Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Holy Explorer is a daring reimagining of an iconic silhouette, combining the legendary edge of the classic Explorer with a modern twist. Crafted as part of Gibson's 2009 Limited Run Series, this guitar doesn't just look different; it plays and sounds exceptional. The distinctive "holey" design reduces weight while maintaining the resonant qualities that guitarists crave, giving it a unique aesthetic and sonic character. This is not just any guitar—it's a collector's piece with only 350 units produced, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Under the hood, the Holy Explorer is equipped with a powerhouse duo of ceramic humbuckers—a 496R in the neck and a 500T in the bridge—ensuring a fierce, yet clear tone that can cut through any mix. The minimalist controls feature a single volume knob and a three-way pickup selector, perfect for those who prefer simplicity and efficiency in their setup.

The guitar's set-neck construction and fast-playing, 24 3/4-inch scale neck make it a dream for shredders, with easy access to all 22 frets. The Explorer's signature drooping headstock, fitted with Grover Mini tuners, ensures stable tuning and precise intonation. Topped off with a Tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, this guitar is built for both rhythm and lead players alike.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition of only 350 units
  • "Holy" Mahogany Body with an innovative design
  • 496R and 500T ceramic humbuckers for powerful sound
  • Set-neck construction with Explorer neck profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
  • Grover Mini tuners and Tune-o-matic bridge for stable tuning
  • Certificate of authenticity and Gibson hardshell case included

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Holy Explorer
Finish Natural
Year 2009 - 2011
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Explorer
Model Sub-Family Gibson The Holy 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

FAQs

What is unique about the Gibson Holy Explorer's design?

The Gibson Holy Explorer features an X-style body shape with a natural finish, making it a distinctive take on the classic Explorer design. Its unique appearance is complemented by a set-neck construction and rosewood fretboard, offering both visual appeal and playability.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Holy Explorer have?

The Gibson Holy Explorer is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration. This setup provides a powerful and versatile tone, suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from rock to metal.

Is the Gibson Holy Explorer suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Holy Explorer is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile sound, and unique design. Its set-neck construction and solid body offer excellent sustain and playability, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist's collection.

How does the Gibson Holy Explorer handle different music genres?

The Gibson Holy Explorer's HH pickup configuration delivers a versatile tone, making it suitable for various genres, particularly rock and metal. The powerful humbuckers provide rich, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain, allowing for dynamic performance across different musical styles.

What is the fretboard material of the Gibson Holy Explorer?

The Gibson Holy Explorer features a rosewood fretboard, which is known for its smooth feel and warm tonal characteristics. This material choice enhances the guitar's playability and overall sound quality.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The 2009 Gibson “Holy” Explorer | Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for The 2009 Gibson “Holy” Explorer | Review and Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

The 2009 Gibson “Holy” Explorer | Review and Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for They did WHAT?!? | 2009 Gibson HOLY Explorer Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

They did WHAT?!? | 2009 Gibson HOLY Explorer Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 2009 Gibson Holy Explorer Satin Cherry USA by TC Music Enterprise

2009 Gibson Holy Explorer Satin Cherry USA

TC Music Enterprise

TC Music Enterprise

Video thumbnail for Trying out Gibson Holy Explorer - Leo Susana by Leo Susana

Trying out Gibson Holy Explorer - Leo Susana

Leo Susana

Leo Susana

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have modded their Holy Explorers with Seymour Duncan Custom pickups and added tone knobs for enhanced versatility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Holy Explorer is highly desirable and commands high prices due to its rarity, with estimates of around 150 good condition examples remaining.

    Source

User experience

  • Some units have been modded or broken, suggesting careful vetting is needed when purchasing second-hand models.

    Source
  • An owner mentioned replacing the neck, reporting a tonal difference but an overall improvement in sound quality.

    Source
  • One user noted Gibsons, including the Holy Explorer, can be heavy, suggesting the design might help reduce weight.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Holy Explorer's distinctive body shape with holes is primarily aesthetic and may contribute to a lighter weight, though it likely doesn't impact tone significantly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A comparison to a hollowed-out Flying V was made, but no direct tonal differences were noted between the two.

    Source
  • Discussion around tonewood highlighted that while some believe body wood affects tone, others argue that pickups and amps are more influential, with specific mention of tonewood debates.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Holy Explorer | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Gibson's Holy Explorer is a bold reinterpretation of the classic Explorer design, boasting a lightweight construction and striking aesthetics that stand out. Its fast neck and powerful humbucker pickups deliver versatile tones, making it suitable for various styles. However, while its radical appearance may attract attention, some players might find the design overly flashy. Additionally, the limited run of 350 guitars may leave fans feeling disappointed if they miss out. Overall, the Holy Explorer is a strong offering from Gibson, blending modern flair with traditional craftsmanship, though it may not appeal to purists seeking a more classic vibe.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stu Mackenzie uses Gibson Holy Explorer

Stu Mackenzie

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

One of Stu's main guitars, this was purchased from TC Music Enterprise in early November of 2018, replacing the Yamaha SG-2A as his C# Standard guitar. It was used during the creation of Infest the Rats Nest, Omnium Gatherum, and possibly parts of PetroDragonic Apocalypse.

The guitar was damaged in a lift accident on June 5th, 2022, between shows in Barcelona. On May 4th, 2023, the guitar re-appeared in a teaser for the Gila Monster music video on Instagram. Four days later, the band confirmed on their Instagram story that the guitar had been repaired by Rick Steward and Daniel Hoban, and was to return for good.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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