Due to COVID I am thinking of selling my Gibson Explorer and getting this instead. Saving quite the amount of dollars to tide through this tough period. Do you think it's worth it with the way your V is built?
As I’ve frequently written, I had an Epi Explorer earlier and swapped it out because it was “just taking up space”. For some funny reason, I’m becoming drawn to the V.
I got one 2 weeks ago, and it's beautiful. I would HIGHLY recommend getting yours through Sweetwater, as they have a 55-Point inspection, so it comes to you really to roll, unlike GC, you get it right from the box. And if there is anything wrong, they knock off $50. I had some wood glue on the neck of mine, called them and they were beside themselves that is made it through inspection. I even said it's ok, I scratched it off, they said it didn't matter and knocked off $50. This thing sounds like a monster and looks fantastic! I can't put it down :)
Sweetwater is okay with the check but they don't do set-ups as they charge for that. Also fyi I bought a Tele from them - a Squier CV 50s butterscotch pine - plays like a dream - 55 point check and all yet it still needed warranty work for a fret coming loose a week before warranty was out. At that moment it makes no difference where you buy a guitar as you will take it to any luthier and get it fixed for free. I like AMS for an alternative to SW albeit w/o any 55 point check for the simple reason they are always sending out $20 off coupons and you can get 6 pay with no interest or 12 pay both without credit check or use of credit - SW only has a credit card. Also - go look for an "inspired by Gibson" new Epi Explorer and see who has it in stock - SW or AMS - hint: it's not SW. Candy is virtually gone, too, must be the new owners. I've used both for years so imo the 55 point check is more for peace of mind because literally it doesn't make much difference as SW won't 55 point check under $300 anyway while you are covered no matter where you buy your guitar- and AMS is much more easy to buy from if your money is tight - sorry SW but that's a fact. I have a new Epi Explorer with $20 off coming this Monday from AMS - the Korina '58 one only available from AMS and no - I'm not paid by them because I still dig SW a lot, my rep Charlie is the sh*t. ☮️
@@cuda426hemi I noticed AMS is the only one that carrys the Korina as well. I’ve bought a ton of equipment from sweetwater but they better watch it. Strings are way more then sold locally. Lots of negative comments about their gearfest this year. Found out that a new organization is in control now. Chuck (original owner) isn’t. Sad.
@@1267cando Roger that. I hope SW doesn't ditch the 500 page catalog twice a year but it looks like they have. O get smaller ones from them - notably with no forward by Chuck as he was gone after the buy-out by venture capitalists. I'm glad my rep Charlie is still there but then maybe it's a Bot Charlie sending me those emails once in a while asking me to tune into Gearfest. Not the same vibe. I've been lucky with AMS - I've split my orders between the two but if I'm short $$ only AMS does financing outside of credit cards - but 0% interest and that $20 coupon is an influence, too. I am digging the Korina Explorer BIG time even if the neck is a little wide for me...it's wideness does facilitate some fast burns on it though - w/o tangling with adjacent strings. I MAY take it for a $40 set-up just to dial in some lower action and peace of mind as we have some excellent luthiers around the Hollywood area that do $45-$90 set-ups. It is GORGEOUS in person with the vintage almost orange toggle cap + gold hardware - sets it off. Mini Grovers are pretty nice, too - work very well. Thought I'd immediately want the white or vintage cream pick guard but I'm holding off for now since my feelings aren't hurt as much as I thought they would be with the black guard on it. Happy Hunting Robb! 🎸
I finally got my hands on my new Explorer. While I was saving up the dough, all I had was this video to keep me going. I must have watched it a dozen times.
I have always loved epiphone guitars. Honestly the pick ups in their guitars are seriously underrated. A warm mids and loose bottom end and when you boost it it’s just such a great tone. Then again I prefer a lower output pick up
Just bought one this week, it's solid, smooth, decent In weight and the pickups are good. Great cleans, medium sounding heat on distortion channels. I would highly recommend this guitar.
There may be hope for us poor guitar enthusiasts. I was really hoping for this new Epiphone line to be great and it has been mixed so far. Continuing to investigate with the help of channels such as yours. TY.
I found the fret work to be good on my 2020. The truss rod was way too tight. That is where the first 4 fret buzz is coming from. This dude has the same issue on his 2020. I don’t think it was adjusted at all but the intonation was perfect on mine so there’s that.
The black stuff is polishing compound from polishing the frets. It’s difficult to quickly and easily remove entirely when they’re being made in large numbers. A good rub with a soft cloth on each feet will do it
wish i never sold my epi explorer. best playing and feeling guitar i've ever owned. always thought that a thinner neck was more comfortable. that '59 neck was fat and like a couch... comfy
Thinking about buying one of these and modding it to be a good guitar for metal leads. If I get it,it will be my number one guitar because I've wanted an explorer for years
@@KristianSimov I was planning on changing the pickups to Dimarzios and putting locking tuners on it. And while it is hard to say for everyone,I think its enough for me. I only recently get a guitar with 24 frets and honestly it didn't feel like much more than what I already had. Not saying it's a bad guitar because its not,just saying it's more of something I was familiar with instead of something that felt new or extra
@@therock-a-roller my comment is 11 months old, but about 9 months ago I bought a Gibson explorer wood grain color! Fun to play my favorite Skynyrd songs on
I used to hate the Explorer shape but for some reason it grew on me. I have an old Epi Explorer GT and I stuck a super distortion at the bridge and it sounds incredible. It plays like butter too!
Great review Lucas! I was all excited when you did the unboxing and had no fret issues, then I saw Austin's and his has one or two possible high frets. But he did say the neck was pretty flat so that might be the issue with it. I could deal with 1 or 2 high frets, I can take care of all of them that was the case, but for a new guitar I don't want ANY fret issues. But for an otherwise great guitar and at that price 1 or 2 fret issues I would tolerate. Austin said something about the body shape was a little different from Gibson along that longer top edge, you notice anything? I really like these X shaped guitars like the Explorer and Iceman models and I'm hoping the Explorer is as comfortable to play as my Iceman with the wet spaghetti noodle neck lol. Did you have yours tuned standard?
It's been a while since I've had a Gibson Explorer in my hands, but the shape doesn't feel hugely different to me. The frets had a tiny bit of buzz for me too when I got it out, but the neck on this one was also very straight. After I put a little relief in it the buzz went away.
I think this is the first 2-humbucker guitar that I actually like the pickups middle position (full open tone controls, not "woman tone"). It has some bluesy twang to it. I don't think in blues when I want to buy an Explorer, but I sure could give use to that tone.
Explorers will forever have my favorite headstocks. Only thing I would change is the pickups they sounded fine but Alnico 2s to me would feel weird after owning much higher gain pickups. Nice review
@@Opticillusion160 relax dylan i know what it's modeled after. i just said the only thing i would change are some hotter pick ups. And honestly EMGs are not exactly my style I'd put some Seymour Duncan Distortions in them mmmmmm
Thomas Mims i dont understand the desire for hot pickups. I guess because high gain has been the thing for a while but the best tones imo come from a medium output pickup pushed hard through a good high gain amp. The dynamics of lower output pickups are extremely worthwhile
@@Opticillusion160 i like hot pickups because i play death metal. When i play an explorer i think extreme so...extreme tones. If i want to get dad rock tones i just coil tap it....half the output. Ammmmazing. Cant really do that with a weak pickup unless you boost it which is cool too.
I have to disagree on your comment about the black finish. It would have been so much better in white, or natural, or pretty much anything else. I'm pretty peeved that the ONLY option was black. Having the all black makes it look cheap, especially with how overly glossy it is. Otherwise it sounds fantastic!
i’m really tempted to pick one up, but i’d probably refinish it in aged white, and swap the bridge pickup for a bare knuckle nailbomb. for the price, it seems pretty fantastic
Ok I spit my coffee when you said (A better nut!) Yes I'm still juvenile in my thinking lol But I thought the guitar sounded awesome. Is that a stain coming off?
You say you can get a Harley Benton for less which is true, but I would not recommend their "Explorer" style guitar. My Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series has wicked neck dive to the point it's barely playable standing up. It became a mod platform to see if I have the skills to modify guitars. Spoiler, I do not!
I have the older, Korean model of this guitar. The action is set so low that the strings are almost touching the frets, yet I get damn near zero buzz. It's a joy to play. Hard to find that kind of quality in today's Epiphones (they are still a great value, though.)
It seems to be a luck of the draw these days as to whether you will get a "good one" but they are well designed, if not always well executed. A good tech should be able to take care of any issues the QC department missed.
Comparing an Epiphone to a Harley Benton or vice-versa is heresy! Go for Epiphone. A great setup and proper strings and it's a Gibson. Don't even touch those p'ups. Harley has cheap ceramics, not the kind played by Jeff Beck...ha
I haven't played a Harley Benton, but if the quality control is as good as their reputation states, it would be less expensive to buy a Harley Benton and then buy a nice set of aftermarket pickups then to buy and Epiphone, especially if you get one of the bad ones and have to send it back or have it fixed. Don't get me wrong, Epiphone is making some nice stuff but they aren't Gibson guitars. Even with all the same components an Epiphone will never be a Gibson. It comes down to the wood selection, construction, finish, hardware and a lot of other little things. Obviously buy what you like the look/feel/sound of :P
The biggest difference between this guitar and a Gibson explorer is that body shape. The epiphone uses the 1958 explorer body and Gibson are using the “76 reissue” which in itself isn’t even a 76 body lol. Explorers got much pointer over the years.
I would have an a 2020 explorer in my hands right now if somebody would get them in stock. Seems like there has been a halt in production or something. UPDATE: My brand new Explorer will be at my door next Monday!!! Yes!!!
@@samjburns07 Dude! Not one flaw, stays in tune great, comfortable but thick neck, the pickups sound great through any and all my effects settings. It goes from Skynerd to Slayer with ease, I'm so glad I got it. I played it in 4 live shows we did lately. It's got one of the nicest black finishes I've ever seen. I bumped into one of my kitchen chairs and no dent or scratch to speak of. Worth every penny. I want to put the Dimebucker Dimebag pickup set in it because I want it louder and more heat is always a good thing for me. It sounds like it would do really well with a Dimebucker in it. Unlock even more potential.
Bought an Epiphone Thunderhorse Explorer. Was the worst POS I ever played. My Hamer Slammer XP-1 Explorer played a lot better. Epiphone is not made in the USA anymore. Total crap. Just got a real Gibson Explorer. Epiphone is not even close to a real Explorer.
I started watching your videos because you uploaded the 50s Epi video, at first I thought you were being overly negative but having watched a load of your other videos you've grown on me dude. Also your original music is great btw.
Having owned an Explorer in that black finish from December 2008-August 2012, I can say the hype is pretty fitting. It came close enough to being like Gibson that I didn’t miss any of the add-ons that have materialized since then. I would get another one, only I turned loose of that one because it was “just taking up space“. The deep irony being, I’m now becoming tempted by the Flying V. In either case, I would probably swap out the pro buckers for a set that sound more substantial when you split the coils. The 335 Pro that I got in January 2017 was a real letdown for this reason. Whatever pickups Yamaha has installed in the SA 2200, that’s what I would search for. I dug the clean, crunch and hi-gain lead tones the most. I suppose I’m subjectively not a big fan of the rectifier tone, but that never made it bad.
Got mine in the mail a couple days ago, fretboard was DIRTY, but set up was nice and once cleaned looked great, mine has a lighter color wood to it. Plays really great though.
Just checking up on the explorer scene. I got an Epi Goth Explorer Made In Korea model like 5 years ago. Pickups were average alnicos but had some issues last year, had them swapped out for SDs and now its a great guitar. Would pay 800 or so for it, originally costed 350 or so.
Hell yeah same here but I bought the black with gold hardware korina explorer back in 2005 and when I finally plugged it into an amp it was horrible a lot of feed back might have to switch it up
I had an Epiphone TV Silver Explorer a few years ago, the build quality was crap and the clear coat finish started cracking right away. I ended up building my own Explorer from a kit, it's the best guitar I own, because I built it my way, with only quality parts and careful attention to detail.
Question, how done I can hear a fret buzz when he's playing near the nut. Is it his technique or is it an issue with the guitar? The reason I'm asking is because I'm looking to get a new guitar since my Chinese made fender tele has so many issues that I can't be bothered to fix. The issue that has annoyed me the most though with my Tele is the fret buzz that comes from the frets not being equal heights. Does anyone know if I'll have any issues like that with this guitar? Edit: you can only really hear the fret buzz when he's playing with the clean tones, which is what I'll be using a lot.
I have a Jason hook 2018 Explorer his signature guitar best epiphone I own IMO the epiphone artist signature models have better pickups and electronics, hardware ect..
I’ll definitely swap out the pickups for an DiMarzio X2N bridge and a DiMarzio PAF Pro in the neck for some sick high gain stuff if I decide to get this guitar.
Thanks for the review of recent Epiphone line, nice job! Personally, i wait for the Prophecy line ( if there will be any? ) with Fishman pickups, but is good to see what Epiphone is up to generally. Rock on!
The Epiphone Goth Explorer is still the best looking explorer ever made. I hope they bring it back. But considering how bad the neck dive on the 22 fret Goth Explorer is, seeing that this Gibson style Explorer has 24 frets, makes me think the neck dive is even worse on this one.
Had my Epi Standard 50s a couple weeks now and I'm digging it but I have 2 issues besides the obligatory QC issues. The flat neck just doesn't feel right but I got used to it. It just feels weird. And the pups. I'm still trying to decide if I want to upgrade to Gibson pups. They just just sound flat through my amp... First world problems, right?
I actually think these pickups sound quite a bit like their Gibson counterparts, so if you don't like the sound of them, putting Gibson pickups in may not be the way to go. You might try something from Seymour Duncan, Dimarzio, Lollar, Fralin or my favorite, Planet Tone.
I really enjoy your reviews. It s good to hear some unbiased opinion on these new line of Epiphone 2020. I tried the Les paul 50 standard and the Les paul classic, for me they still sound like epiphones, a low price Gibson like the studio worn or faded are better guitars. That s my opinion of course. The 50 standard is a step up from the ordinary epiphone but sill not in the same ballpark as Gibson. Maybe this explorer is an exception, I am also very curios to try the firebird 2020 Keep up the good work. I am glad I subscribed to you channel
I usually think there is a noticeable difference in feel between a Gibson and Epiphone overall, but the explorer I found to be VERY close to the "real deal." Thanks!
Really good review and a legit guitar. I tried Epiphones Alnico II Humbuckers before and they were much better than the alnico 5 stuff in LP and SG Guitars. I am not a fan of the explorer shape, but the sound is crazy!
You can check Bootlegger out here, they make some cool stuff :) www.bootleggerguitar.com/listing/bootlegger-guitar-hounder-black-cherry-gold-burst-stiletto-case-flask/12833399
I have never ever played a Epiphone Explorer but going by everything else I have played from Epiphone recently I am sure it is worth the money easily my only complaint is why only black 😐 Epiphone and PRS are getting stupid with their color choices lately PRS only offers the SE 24 08 in green and vintage cherry burst when I want the black gold color they offered last year Epiphone offers a black Explorer when I want the off white beige color they have always offered up until recently on the PRS SE Silver Sky the only offer colors that Home Depot has for sale so I’m not buying none of them 😂
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I will have an explorer one day. There is a 99.99% chance that I will only play Foo Fighters and Metallica on it, and that is okay.
xNimrod97x Why Foo Fighters though?
xNimrod97x that and airbourne
@Enrique I want one too!
Same
I feel the same
I’ve always wanted an explorer cuz of Metallica lol
Cream White w/Black Stripes Scorpions 🦂 Here.
Who hasn't wanted an Explorer because of Metallica
I want one because thats what Rolf player in Running Wild
@@ACDC4LIFE I had one of those in the early 2000's. Letting that guitar go was one of my biggest life regrets :(
👍🏽DR440 - collecting my guitar gods guitars is what I enjoy most besides playing them ps: I’m currently @15 😂
That guitar sounds pretty close to the vintage ones, especially Metallica tones !
I getting the Explorer because for Dethklok or Metalocalypse. I just love the look of this guitar
Dethklok is awesome
Murmaider murmaider
Same
Skwisgaar skwigelf
True all day
I just bought a 2020 V and I love it... its the cousin to this one... same color scheme, same hardware.. different body style
Due to COVID I am thinking of selling my Gibson Explorer and getting this instead. Saving quite the amount of dollars to tide through this tough period. Do you think it's worth it with the way your V is built?
As I’ve frequently written, I had an Epi Explorer earlier and swapped it out because it was “just taking up space”. For some funny reason, I’m becoming drawn to the V.
Metallica, Foo Fighters, Coheed and Cambria...
Amon amarth, early darkthrone...
Scorpions!
The foo fighters suck
@@BC513RICH Wrong
Static-X
I got one 2 weeks ago, and it's beautiful. I would HIGHLY recommend getting yours through Sweetwater, as they have a 55-Point inspection, so it comes to you really to roll, unlike GC, you get it right from the box. And if there is anything wrong, they knock off $50. I had some wood glue on the neck of mine, called them and they were beside themselves that is made it through inspection. I even said it's ok, I scratched it off, they said it didn't matter and knocked off $50. This thing sounds like a monster and looks fantastic! I can't put it down :)
ngl this comment makes me want to only use sweetwater
@@verminvaporizer1394 Sweetwater is awesome. Very nice people
Sweetwater is okay with the check but they don't do set-ups as they charge for that. Also fyi I bought a Tele from them - a Squier CV 50s butterscotch pine - plays like a dream - 55 point check and all yet it still needed warranty work for a fret coming loose a week before warranty was out. At that moment it makes no difference where you buy a guitar as you will take it to any luthier and get it fixed for free. I like AMS for an alternative to SW albeit w/o any 55 point check for the simple reason they are always sending out $20 off coupons and you can get 6 pay with no interest or 12 pay both without credit check or use of credit - SW only has a credit card. Also - go look for an "inspired by Gibson" new Epi Explorer and see who has it in stock - SW or AMS - hint: it's not SW. Candy is virtually gone, too, must be the new owners. I've used both for years so imo the 55 point check is more for peace of mind because literally it doesn't make much difference as SW won't 55 point check under $300 anyway while you are covered no matter where you buy your guitar- and AMS is much more easy to buy from if your money is tight - sorry SW but that's a fact. I have a new Epi Explorer with $20 off coming this Monday from AMS - the Korina '58 one only available from AMS and no - I'm not paid by them because I still dig SW a lot, my rep Charlie is the sh*t. ☮️
@@cuda426hemi I noticed AMS is the only one that carrys the Korina as well. I’ve bought a ton of equipment from sweetwater but they better watch it. Strings are way more then sold locally. Lots of negative comments about their gearfest this year. Found out that a new organization is in control now. Chuck (original owner) isn’t. Sad.
@@1267cando Roger that. I hope SW doesn't ditch the 500 page catalog twice a year but it looks like they have. O get smaller ones from them - notably with no forward by Chuck as he was gone after the buy-out by venture capitalists. I'm glad my rep Charlie is still there but then maybe it's a Bot Charlie sending me those emails once in a while asking me to tune into Gearfest. Not the same vibe. I've been lucky with AMS - I've split my orders between the two but if I'm short $$ only AMS does financing outside of credit cards - but 0% interest and that $20 coupon is an influence, too. I am digging the Korina Explorer BIG time even if the neck is a little wide for me...it's wideness does facilitate some fast burns on it though - w/o tangling with adjacent strings. I MAY take it for a $40 set-up just to dial in some lower action and peace of mind as we have some excellent luthiers around the Hollywood area that do $45-$90 set-ups. It is GORGEOUS in person with the vintage almost orange toggle cap + gold hardware - sets it off. Mini Grovers are pretty nice, too - work very well. Thought I'd immediately want the white or vintage cream pick guard but I'm holding off for now since my feelings aren't hurt as much as I thought they would be with the black guard on it. Happy Hunting Robb! 🎸
I finally got my hands on my new Explorer. While I was saving up the dough, all I had was this video to keep me going. I must have watched it a dozen times.
Dude that is the best feeling in the world
I have always loved epiphone guitars. Honestly the pick ups in their guitars are seriously underrated. A warm mids and loose bottom end and when you boost it it’s just such a great tone. Then again I prefer a lower output pick up
lower output is king you keep the nuances and dont over compress the signal before it hits the front of the amp or any effects
Just bought one this week, it's solid, smooth, decent In weight and the pickups are good. Great cleans, medium sounding heat on distortion channels. I would highly recommend this guitar.
Ight you've convinced me. Perfect showing of the guitar for several play styles/types. Thanks man 🤘🏻
I love that you played Wayward One on the clean tone. I think you just sold me on that guitar.
There may be hope for us poor guitar enthusiasts. I was really hoping for this new Epiphone line to be great and it has been mixed so far. Continuing to investigate with the help of channels such as yours. TY.
Were the frets level?
Try the new Harley Benton Explorer so far good number of positive results.
my ltd explorer is extremely good quality for the price
The goth explorers are pretty affordable
I found the fret work to be good on my 2020. The truss rod was way too tight. That is where the first 4 fret buzz is coming from. This dude has the same issue on his 2020. I don’t think it was adjusted at all but the intonation was perfect on mine so there’s that.
The black stuff is polishing compound from polishing the frets. It’s difficult to quickly and easily remove entirely when they’re being made in large numbers.
A good rub with a soft cloth on each feet will do it
That makes sense!
I’ve always wanted one because of skynyrd honestly.
Thought I was the only one. Wish they’d have different color options.
4:41 Clean Tones
6:40 Distorted
wish i never sold my epi explorer. best playing and feeling guitar i've ever owned.
always thought that a thinner neck was more comfortable.
that '59 neck was fat and like a couch... comfy
Thinking about buying one of these and modding it to be a good guitar for metal leads. If I get it,it will be my number one guitar because I've wanted an explorer for years
Same here. I'm interested what mods do you plan on doing? And do you believe 22 frets and no tremolo are enough for modern lead guitar?
@@KristianSimov I was planning on changing the pickups to Dimarzios and putting locking tuners on it. And while it is hard to say for everyone,I think its enough for me. I only recently get a guitar with 24 frets and honestly it didn't feel like much more than what I already had. Not saying it's a bad guitar because its not,just saying it's more of something I was familiar with instead of something that felt new or extra
It happens man. I'm sure it isn't easy making an explorer as a kesd guitar,but hey it let's me try new styles and brands out
I am very surprised by those pickups. They sound fantastic! Great review. Cheers!
I only want an explorer to be like Alen Collins.... lol
The Virgin: Plays explorer to Sound like Mettalica
The Chad: Plays to sound like Lynyrd Skynyrd
@@therock-a-roller my comment is 11 months old, but about 9 months ago I bought a Gibson explorer wood grain color! Fun to play my favorite Skynyrd songs on
@@smurfdadlol9135 Chad
Kinda sounds like Mama Kin off 1st Aerosmith LP Lucas, on the crunchy tone. Love it!
Great review. This Explorer looks and sounds pretty sweet.
You put me in a fucking problem, now i NEED THIS FUCKING THING.... after my TRV signature Jazzmaster, :)
I just got one. Gonna put a Seymour Duncan Invader for the neck. Sweet review and guitar.
Bought it.. plays like a dream... great guitar!
Awesome cause i'm getting it delivered this weekend , been wanting it for awhile....
Love the look of the explorer! Sounds real cool.
Awesome guitars! Tone to the bone!
I used to hate the Explorer shape but for some reason it grew on me. I have an old Epi Explorer GT and I stuck a super distortion at the bridge and it sounds incredible. It plays like butter too!
What amp are you using for the more modern metal sounds??
I had a Ibanez Explorer '79 I think? They are crazy now almost as much as a real Gibson.
is that mama kin that he's playing? gotta love it
Great review Lucas! I was all excited when you did the unboxing and had no fret issues, then I saw Austin's and his has one or two possible high frets. But he did say the neck was pretty flat so that might be the issue with it. I could deal with 1 or 2 high frets, I can take care of all of them that was the case, but for a new guitar I don't want ANY fret issues. But for an otherwise great guitar and at that price 1 or 2 fret issues I would tolerate. Austin said something about the body shape was a little different from Gibson along that longer top edge, you notice anything? I really like these X shaped guitars like the Explorer and Iceman models and I'm hoping the Explorer is as comfortable to play as my Iceman with the wet spaghetti noodle neck lol. Did you have yours tuned standard?
It's been a while since I've had a Gibson Explorer in my hands, but the shape doesn't feel hugely different to me. The frets had a tiny bit of buzz for me too when I got it out, but the neck on this one was also very straight. After I put a little relief in it the buzz went away.
I think this is the first 2-humbucker guitar that I actually like the pickups middle position (full open tone controls, not "woman tone"). It has some bluesy twang to it. I don't think in blues when I want to buy an Explorer, but I sure could give use to that tone.
What do you mean by "woman tone"?
@@Cthulhu_Awaken muddy and or buttery smooth, it loses all highs and mids.
Dude, stop torturing me! 😔😔😔
Explorers will forever have my favorite headstocks. Only thing I would change is the pickups they sounded fine but Alnico 2s to me would feel weird after owning much higher gain pickups. Nice review
clearly says 1958 its modeled after the vintage explorer. Drop some EMGs if you want high gain
@@Opticillusion160 relax dylan i know what it's modeled after. i just said the only thing i would change are some hotter pick ups. And honestly EMGs are not exactly my style I'd put some Seymour Duncan Distortions in them mmmmmm
Thomas Mims i dont understand the desire for hot pickups. I guess because high gain has been the thing for a while but the best tones imo come from a medium output pickup pushed hard through a good high gain amp. The dynamics of lower output pickups are extremely worthwhile
@@Opticillusion160 i like hot pickups because i play death metal. When i play an explorer i think extreme so...extreme tones. If i want to get dad rock tones i just coil tap it....half the output. Ammmmazing. Cant really do that with a weak pickup unless you boost it which is cool too.
@@Opticillusion160 my channel has plenty clips of me playing both medium output and high gain for proof of that
I have to disagree on your comment about the black finish. It would have been so much better in white, or natural, or pretty much anything else. I'm pretty peeved that the ONLY option was black. Having the all black makes it look cheap, especially with how overly glossy it is. Otherwise it sounds fantastic!
i’m really tempted to pick one up, but i’d probably refinish it in aged white, and swap the bridge pickup for a bare knuckle nailbomb. for the price, it seems pretty fantastic
Ok I spit my coffee when you said (A better nut!) Yes I'm still juvenile in my thinking lol But I thought the guitar sounded awesome. Is that a stain coming off?
At least this guy start playing immediately in his video. I HATE wading through guitar vids that don't give you smack of licks immediately.
I try to do that in all my videos these days.
You say you can get a Harley Benton for less which is true, but I would not recommend their "Explorer" style guitar. My Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series has wicked neck dive to the point it's barely playable standing up. It became a mod platform to see if I have the skills to modify guitars. Spoiler, I do not!
I have the older, Korean model of this guitar. The action is set so low that the strings are almost touching the frets, yet I get damn near zero buzz. It's a joy to play. Hard to find that kind of quality in today's Epiphones (they are still a great value, though.)
It seems to be a luck of the draw these days as to whether you will get a "good one" but they are well designed, if not always well executed. A good tech should be able to take care of any issues the QC department missed.
Same bought mine back around 2005
Just bought one...and swapped out the probuckers for SDs.
Matthias Jabs; the explorer solo/lead killer 🎸😍
Nice man... I just scored a 2006 Epi explorer ebony with the gold hardware. Probably the korina, I don't know, but I love it.
I'm trying to choose between this explorer or the extura prophecy...🤔
hi this stuff is gr8 love ur vids.
I want an Explorer like this because of Erik Rutan when he was in Morbid Angel!
Comparing an Epiphone to a Harley Benton or vice-versa is heresy! Go for Epiphone. A great setup and proper strings and it's a Gibson. Don't even touch those p'ups. Harley has cheap ceramics, not the kind played by Jeff Beck...ha
I haven't played a Harley Benton, but if the quality control is as good as their reputation states, it would be less expensive to buy a Harley Benton and then buy a nice set of aftermarket pickups then to buy and Epiphone, especially if you get one of the bad ones and have to send it back or have it fixed.
Don't get me wrong, Epiphone is making some nice stuff but they aren't Gibson guitars. Even with all the same components an Epiphone will never be a Gibson. It comes down to the wood selection, construction, finish, hardware and a lot of other little things.
Obviously buy what you like the look/feel/sound of :P
The biggest difference between this guitar and a Gibson explorer is that body shape. The epiphone uses the 1958 explorer body and Gibson are using the “76 reissue” which in itself isn’t even a 76 body lol. Explorers got much pointer over the years.
I prefer the "less pointy" version :P
Lucas Fowler Yep me too man. 58’s all the way.
I just got the Harley version of this. I highly doubt it's anywhere bear as nice as this. 🤣 I like it but it's not on par with an Epi anything.
Gibson explorer should have either dirty fingers or 500T pup combos otherwise unplayable
I would have an a 2020 explorer in my hands right now if somebody would get them in stock. Seems like there has been a halt in production or something. UPDATE: My brand new Explorer will be at my door next Monday!!! Yes!!!
so it's been 10 months; how is it? looking at buying one.
@@samjburns07 Dude! Not one flaw, stays in tune great, comfortable but thick neck, the pickups sound great through any and all my effects settings. It goes from Skynerd to Slayer with ease, I'm so glad I got it. I played it in 4 live shows we did lately. It's got one of the nicest black finishes I've ever seen. I bumped into one of my kitchen chairs and no dent or scratch to speak of. Worth every penny. I want to put the Dimebucker Dimebag pickup set in it because I want it louder and more heat is always a good thing for me. It sounds like it would do really well with a Dimebucker in it. Unlock even more potential.
@@roosterj2599 thanks for replying! when I have saved up the money, I'll definitely buy it. thanks!
@@samjburns07 Your gonna love it! Let me know what you think when you get yours.
@@roosterj2599 will do! thank you so much!
Bought an Epiphone Thunderhorse Explorer. Was the worst POS I ever played. My Hamer Slammer XP-1 Explorer played a lot better. Epiphone is not made in the USA anymore. Total crap. Just got a real Gibson Explorer. Epiphone is not even close to a real Explorer.
I started watching your videos because you uploaded the 50s Epi video, at first I thought you were being overly negative but having watched a load of your other videos you've grown on me dude. Also your original music is great btw.
Thanks, I appreciate it. I try not to be too negative, just that one guitar in particular I felt warranted my truthful feedback, negative as it was.
Honestly my dream guitar, super metal but also very rock n roll
man the second he started playing those intro tones, i thought he was gonna start pulling out the power rangers theme song lol
Looking at this guitar and other types of explorer guitars. Wish people played more than Metallica riffs on almost every demo.
Is this a good guitar for blues?
Eric Clapton is one of the artists who purchased one during the 70s. I should say between Eric and Alan Collins of Lenard Skynard, the answer is yes.
Having owned an Explorer in that black finish from December 2008-August 2012, I can say the hype is pretty fitting. It came close enough to being like Gibson that I didn’t miss any of the add-ons that have materialized since then. I would get another one, only I turned loose of that one because it was “just taking up space“. The deep irony being, I’m now becoming tempted by the Flying V.
In either case, I would probably swap out the pro buckers for a set that sound more substantial when you split the coils. The 335 Pro that I got in January 2017 was a real letdown for this reason. Whatever pickups Yamaha has installed in the SA 2200, that’s what I would search for.
I dug the clean, crunch and hi-gain lead tones the most. I suppose I’m subjectively not a big fan of the rectifier tone, but that never made it bad.
Got mine in the mail a couple days ago, fretboard was DIRTY, but set up was nice and once cleaned looked great, mine has a lighter color wood to it. Plays really great though.
Just checking up on the explorer scene. I got an Epi Goth Explorer Made In Korea model like 5 years ago. Pickups were average alnicos but had some issues last year, had them swapped out for SDs and now its a great guitar. Would pay 800 or so for it, originally costed 350 or so.
Hell yeah same here but I bought the black with gold hardware korina explorer back in 2005 and when I finally plugged it into an amp it was horrible a lot of feed back might have to switch it up
Well yeah..when I see this guitar, I see James Hetfield!!
I had an Epiphone TV Silver Explorer a few years ago, the build quality was crap and the clear coat finish started cracking right away. I ended up building my own Explorer from a kit, it's the best guitar I own, because I built it my way, with only quality parts and careful attention to detail.
I mean as long as I can rip up some Old School traditional Heavy Metal then it's good enough for me.
Question, how done I can hear a fret buzz when he's playing near the nut. Is it his technique or is it an issue with the guitar? The reason I'm asking is because I'm looking to get a new guitar since my Chinese made fender tele has so many issues that I can't be bothered to fix. The issue that has annoyed me the most though with my Tele is the fret buzz that comes from the frets not being equal heights. Does anyone know if I'll have any issues like that with this guitar?
Edit: you can only really hear the fret buzz when he's playing with the clean tones, which is what I'll be using a lot.
You can adjust the neck so that there is less fret buzz
600 bucks for a chinese guitar! End of times!
These are totally unavailable right now. -- July 2020
Nice video, please try the new 2020 Flying V!
just got one because it looks cool and i saw foo fighters on stage with it
Your a killer player dude!!!
Always wanted an explorer, cause of Allen Collins
I have a Jason hook 2018 Explorer his signature guitar best epiphone I own IMO the epiphone artist signature models have better pickups and electronics, hardware ect..
I only play Epiphones. Great guitars for a great prize.
How much it's different from the korina version.. pls share ure views
Your fingers are black from all that shredding bro lmao finger tips got set on fire
“My cabinets are in storage”… look behind you
It's funny how futuristic is nastallgick?
Nisssssssssce ⚡⚔️⚡
Looks good in your collection 🏆
A mockingbird would be epic🛸
What's a mockingbird?
@@lueysixty-six7300 B.C. Rich
I think Mockingbird's are cool, especially if I can find an old one :)
Clapton and Collins, that's why :)
I’ll definitely swap out the pickups for an DiMarzio X2N bridge and a DiMarzio PAF Pro in the neck for some sick high gain stuff if I decide to get this guitar.
God damn listen to that fret buzz
Loved the part where u played Alter bridge
Dude you fuckin Riiiiiiip dude! SIIIIIICK!!!
Thank you Lucas! I just ordered one of these yesterday from Guitar Center. I'm stoked man!
Thanks for the review of recent Epiphone line, nice job! Personally, i wait for the Prophecy line ( if there will be any? ) with Fishman pickups, but is good to see what Epiphone is up to generally. Rock on!
The Epiphone Goth Explorer is still the best looking explorer ever made. I hope they bring it back. But considering how bad the neck dive on the 22 fret Goth Explorer is, seeing that this Gibson style Explorer has 24 frets, makes me think the neck dive is even worse on this one.
This is only 22 frets, like the original Gibson Explorers.
Great review but I actually don't like the sound of it at all unfortunately I much prefer the 1984
Took me a while to think what song it is, but good to hear some Alter Bridge. ;-)
My 2020 SG came with high frets and sharp fret ends. Once straightened out the guitar is great for the $400 price range
Had my Epi Standard 50s a couple weeks now and I'm digging it but I have 2 issues besides the obligatory QC issues. The flat neck just doesn't feel right but I got used to it. It just feels weird. And the pups. I'm still trying to decide if I want to upgrade to Gibson pups. They just just sound flat through my amp... First world problems, right?
I actually think these pickups sound quite a bit like their Gibson counterparts, so if you don't like the sound of them, putting Gibson pickups in may not be the way to go. You might try something from Seymour Duncan, Dimarzio, Lollar, Fralin or my favorite, Planet Tone.
Peyote Pete I am going through same shit with the trad pro. I've been pointed in the direction of Iron Gear.
I really enjoy your reviews.
It s good to hear some unbiased opinion on these new line of Epiphone 2020.
I tried the Les paul 50 standard and the Les paul classic, for me they still sound like epiphones, a low price Gibson like the studio worn or faded are better guitars. That s my opinion of course.
The 50 standard is a step up from the ordinary epiphone but sill not in the same ballpark as Gibson.
Maybe this explorer is an exception, I am also very curios to try the firebird 2020
Keep up the good work.
I am glad I subscribed to you channel
I usually think there is a noticeable difference in feel between a Gibson and Epiphone overall, but the explorer I found to be VERY close to the "real deal." Thanks!
Is it foolish to buy a guitar like this to learn on? It's the guitar style that I've always loved the most!
Just learn how to take care of your guitar while learning how to play it as well. It'll last you a long time and it won't cost you an arm
Really good review and a legit guitar. I tried Epiphones Alnico II Humbuckers before and they were much better than the alnico 5 stuff in LP and SG Guitars. I am not a fan of the explorer shape, but the sound is crazy!
59-74 its good on explorer ?
Sick guitar! It’s like blues and metal at the same time.
You can check Bootlegger out here, they make some cool stuff :)
www.bootleggerguitar.com/listing/bootlegger-guitar-hounder-black-cherry-gold-burst-stiletto-case-flask/12833399
@@LucasFowler They seem to have a very odd but niche style of items.
My new Gibsons make my fingers black right out of the box too.
String graphite. It will disappear.
Shredding 👍
What type of humbucker please?
I have never ever played a Epiphone Explorer but going by everything else I have played from Epiphone recently I am sure it is worth the money easily my only complaint is why only black 😐 Epiphone and PRS are getting stupid with their color choices lately PRS only offers the SE 24 08 in green and vintage cherry burst when I want the black gold color they offered last year Epiphone offers a black Explorer when I want the off white beige color they have always offered up until recently on the PRS SE Silver Sky the only offer colors that Home Depot has for sale so I’m not buying none of them 😂
Is the neck beefier like a 50s style LP, or is it that slim D taper that Epiphone uses a lot?
This one is more of the Slim Taper profile.