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Average Price: $850
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Description
The Gibson Explorer 90 is a testament to bold design and powerful sound, crafted for musicians who refuse to blend into the background. This solid body electric guitar is an evolution of the classic Explorer shape, maintaining its iconic silhouette while delivering a modern edge. Perfect for rock and metal enthusiasts, the Explorer 90 provides a high-output humbucker for a fierce, uncompromising tone that cuts through any mix. Its slim neck profile offers fast playability, ideal for shredding or intricate solos.
The Explorer 90's set neck construction enhances sustain, allowing notes to ring out with clarity and depth. Its rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, while the 22 frets provide ample range for dynamic expression. The guitar is equipped with Grover tuners, ensuring precision and stability even during the most demanding performances.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with iconic Explorer shape
- High-output humbucker for aggressive tone
- Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
- Slim neck profile for fast playability
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
- Equipped with Grover tuners for tuning stability
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Explorer '90 |
| Finish | Alpine White, Ebony, Luna Silver |
| Year | 1989 - 1991 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Black, Silver, White |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Explorer |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Explorer '90 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Explorer 90?
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The Gibson Explorer 90 features a slim neck profile, which offers fast playability and is ideal for guitarists who prefer a quick and comfortable feel for both rhythm and lead playing.
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How does the pickup configuration of the Gibson Explorer 90 affect its sound?
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The Gibson Explorer 90 has a single humbucker pickup, delivering a powerful and focused sound with excellent sustain, making it well-suited for rock and metal genres.
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Is the Gibson Explorer 90 suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson Explorer 90 is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring a set-neck construction and 24 frets, offering extended range and playability for complex solos and riffs.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Explorer 90?
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The Gibson Explorer 90 provides a bold and aggressive tone, characterized by its solid body and humbucker pickup, delivering strong mids and clear highs, perfect for cutting through in a band setting.
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Does the Gibson Explorer 90 have a string-through body design?
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Yes, the Gibson Explorer 90 features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance, contributing to its powerful sound.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
That's a Freaky Explorer! | 1989 Gibson Matthias Jabs E90 Double Luna Silver | Review + Demo
That's a Freaky Explorer! | 1989 Gibson Matthias Jabs E90 Double Luna Silver | Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1989 Gibson E90 Explorer 90 Guitar Demo
Neal Shelton
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer 90.
Build quality
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Owners highlight the highly sought-after sunburst finish, rare on Explorers, akin to finishes seen on Firebirds.
Source
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The Explorer is praised for playing genres like Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon, matching its aesthetic with its sonic capabilities.
Source -
Explorer 90s are favored for playing Metallica-inspired music due to their association with the band's guitarist and the tonal qualities of the EMG pickups.
Source
Comparisons
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The Explorer 90 is noted for its smaller 90% body size compared to full-sized Explorers, offering a unique playing experience.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In addition to the link above, the MJ-owned Gibson Explorer 90 can be seen on the website of guitar shop owned by Matthias Jabs: https://www.mjguitars.de/en/gibson-explorer-90-mj-1988.html?number=4055
Quote from MJ from the Vintage Guitar Magazine (http://www.vintageguitar.com/2851/matthias-jabs/): Have you relied on a Strat more than anything else during your tenure with the Scorpions? Well, for many years I was known for playing Explorers, and I still play them. I bought my first Explorer as soon as I joined, because I needed another guitar – one that could get a “Gibson sound.” In ’87, I made a suggestion to Gibson about a guitar that I play today; it’s called an Explorer 90 because it’s 90 percent of the normal body size – Explorers are very bulky.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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