Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,456

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the iconic Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony, a guitar that has defined the sound of rock for decades. With its angular solid body design, this powerhouse is not just an instrument—it's a statement. Crafted with precision, the Explorer boasts a mahogany body paired with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, providing both durability and a warm, resonant tone that will make your solos soar.

The 2006 Explorer is equipped with dual uncovered "Dirty Fingers" humbuckers, known for their high-output performance and raw, aggressive sound. This setup is perfect for players who demand punchy mids and articulate highs, whether you're shredding on stage or jamming in the studio. The guitar's tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure stable tuning and sustain, allowing your music to resonate with clarity and power.

Finished in classic ebony, the Gibson Explorer 2006 is as visually striking as it is sonically powerful. It's no wonder that legendary musicians like The Edge, Billy Gibbons, and James Hetfield have wielded this axe to craft their iconic sounds. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an ambitious beginner, the Explorer invites you to push the boundaries of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Angular solid body design
  • Mahogany body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual uncovered "Dirty Fingers" humbuckers
  • Two volume and one tone control
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Classic ebony finish

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model X-Plorer
Finish Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Vintage Sunburst, White, Worn Brown
Year 2002 - 2008
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony best suited for?

The Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its aggressive tone and powerful humbucking pickups, which deliver high output and sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony?

The Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony features a slim taper neck profile, offering fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for lead guitarists who prefer a thinner neck.

Does the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony have a set-neck construction?

Yes, the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a solid feel, contributing to its robust sonic characteristics.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony?

The Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony is equipped with dual humbucking pickups in an HH configuration, providing a thick, powerful sound with excellent noise reduction, making it suitable for high-gain settings.

Is the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony is a high-quality instrument, its unique body shape and weight might be challenging for beginners. It is more suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate its distinctive design and sound.

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Gibson 2006 Explorer Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2006 Explorer Demo by thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Gibson 2006 Explorer Demo

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful design with a classic Gibson feel and sound

  • Lightweight compared to older models, enhancing playability

  • Fast-playing, slightly thinner neck for better performance

  • Stays in tune well even after extensive playing

  • High-output 500T pickups provide unique, powerful sound

  • Excellent action setup for immediate playing out of the box

  • Offers great sustain and balance during play

  • Reminiscent of vintage models at a more accessible price

  • Versatile, suitable for both shredding and everyday use

CONS

  • 496R/500T pickup combo may not appeal to everyone

  • Pickup switch placement might take some getting used to

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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2 star
1 star
A

Vintage Relic Explorer

I have a 2006 Gibson Explorer refinished by Vintage Relic Guitars. It's redone in Heather Poly, weighs 6.98 lbs, and converted to ABR-1 bridge (plugged, and re-tapped). It feels like an 80s sports car to me. Still getting used to where the pickup switch is (when I use it for more than chugga-lugga). Definitely the "coolest" guitar I own.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Skwisgaar Skwigelf uses Gibson Explorer 2006

Skwisgaar Skwigelf

Guitarist

Dethklok

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Verified via The Metalocalypse Wiki

He is seen using the standard ebony black Gibson Explorer. He switches to the Dethklok "Thunderhorse" Explorer/Brendon Small "Thunderhorse" Explorer , which becomes his signature guitar for the rest of the series. He also has been seen using the all-white Dethklok "Snowhorse" Explorer version of the Thunderhorse, a guitar that matches Toki's all white Brendon Small "Snow Falcon" Flying V

See how Eric Jarrin uses Gibson Explorer 2006

Eric Jarrin

Guitarist

Despised Icon

...
Verified via YouTube

at 6:45 eric jarrin speak of the gibson explorer and how he found it on the internet

C

Crap

Guitarist, Keyboardist

OOMPH!

...
Verified via Photo

Andreas Crap is seen playing a Gibson Explorer 2006 Ebony, as evidenced by the image provided on Equipboard.

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 2006, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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