Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $6,000
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Standard
High-end
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Description
Unleash your musical prowess with the Gibson Explorer Bass, a dynamic instrument that defies convention with a nod to classic rock and roll aesthetics. This is not just another bass guitar—it's a statement piece with a unique design that demands attention. Whether you're jamming in your garage or taking the stage, the Explorer Bass delivers profound tonal depth and versatility, thanks to its two high-output Thunderbird Bass pickups. With a design that is both lightweight and comfortable, this bass guitar ensures you can play for hours without fatigue.
The Explorer's distinctive "reverse" body shape is not only an eye-catcher but also offers excellent balance and ergonomics. Crafted from solid mahogany, it resonates with rich, warm tones that are further enhanced by a maple neck, providing a smooth playing experience across its 34" scale length. The Baked Maple fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays adds a touch of elegance to its rugged appearance.
This Explorer Bass isn't just about aesthetics and comfort; it promises exceptional playability with a PLEK-cut Corian nut and a 3-point adjustable bridge for precise tonal control. The in-line Grover Mini Bass tuners offer reliable tuning stability, allowing you to focus purely on your performance. Embrace the fusion of vintage allure and modern sonic versatility with the Gibson Explorer Bass, and let your individual style shine through every note.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body with a comfortable "Explorer" neck profile
- 34" scale length Baked Maple fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays
- Two high-output Thunderbird Bass pickups for versatile tone
- In-line Grover Mini Bass tuners with a 20:1 tuning ratio
- 3-point adjustable bridge for precise intonation and sustain
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Explorer Bass |
| Finish | Alpine White, Ebony, Ferrari Red |
| Year | 1986 - 1987 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Color Family | Black, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson Explorer Bass best suited for?
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The Gibson Explorer Bass, with its dual humbucker pickups and distinctive X-style body, is well-suited for rock, metal, and hard rock genres, providing a powerful and aggressive tone.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson Explorer Bass affect playability?
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The Gibson Explorer Bass features a maple neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates fast playing, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead bass lines.
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Are the pickups on the Gibson Explorer Bass passive or active?
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The Gibson Explorer Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a warm, natural tone with plenty of punch and clarity.
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Is the Gibson Explorer Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson Explorer Bass is designed with features that appeal to experienced players, its straightforward controls and comfortable neck make it accessible for beginners as well.
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What is the fretboard material of the Gibson Explorer Bass, and how does it affect sound?
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The fretboard of the Gibson Explorer Bass is made from rosewood, which contributes to a warm, rich tone with smooth playability.
Videos
GAK
Gibson - Explorer Bass Demo at GAK
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer Bass.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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Owners highlight the unique edges and curves of the Explorer Bass as a standout design feature.
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Use cases and applications
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This bass is associated with delivering powerful, rock-oriented tones, reminiscent of John Entwistle's playing style.
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The Explorer bass is favored for rock and metal genres, with some players noting its stage presence enhances live performances.
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The unique finishes of the 2012 Explorer Bass editions are highly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts, adding to its desirability and stage presence.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's suggested to avoid using certain stands that can wear the finish, with a preference for storing in a Gibson hard case.
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User experience
Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
2423
nice bass
I am not much of a fan of it, but I do like it. I used it on "Arrowhead Egomaniac". its a good quality bass that I do recommend if you play metal.
Artist usage
Add artist
One of Woody’s bass guitars was a Gibson Explorer Bass, which can be seen in the back of this photo.
That's a late 80s Gibson Explorer bass. The picture is taken from Repulsion's 1991 TV Live which can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4w8E0H_sQQ. Apparently it was used only for this TV performance.
Here you can see a part of the video in better quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OOkmeZZKY4
Philip Hall plays a Gibson Explorer Bass during Municipal Waste's performance at Hellfest 2023, as shown in the ARTE Concert video.
Mike Campagnolo was recently seen playing a Gibson Explorer Bass, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Knac.
Album Usage
The Gibson Explorer Bass 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 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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