electric · solidbody
Explorer
| Maker | Gibson |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | electric · solidbody |
| Introduced | 1958 |
| Price | USD 2499 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1894 |
| Status | current |
Gibson's Explorer pairs a large angular offset body with a 24.75-inch scale and a SlimTaper neck, for players who want a Gibson that is not a Les Paul or an SG.
Watch
Why it matters
The shape dates from 1958 and spent decades as a niche choice before heavy rock and metal players made it a familiar stage silhouette. It remains one of the few big-bodied American solidbodies built around an offset outline and dual humbuckers. The current Explorer 70s versions use 70s Tribute humbuckers, so the modern line looks back at the era that revived the design.
Note
Radical angular body; ahead of its time in 1958, embraced by metal (Metallica, etc.).
Specifications
- Scale length: 628.65 mm (24.75 in)
- Neck shape: SlimTaper
Before you buy
- The long body needs a fitted case rather than a generic bag
- SlimTaper profile suits lead playing more than large chord grips
- Trim levels differ in pickups and hardware, so check the exact model
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
BellezzaGuitars · 2019-07 · 78,915 views
“2019 Gibson Explorer in Antique Natural Finish.”
Sound demo of a 2019 Gibson Explorer with its specs covered along the way.
Cream City Music · 2021-06 · 50,266 views
“In this episode of Tone Check we play a true Gibson icon: The Explorer.”
No-talking tone check of a Gibson Explorer, played clean and dirty.