Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $2,485
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Rekindle your love for rock with the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar, a legendary masterpiece that has graced countless stages across the globe. This iconic 70s model returns to stir up a new generation of musicians with its distinctive style and unparalleled performance. Armed with a pair of '70s Tribute Burstbuckers, this guitar is hand-wired with orange drop capacitors, producing a warm, dynamic tone that craves to be played loud.
The Gibson Explorer's classic white finish, bound rosewood fingerboard, and black speed knobs are a nod to its glorious past, offering the same fast playability and iconic 70s style. Its resonant mahogany body not only enhances its tone and sustain but also provides a surprisingly lightweight feel, making it a joy to play for extended periods.
The Gibson Explorer is perfectly built for speed and performance. Its slim, contoured mahogany body guarantees unparalleled access to the upper frets for lightning-fast solos and intricate riffs. The black speed knobs provide master volume and tone control at your fingertips, ensuring a no-compromise performance and playability every time you strum your chords.
Key Features:
- '70s Tribute Burstbucker pickups hand-wired with orange drop capacitors for a warm, dynamic tone
- Classic white finish, bound rosewood fingerboard, and black speed knobs for a vintage 70s style
- Resonant mahogany body for enhanced tone and sustain
- Slim, contoured body for quick access to upper frets
- Black speed knobs for master volume and tone control
- Lightweight design for comfortable playability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | '70s Explorer |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Acrylic Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.695" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatics |
| Neck Pickup | '70s Tribute Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | '70s Tribute Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar best suited for?
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The Gibson Explorer is known for its powerful humbucker pickups and bold design, making it ideal for rock, metal, and hard rock genres. Its aggressive tone and sustain are favored by guitarists in these styles.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar?
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The Gibson Explorer features a slim taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Are the pickups on the Gibson Explorer suitable for high-gain tones?
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Yes, the '70s Tribute Humbucker pickups on the Gibson Explorer are designed to deliver high-output, thick, and punchy tones perfect for high-gain settings and heavy music styles.
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Does the Gibson Explorer come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transport for your instrument.
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Is the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson Explorer can be played by beginners, its unique body shape and weight might be more comfortable for intermediate to advanced players familiar with solidbody electric guitars.
Videos
session
GIBSON Explorer Faded WC
GIBSON Explorer Faded WC
session
Gibson USA 2018 Guitars - Explorer vs Flying V
Andertons Music Co
Gibson '70s Explorer | First Impressions with Brian Bell (Weezer)
Guitar Center
Is it Worth Buying? 2019 Gibson Explorer Tribute B-2 Black | Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Not Quite What I Was Expecting, BUT... | 2023 Gibson "80s Explorer" Review, Demo + Comparison
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Now I Think of These Differently… | 2022 Gibson Explorer Custom MOD Collection Flip Flop Green Red
The Trogly's Guitar Show
No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Explorer Antique Natural
Peach Guitars
Gibson Explorer 2016 T Electric Guitar Performance - Gibson Explorer
American Musical Supply
Gibson 2019 Explorer Electric Guitar Demo
Musician's Friend
review - Gibson Explorer @ ampsonair.com
AmpsOnAir
EP 32 - Gibson Faded Explorer Review and Sound Samples
LimitlessStudios
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar - Gibson Explorer
American Musical Supply
Review Gibson Explorer Black 2017 By Fusion Music
Fusionmusic Studio
Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 12 Reviews and 97 Ratings
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359
I found my perfect guitar
Finally got a lightweight and chunky neck guitar with great sound. The body is very big but still playable because it's very light compared to my Gibson Les Paul standard. Now this is my studio and go to guitar.
401
One of a kind
The Explorer had always been at the top of my wishlist, and it has definitely delivered the goods.
The neck is on the slimmer side but for me plays just right. I especially like the upper fret access without the entire neck being too far offset.
The Burstbucker 2&3 pickups aren't the hottest that Gibson offers but the versatility is great and lets you cover any sound you would get out of a Les Paul, for instance.
The body shape is the main appeal here though, and has some pros and cons. Looks are 10/10 and it sits surprisingly well when playing seated, though I find it awkward resting my strumming arm in the body (unless standing up), which can tire out my shoulder, so ergonomics may be an issue. It also takes up a lot more space than you may be used to so be prepared to knock over a few coffee cups or put a few dings in your walls. If you want an Explorer primarily to add some flash to live shows then these probably won't be issues for you.
If you're a basement hobbyist like me though who the Explorer just always spoke to, you'll still probably find this to deliver exactly what you're expecting (plus surprising versatility) if the ergonomics aren't an issue for you. No regrets on my end.
100
My all time favorite axe.
2007 Gibson Explorer in Cream color. Solid body, which really gives it that meaty tone perfect for distortion. All the ones I find new in guitar stores are hollow body now, and it just doesn't sound the same. The only drawbacks are the weight of the guitar, and (very minor) it's hard to use sitting down. Otherwise, I love the neck on these guitars and they just play so we'll. I have pretty big hands and this guitar accommodates that well.
103
Pure power
This was my first OWN guitar , after months of playing and practicing on my dad's guitars he bought me the guitar I dreamt of , a Gibson explorer. (Gibson explorer 2009 model) And it still brings me joy to this day 8 years later.
Over these 8 years I've played a few different music genre's going from trash metal to rock n roll down to blues and it sounds amazing in all 3 genre's. You could be playing some old school metallica and switch to buddy holly moments later on and with some tweeking on the amp it gives you the exact sound you're looking for.
It's a mahogany body carrying standard 500T and 496R gibson pickups. The only downside for me on this guitar is the weight, If you're playing at home or are sitting down It's no problem however standing on a stage for 2 to 3 hours could be a horror show for someone with a bad back.
If you don't mind the weight it's an excellent guitar for it's price, pre-owned and a little cheaper especially.
41029
that's ne fancy 1st guitar!
1040
Radical!!
I own the 2008 issue of this Explorer. I got this guitar because it was on my "Bucket List" of guitars to collect. When I first pulled it out of the case it felt a little awkward due to the shape. Once I put it on and started playing it was so much fun. I got used to the shape much quicker than I thought I would. It definitely was easier to play than my Flying V. Sounded great and was light enough that I didn't notice that I had been playing for almost two hours.
203
where the heavy metal's song begins
I became interested in studying metal music when I listen to the songs sung by a band from Germany, scorpions. guitar sound, fast and heavy, distorted, and an amazing guitar solo. then I was interested in listening to the songs of other heavy metal band, Metallica. and rhythm are very fast, and I began to want to buy this guitar is, sound and appearance. This guitar is played by Matthias Jabs (Scorpions), and James Hetfield (Metallica). whether there was a relationship I do not know. body and neck are made of mahogany, and hardware are original, there is no variation. then I replace PAF pickups in this guitar with EMG pickups. really great. I want this guitar as "my inspiration guitar" to cover heavy metal songs. I really like this guitar.
1040
2008 Faded
I recently bought this guitar used (August 2015) and it arrived in excellent condition. I couldn't believe it was a seven year old guitar. It was a little weird taking the guitar and and experiencing the balance due to the radical shape, but once I put it on it was so much fun to play. I played for a straight two hour with it.
Artist usage
Add artist
"The main riff used in 'Headwires' is on an Explorer playing through the Memory Man and the Vox, and the harmonics were done with the same setup," mentions Foo Fighters's lead guitarist, Dave Grohl, in reference to the Gibson Explorer electric guitar.
Slash is seen using a Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar during a live performance of "Speed Parade," as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Flickr.
This guitar was used as one of James’ main guitars for the album St.Anger released in 2003, both in studio and for the tour. It was most likely brand new.
The guitar features matte black finish and tarnish metal pickguard. Rest of the specs were transferred over from his earlier guitars, including EMG pickups and Tune-o-Matic bridge.
In this photo, we can see Billie Joe with a Gibson Explorer.
Another one of these was sold in Green Day's Reverb Shop. Source
The Gibson Explorer is a type of electric guitar that made its debut in 1958. The Explorer offered a radical, "futuristic" body design, much like its siblings: the Flying V, which was released the same year, and the Moderne, which was designed in 1957 but not released until 1982. The Explorer was the final development of a prototype design that, years later, Gibson marketed under the name Futura. The Explorer's initial run was unsuccessful, and the model was discontinued in 1963. In 1976, Gibson began reissuing the Explorer after other guitar companies had success selling similar designs. The Explorer became especially popular among the hard rock and heavy metal musicians of the 1970s and 1980s.
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Eric Clapton said that he bought this guitar via his manager Roger Forrester, from a fan in Austin, Texas in c.1983. He has used it on stage and is photographed playing it during the ARMS concert at The Royal Albert Hall, London, September 21, 1983.
"This was my main guitar that I practiced my countless hours on...I ruined it's sound by putting in a Kahler Tremolo bar..." says Tom Morello, about his Gibson Explorer, at 0:44 in this video.
In this video, The Edge talks about buying his Gibson Explorer guitar brand new when he was in New York at age 17 (he had originally intended to buy a Les Paul). It was the first guitar he purchased with the intention of playing it as part of a band on stage in front of an audience. At first he admits to it feeling kind of strange playing it with his band mates, and that at the time nobody else was playing with Explorers, making The Edge and U2 rather unique.
He goes on to describe how a crack occurred on the back of the headstock in the mid-1980s when he threw the guitar behind him in order to help some members of the audience.
At 2:38, Edge demonstrates some of the parts of the U2 song “Beautiful Day” on the Explorer. He recalls during the recording of “Beautiful Day”, a certain lead part did not feel right on his other guitars, so he brought out and used the Gibson Explorer through his Vox amp.
From a gibson.com interview from 2010: "Gibson Explorers are still his signature instrument. The Edge prefers the Gibson Limited Edition Explorer built in 1976. He owns several, including the one he used on Boy, which is now retired from the stage."
Jim Root is playing a Black Gibson Explorer in this video.
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In an Instagram post, Jerry Cantrell shared his experience performing at Rock Im Park, where he used his Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar.
Dave has used a natural explorer during the song Trust on the metal tour of the year.
"The infamous fur guitars. So we have two rigs: A and B. The A rig... has the Gretsch Bo Diddley. The B rig Gibson guitar is a Gibson Explorer. This is a standard issue, and it's actually it's a John Bolin-made guitar, made to Gretsch's specs. It's your typical fur-covered guitar - everyone has one," says Billy Gibbons's guitar tech in reference to the Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar.
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In this post made on June 28th, 2022 a Gibson Explorer is seen on a table next to Tom Delonge’s signature ES-333 guitars. It looks to have a single pickup in the bridge with a single volume knob, per usual with his guitars. The pickup looks to possibly be a Seymour Duncan Invader but I can’t really get a good view on it, but if you zoom in it looks like it has the hex pole pieces, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something like a Gibson Dirty Fingers because that’s what he usually uses nowadays.
Album Usage
The Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
Talkin to the Trees
Neil Young (2025)
Cartoon Darkness
Amyl and The Sniffers (2024)
Animals (Live From Nashville)
Nickelback (2024)
Beautiful Day
U2 (2024)
Fu##in' Up
Crazy Horse & Neil Young (2024)
Gimme Three Steps (Live)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (2023)
Upon Desolate Sands
Hate Eternal (2018)
Prequelle
Ghost (2018)
Scar Sighted
Leviathan (2015)
Call Your Friends
Zebrahead (2013)
Get Nice!
Zebrahead (2011)
![Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar as heard on The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live] by Avantasia (2011)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/26655/the-flying-opera-around-the-world-in-twenty-days-live.jpg)
The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live]
Avantasia (2011)
El Imperio de la Estupidez
Sinergia (2011)
Panty Raid (Bonus Edition)
Zebrahead (2009)
Come Clarity
In Flames (2006)
Eye Of The Tiger 2006 Master
Survivor (2006)
St. Anger
Metallica (2003)
Maladroit
Weezer (2002)
Polythene
Feeder (1997)
Burn My Eyes
Machine Head (1994)
Revenge
Kiss (1992)
A Flock Of Seagulls
A Flock of Seagulls (1982)
Love Stinks
The J. Geils Band (1980)
Street Survivors
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1977)
One More From The Road (Live / Deluxe Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)
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 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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