Gibson '76 Explorer Alpine White 1994
Gibson Explorer, Alpine White, made in USA 1994. This is such a cool guitar. The Explorer originally launched in 1958, alongside the Moderne and Flying V, and was made of African Korina. This model references the mid-70s version, so it's slightly different in dimensions and features a mahogany body and ebony fretboard. The neck unfortunately suffered a short break behind the nut in the care of a previous owner, so we arranged a repair. It was a tricky job, but thanks to our local ninja luthier, it's now stronger than ever and playing very nicely and is priced accordingly. It's been pretty extensively played, so there's plenty of knocks an scrapes, but it feels all the better for the miles on the clock for the most part, and that ebony board is a dream. Big opinion: Explorers are the bet sounding Gibsons. The big body means there's a bit of extra mass, and the Dirty Fingers pickups are really quite something. They're hot and rich, with a hefty low end oomph and a growling midrange. It's happiest playing dirty, but the cleans are surprisingly rich and warm. You won't get many shots at a guitar like this in our fine nation, so don't miss if you're keen.
Model: Gibson '76 Explorer
Made: 1994, Nashville USA
Serial: 94056349
Finish: alpine white, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany
Neck: mahogany, ebony fretboard, 24.75" fretboard, 12" radius, 42mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 4.270kg
Mods: headstock repaired
Pickups: Gibson Dirty Fingers humbucker x2
Accessories: original case, some documents
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and scuffs all over, as well as some chips on the end, a bald patch on the bottom side, surface scratches around the edges of the front, as well as evidence of the headstock repair on the back. The headstock to neck join has had a repair from local luthier Paul Mineur, which involved adding 2mm deep section of mahogany from around the A-string tuner to about the second fret to reinforce the join and repair a short break. The neck has plenty of scuffs, rub wear, dimples and checking, as well as the aforementioned repaired section. The bacl has a dent in the middle and top point, as well as widespread scuffs and checking lines. The sides have dimples, scuffs and checking lines all over, as well as some chips on both the points. The front has dimples around the bridge, points and knobs, as well as scuffs and checking all over and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: good condition (6.5/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only