Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $2,484
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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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
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This Instagram post shows the Gibson Explorer gifted to Dany by Lzzy Hale. The Warning served as an opening act for Halestorm while on tour in August 2022.
In this live video brian can be seen playing a Gibson explorer
Lars Frederiksen is confirmed to use a Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar, as evidenced by its listing in his official Reverb.com shop. The description reads: "This Gibson Explorer is owned by Lars Frederiksen. Serial: 81434592. Beautiful explorer with the right amount of wear. Scratches, scuffs, and dings throughout. Non-original pickups, bridge, and nut. Original bridge and nut in the case. Likely re-fretted at some point—frets have tons of life left. Small chunk of the fretboard edge missing near the eleventh fret, bass-side. Overall, this guitar is ready to go! Plays and sounds really nice. Epiphone hardshell case included. Used on the last few Rancid albums and with the Old Firm Casuals. All items in The Official Lars Frederiksen of Rancid Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity.” This serves as proof of Frederiksen's use of this specific guitar.
Taken from Tommy Thayer's official website, he discusses a little about his Gibson Explorer, "Inspired by the fantastic silver sparkle finish Gibson Les Paul I have, I thought it would be cool to do an Explorer the same way. I've been playing this guitar during our encores as a change of pace from my workhorse Les Pauls".
What guitar(s) are you playing at the minute?
Well I just came out the studio and I was using loads. I was mainly using a Fender Telecaster and a Gibson Les Paul. Then obviously my Mustang 90 and I also used an SG. On one track I even used a Gibson Explorer. On the album there’s like four guitars. It’s mainly Mustangs and Telecasters.
Rick Nielsen talks about his multiple 1958 Explorers, "I bought the cleaner of the two Explorers in the late Seventies for $4,000 from George Gruhn, who you’ve all had the pleasure to meet in this issue. That may seem like the deal of the century, considering that, recently, one of a dozen Explorers Gibson built in 1963 from leftover Fifties bodies and necks sold at auction for $611,000. But at the time I bought this Explorer, Sixties Strats were worth only about $750, and Bursts were going for $2,000. Under the circumstances, that was a hell of a lot of money to spend on a single guitar.
In 1990, I brought the Explorer to the Dallas Guitar Show, where I was performing at a party with Cliff Williams of AC/DC and Joe Walsh. I had my son, Miles, who was 14 at the time, carry the guitar onto the show floor, and a guy offered us $75,000 cash for it, right there on the spot. For whatever reason, even though I could have used the money and had brought the guitar there to sell it, I thought about it and said no. I’m glad I didn’t do it.
As for the more beat-up Explorer (which is my favorite of the two, because it just looks like it should sound better), I bought it in 1981 from Larry Briggs at Strings West in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It looks the way that I got it, complete with all the dings and doweled holes on the top where a different bridge was installed. The guitar also has a neck-joint repair that you can see at the heel or if you look into the neck pickup cavity.
I think Larry was asking around seven grand for the guitar, and we did a retail-to-retail trade where I gave him a couple of Stratocasters and a Firebird or two and $650. You can see me writing the check in this snapshot, a little piece of Rick Nielsen history that Larry was kind enough to dig out of his archives."
In this photo, Mahoney is seen playing Gibson Explorer.
This site states that Cale used a Gibson Explorer.
Bruce used it to record Domino, Every tiem I look at you in the album "Revenge" when he was in Kiss
In this live performance of "Animals", Ryan is seen playing a Gibson Explorer starting at :28s. Jason Shadrick writes in this article from Premier Guitar "Ryan Peake’s guitar boat is stocked with several Gibson Explorers and Flying Vs. Along with his tech, Kris Dawson, Peake gives each one a custom finish that typically involves blowtorches, chisels, and other tools of destruction. All his guitars sport EMG pickups (EMG 81 in the bridge and EMG 85 in the neck) and are strung with various gauges of Ernie Ball strings".
In this photo, Soderberg is visible playing black Gibson Explorer. This one is in black colour, and has metal pickguard. Trve kvlt.
In this video of Nick Jonas performing "Jealous" at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, Jonas plays a solo at the beginning and towards the end of his performance on a Gibson Explorer, which is clear to see because of the guitar's distinct shape, even though it's shown from a distance.
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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