Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $6,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

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

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.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Explorer Bass affect playability?

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.

Are the pickups on the Gibson Explorer Bass passive or active?

The Gibson Explorer Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a warm, natural tone with plenty of punch and clarity.

Is the Gibson Explorer Bass suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the fretboard material of the Gibson Explorer Bass, and how does it affect sound?

The fretboard of the Gibson Explorer Bass is made from rosewood, which contributes to a warm, rich tone with smooth playability.

GAK

GAK

Gibson - Explorer Bass Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson - Explorer Bass Demo at GAK by GAK

Gibson - Explorer Bass Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for 1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Review By Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

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

  • The Explorer Bass is noted for its substantial size and weight, contributing to its distinctive presence and feel.

    Source
  • The Explorer's design can lead to neck dive, exacerbated by strap button placement that doesn’t extend to the 12th fret, impacting balance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight the unique edges and curves of the Explorer Bass as a standout design feature.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This bass is associated with delivering powerful, rock-oriented tones, reminiscent of John Entwistle's playing style.

    Source
  • The Explorer bass is favored for rock and metal genres, with some players noting its stage presence enhances live performances.

    Source
  • The unique finishes of the 2012 Explorer Bass editions are highly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts, adding to its desirability and stage presence.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to avoid using certain stands that can wear the finish, with a preference for storing in a Gibson hard case.

    Source

User experience

  • Several players mention the Explorer's neck heavy design, which can be tiring during extended play, especially when standing.

    Source
  • Despite its weight, the Explorer is noted for its impressive sound in recordings, with one owner using it primarily in studio settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some find the Explorer more visually appealing than the Flying V bass, citing the V's awkwardness with bass scale lengths.

    Source
  • The 2012 USA limited edition models come in rare Tobacco burst and Silverburst finishes, making them a sought-after alternative to the popular Thunderbird basses.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Gibson Explorer Bass is considered expensive, especially compared to the Epiphone Korina model, highlighting its premium status and limited availability.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

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
See how Allen Woody uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Allen Woody

Bassist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Photo

One of Woody’s bass guitars was a Gibson Explorer Bass, which can be seen in the back of this photo.

See how Leif Edling uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Leif Edling

Bassist, Composer

Candlemass

...
Verified via Photo

Leif Used this Bass in the late 80's

See how Scott Carlson uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Scott Carlson

Singer, Bassist

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified via 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

P

Philip Hall

Bassist

Municipal Waste

...
Verified via YouTube

Philip Hall plays a Gibson Explorer Bass during Municipal Waste's performance at Hellfest 2023, as shown in the ARTE Concert video.

See how Mike Campagnolo uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Mike Campagnolo

Bassist, Composer

Razor (Ca)

...
Verified via Photo

Mike Campagnolo was recently seen playing a Gibson Explorer Bass, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Knac.

See how Per Hellqvist uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Per Hellqvist

Guitarist, Bassist

Setherial

...
Verified via Photo

Per Hellqvist is seen playing a Gibson Explorer Bass in a photo from the 1990s, as shared on Tumblr.

See how Paul Robert Thomas uses Gibson Explorer Bass

Paul Robert Thomas

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Photo

In this post, Paul can be seen playing a Gibson Explorer bass

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.

Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass Electric Basses
1
Rickenbacker 4001
Rickenbacker 4001 Electric Basses
1

More Gibson Electric Basses

Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Gibson SG Bass

$1,699.00 - $1,999.00

 
Lemmy Kilmister Negative XP Tobacco
10 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides