Gibson Explorer Pro Ebony 2011
Gibson Explorer Pro, black, made in USA 2011. The Explorer is a classic Gibson shape, launching to little acclaim in 1958 but going on to become a cult hit in the 80s and 90s with hard rock players. This is an unusual take on the genre: the Explorer Pro takes the classic pointy shape, but reduces the body size by 10% and ditches the pickguard. The neck is the same size and shape as a regular Explorer: slim 60s shape, 24.75" scale, comfy and quick with some classy fret nib binding to boot. The smaller body is awesome too. Now friends, I'm a six foot tall gent with lanky arms, and even for me, this is way more comfy and intuitive than a regular full size Explorer. At 3.4kg it's more like a Strat or SG in weight, and the points sticking out that wee bit less makes this a whole lot less cumbersome in the hands. A previous owner blessed this with a pair of EMG active humbuckers, which owing to the factory cavities required no drilling, so it's now pissed off and poised to pummel passers to pieces with panache. The tone is big: thick juicy lows, smooth mids and tonnes of harmonics up high. It cleans up better than you'd guess, but is certainly happiest sending your amp back to therapy and getting those distorted lines singing. I really enjoy this, it's extremely fun. Guitars should be fun, right?
Model: Gibson Explorer Pro
Made: USA, 2011
Serial: 121011384
Finish: ebony, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany, undersized for Explorer so it's 400mm across the back
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim 60s shape
Weight: 3.415kg
Mods: pickups and pots replaced
Pickups: EMG 81/85 active humbucker set
Accessories: Gibson deluxe hardcase, no docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dents on the end and some dimples and scuffs on the edges, and minor scuffs on the front and back, The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear and some dimples on the back only. The back has a bald patch on the top edge of the top horn, scuffs around the front strap pin and middle of the body and some dimples and rub wear in the elbow area and back and bottom edges. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, scuffs and dimples along the top edge and elbow area, a string of small chips and some scuffs along the back edge and some scuffs along the bottom edge. The front has a dent and some scratches near the jack, a small chip in the corner of the elbow area, dimples around and behind the tailpiece and widespread scuffs around the body, as well as minor play wear on the horns.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
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