Explorer · Original
Explorer
A radical angular solid body introduced in 1958 alongside the Flying V, with two humbuckers and a futuristic shape. Light, resonant and powerful, it became a hard-rock and metal icon.
Quick Specs
- Model Family
- Explorer
- Production Years
- 1958–Present
- Body Shape
- Explorer (Angular)
- Neck Profile
- 60s-slimtaper
- Scale Length
- 24.75"
- Nut Width
- 1.695"
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Pickups
- HH
- Typical Weight
- 7 lbs
- Country of Origin
- USA
Overview
A radical angular solid body introduced in 1958 alongside the Flying V, with two humbuckers and a futuristic shape. Light, resonant and powerful, it became a hard-rock and metal icon.
Body
- Body Shape
- Explorer (Angular)
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Top Material
- None
- Binding
- None
Neck
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Profile
- 60s-slimtaper
- Thickness Notes
- —
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius
- 12"
- Scale Length
- 24.75"
- Nut Width
- 1.695"
- Number of Frets
- 22
- Fret Type
- Medium Jumbo
Pickups & Electronics
- Neck Pickup
- Burstbucker 2
- Bridge Pickup
- Burstbucker 3
- Configuration
- HH
- Controls
- 2 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Related Pickups
Hardware
- Bridge
- Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece
- Stop Bar
- Tuners
- Vintage Deluxe
Weight & Feel
- Weight Minimum
- 6.5 lbs
- Weight Maximum
- 7.5 lbs
- Typical Weight
- 7 lbs
- Left-Handed Available
- No
Who Is It For?
Rock and metal players who want a distinctive, aggressive guitar with powerful humbucker tone.
Strengths
Radical angular look, light and resonant, powerful balanced humbucker tone.
Things to Consider
Angular body is awkward sitting down, large body, niche appeal.
Production History
- Production Years
- 1958–Present
- Country of Origin
- USA
- Notes
- Introduced in 1958 alongside the Flying V; a futuristic design that became a hard-rock and metal icon.
Similar Models
Flying V
1958–Present- Family
- Flying V
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7 lbs
A radical V-shaped solid body introduced in 1958, with two humbuckers and a set mahogany neck. Aggressive, angular and light, with a biting rock voice that made it a metal icon.
Firebird
1963–Present- Family
- Firebird
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7 lbs
A reverse-body solid body with neck-through construction and mini-humbucker pickups, introduced in 1963. Distinctive, bright and chiming, with a unique tonal character unlike any other Gibson.
70s Explorer
1976–Present- Family
- Explorer
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7.5 lbs
A recreation of the 1976 Explorer reissue, with the body and hardware profile of the 70s and T-Top humbuckers. It captures the look and tone associated with the Explorer's hard-rock and metal revival.
Common Questions
- What is the Explorer?
- A radical angular solid body introduced in 1958 alongside the Flying V, with two humbuckers and a futuristic shape. Light, resonant and powerful, it became a hard-rock and metal icon.
- Who is the Explorer best for?
- Rock and metal players who want a distinctive, aggressive guitar with powerful humbucker tone.
- What neck profile does the Explorer have?
- The Explorer features a 60s-slimtaper neck profile. Learn more about the 60s SlimTaper.
- How much does the Explorer weigh?
- The Explorer typically weighs around 7 lbs.
- Is the Explorer still in production?
- Yes, this model is currently produced.
Source notes: Sample data — verify specifications before publication.