Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rock legend with the Gibson Goth Explorer, a guitar that marries unparalleled Gibson quality with an edgy aesthetic. Designed for musicians who dare to stand out, this guitar is not just an instrument, but a statement. Its passive pickups offer a raw, powerful sound that's as uncompromising as its appearance. The single inlay fretboard adds a touch of minimalist sophistication, making it a true collector's item for those who appreciate the finer details in music and design. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Gibson Goth Explorer is your ally in creating unforgettable music.

Key Features:

  • Passive pickups for a powerful, raw sound
  • Single inlay fretboard for minimalist elegance
  • Iconic Gibson quality and durability
  • Edgy aesthetic for musicians who dare to stand out

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Explorer Gothic
Finish Ebony
Year 1998 - 2003
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
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Explorer
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
Series Gibson Gothic

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Goth Explorer like?

The Gibson Goth Explorer features a slim taper neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Goth Explorer have?

The Gibson Goth Explorer is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, known for delivering a powerful and full-bodied tone, ideal for rock and metal genres.

Is the Gibson Goth Explorer suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Goth Explorer offers excellent playability and sound quality, its unique body shape and weight may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with handling solid body electric guitars.

How does the ebony fretboard affect the playability of the Gibson Goth Explorer?

The ebony fretboard on the Gibson Goth Explorer provides a smooth, fast playing surface with a bright tonal character, enhancing note clarity and articulation.

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

The Gibson Goth Explorer is particularly well-suited for heavier music genres like rock and metal, thanks to its aggressive tone and distinctive design.

Phoenix Guitars

Phoenix Guitars

Gibson Gothic Explorer 2000

Video thumbnail for Gibson Gothic Explorer 2000 by Phoenix Guitars

Gibson Gothic Explorer 2000

Phoenix Guitars

Phoenix Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Gothic Explorer - My First Gibson by CarsAndGuitars

Gibson Gothic Explorer - My First Gibson

CarsAndGuitars

CarsAndGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the matte black finish and chromed black hardware, noting it gives a distinctive, sleek appearance reminiscent of a "Darth Vader" aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term owners express sentimental attachment, with one player relying on the Gothic Explorer as their only guitar for 17 years, highlighting its durability and personal significance.

    Source
  • A clean, well-preserved Gothic Explorer is rare, as these models are often heavily used, making well-maintained examples particularly valuable to collectors.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Gibson Goth Explorer is often compared to its Epiphone counterpart, with the Gibson model noted for having a more striking and desirable appearance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Explorer Gothic Review: The sound I can get out of this thing, and how... | Gibson | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ost_jojo

Metal up your a***

The first electric guitar I bought. Wanted an Explorer because James Hetfield played one, but by the end of the day the shape wasn't my cup of tea in terms of playability.

Build quality wise it was alright, but the pickups sounded a bit too muddy for my taste. Ended up selling it after owning it for 4 years, and decided to buy a Gibson LP instead.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas DeLonge uses Gibson Explorer Gothic

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Gear182, Thomas DeLonge is depicted using the Gibson Explorer Gothic. The guitar has been customized with a single Gibson 500T Humbucker in the bridge position and a solitary volume control. According to the post, Aaron Rubin mentioned that this guitar is utilized as a secondary rhythm guitar during recording sessions.

See how Bill Kelliher uses Gibson Explorer Gothic

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Mastodon is performing "Black Tongue" at Jools Holland - and Bill is using Gibson Goth Explorer.

See how Wayne Static uses Gibson Explorer Gothic

Wayne Static

Singer, Guitarist

Static?X

...
Verified via Last.fm

2001 Gibson Explorer, “Gothic Edition“ with bottom tone knobs removed and original pickups.

See how Mynni Luukkainen uses Gibson Explorer Gothic

Mynni Luukkainen

Singer, Guitarist

Horna

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Infection shares his acquisition of a Gibson Explorer Gothic.

See how A.A. Williams uses Gibson Explorer Gothic

A.A. Williams

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post A.A. Williams is displaying the Goth Explorer next to her pedal board. The distinctive start and crescent inlay at the twelfth fret can be seen clearly. Her official website also lists the Gibson 2001 Gothic Explorer on the gear page aawilliamsmusic.com/gear

Album Usage

The Gibson Explorer Gothic 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.

1 alternative for Gibson Explorer Gothic, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson Explorer Gothic II

$1,999.00 - $2,499.00

Vintage or Discontinued newer

Differs from the earlier Explorer Gothic in its active EMG pickups, and fully blank fretboard.

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Gear Guides

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    bartek17w
    bartek17w

    Gear IQ 182