Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,971

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Gibson Explorer Pro, a modern classic that redefines the boundaries of rock and roll. This electric guitar is a nod to the iconic style of the past, infused with contemporary innovations that make it a staple for any serious musician's arsenal. With its streamlined mahogany body and neck, the Explorer Pro offers a lighter, more agile playing experience without sacrificing the robust tone and sustain Gibson is renowned for. Its distinctive shape is not just for show; it provides players with unparalleled access to every fret for those soaring solos and intricate riffs.

Equipped with a pair of powerful humbuckers — a 500T at the bridge and a 496R at the neck — this guitar delivers a versatile range of sounds, from crisp cleans to gritty overdrive. The Explorer Pro's unique aesthetic is enhanced by antiqued body binding and dot inlays, offering a subtle yet sophisticated finish that sets it apart from its peers. Originally part of a limited run for Gibson's "Guitar of the Week" series, it comes in stunning finishes like Heritage Cherry and Vintage Sunburst, making each piece as unique as the music it creates.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gibson Explorer Pro is designed to inspire and perform, offering a blend of classic feel and modern functionality that caters to the demands of today's musicians.

Key Features:

  • Lighter mahogany body and neck
  • Antiqued body binding
  • Dual humbuckers: 500T bridge and 496R neck
  • Dot inlays
  • Limited run finishes: Heritage Cherry and Vintage Sunburst
  • Years of Production: 2002 - 2005, 2007 - 2008

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Explorer Pro
Finish Amber, Ebony, Natural, Sunburst
Year 2002 - 2008
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Explorer
Model Sub-Family Gibson Explorer Pro
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Gibson Explorer Pro have?

The Gibson Explorer Pro features a slim taper neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the pickup configuration of the Gibson Explorer Pro affect its sound?

The Gibson Explorer Pro is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various music genres, from rock to metal.

Is the Gibson Explorer Pro suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Explorer Pro is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its solid body construction and set-neck design, which offer excellent sustain and stability on stage.

What finish options are available for the Gibson Explorer Pro?

The Gibson Explorer Pro is available in several finish options, including Amber, Ebony, Natural, and Sunburst, allowing players to choose a look that fits their style.

Is the Gibson Explorer Pro comfortable to play while sitting?

The unique X-style body shape of the Gibson Explorer Pro may take some getting used to when playing seated, but many users find it comfortable and well-balanced, especially on a stool or chair without armrests.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Explorer is VERY Different | 2005 Gibson "Explorer Pro" Trans Ebony Flame Top Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for This Explorer is VERY Different | 2005 Gibson "Explorer Pro" Trans Ebony Flame Top Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Explorer is VERY Different | 2005 Gibson "Explorer Pro" Trans Ebony Flame Top Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson Explorer Pro Review by Robertspurling

Gibson Explorer Pro Review

Robertspurling

Robertspurling

Video thumbnail for 2003 Gibson Explorer Pro Custom Amber Flame by Ten Guitars TV

2003 Gibson Explorer Pro Custom Amber Flame

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Video thumbnail for A 10% Smaller Gibson Explorer!! | Gibson Explorer Pro Guitar Of The Week #4 by Guitar Chimp

A 10% Smaller Gibson Explorer!! | Gibson Explorer Pro Guitar Of The Week #4

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact size offers excellent balance and playability compared to traditional Explorers

  • Lightweight at 6.9lbs, making it comfortable for long sessions

  • 60's slim taper neck provides a fast and smooth playing experience

  • Mahogany body delivers rich, resonant tones and long sustain

  • Stunning paint job and smooth binding enhance visual appeal

  • 80's rock aesthetic with a modern twist, great for collectors

  • High-quality build surpasses traditional Explorer models

  • Offers exceptional tone and sustain, ideal for rock music

CONS

  • Stock 500 pickups may not suit all players' preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer Pro.

Build quality

  • The 2004 Explorer Pro has a slim neck profile and an ebony fretboard with block inlays, contributing to a smoother tactile experience.

    Source
  • The Pro model features cream neck and body binding, AA flame maple top, and mother of pearl inlays, distinguishing it from standard Explorers.

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Comparisons

  • The Explorer Pro is lighter and smaller than the standard model, with a similar neck profile, offering a different ergonomic feel.

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  • The Pro model's neck is faster and sits between the SG and Les Paul styles, being slightly less wide than an SG but less thick than an LP.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped out stock pickups for Seymour Duncans, though specific models aren't always identified.

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Features and functionality

  • It retains the regular 24.75-inch scale length despite its smaller body size.

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  • The Explorer Pro uses 490/498 ceramic pickups, highly praised for their clarity and warmth, especially in clean settings.

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User experience

  • The Explorer Pro holds its tuning well, even with the slimmer neck profile, making it reliable for performance settings.

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  • Some owners express dissatisfaction with recent Explorer T models (2016-2017) due to perceived lower quality and lack of a hardshell case.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite the Explorer's aggressive design, it excels in delivering warm, clear tones when played clean, making it versatile beyond heavy genres.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Peterson uses Gibson Explorer Pro

Eric Peterson

Guitarist

Testament

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black with Gold Hardware

In the video titled "Riff Lords: Eric Peterson of Testament," produced by Gibson TV, Eric Peterson is seen playing a Gibson Explorer Pro while demonstrating riffs on this guitar.

See how Taylor Lumley uses Gibson Explorer Pro

Taylor Lumley

Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified

In this picture Taylor is seen using the explorer. He used this in 2017 for the song aggressive. I believe the pickups have been replaced

See how Allison Robertson uses Gibson Explorer Pro

Allison Robertson

Guitarist

The Donnas

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Verified via YouTube

In this video, Allison is playing the Explorer Pro. According to an article from GuitarPlayer.com, Allison talks about playing this guitar by saying, "it’s a fun challenge to try and cover everything from metal to funk using a Gibson Explorer Pro, a Les Paul, and a couple of Marshalls."

Album Usage

The Gibson Explorer Pro 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.

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