Gibson Explorer and 1994 Marshall 1959LTD Super Lead 100

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for GIBSON EXPLORER 1976 by Didier Bottier

GIBSON EXPLORER 1976

Didier Bottier

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

  • 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

  • Originally equipped with Tarback pickups, these are crucial for maintaining the 1976 model's authentic tone and value.

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User experience

  • The guitar's aesthetic, particularly double cream pickups and a washed-out look, is often praised for its visual appeal and vintage vibe.

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Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for overdriven rock tones; its design and modifications cater to players seeking a classic rock sound.

    Source
  • The guitar is associated with the classic rock sound, and was reportedly used in recording Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird."

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Modifications, while appealing to some, typically decrease the collector's value due to lack of original components.

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  • The 1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition is valued in the range of $4,000 to $6,000 based on recent sales data.

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Setup and maintenance

  • 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

  • The model is known for its ergonomic design, with a comfortable arm rest on the lower bout and well-positioned tuners.

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Comparisons

  • The 1976 model is the second-year reissue since the original 1958 Explorers, making it the closest modern counterpart to the vintage '58s.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
J

Jimi Hocking

Guitarist

Screaming Jets

...
Verified via Photo

Jimi:My butchered/modified 1976 Gibson Explorer. Big fat tone machine. It is a legit '76 but somebody did a number on it, I had a new bridge fitted to fix the harmonics.

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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