2019 Gibson Explorer - After owning it for a year
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- Reflections on owning the 2019 Gibson Explorer for an entire year now and my possible plans on modifying the guitar. It's basically just me blabbing for 17 minutes. UBER-guitar nerd territory folks!
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My initial Demo and Review:
• 2019 Gibson Explorer D...
I can't believe that 35 years have gone by since I bought my 85 Explorer. After owning it for 35 years it has become not only family, but a downright part of me.
Congrats on hanging on to it for that long! Which model Ex? Owning the same guitar for 35 days is sometimes a long time for me!
@@bellezzaguitars7155 The standard model I guess. That was the no pick guard era for non Heritage Explorers. We have gone through changes over the years me and my #1. It's been played by some famous people that we opened for in the 80's and 90's. The case alone has more stories than most players do.
@@NitroModelsAndComics Nice. Thanks for sharing. Would love to see pics of it! Kind of an Explorer Junkie now...
@@bellezzaguitars7155 I'll find a few from its various stages in life and send em along.
I bought my 84’ in 03 when i graduated highschool. Had no idea of the value. Was pleasantly surprised when i looked it up abt a month ago. Ill never sell her
Before you change the pickups, try changing the pots to 550k pots. Read them and put the highest rated ones in the volume position. It’ll make a very big difference
this makes a world of difference
Interesting. Thank you.
I'm sure that set will sound awesome! Rock on!😁
Love those reflective tone knobs
I'm going to add one of these to my Gibson collection soon. But I like it as is. Good luck with your mods!
Thank you! Hope you get a good one
I had a natural Explorer back in the 90s. I miss it! Lovely guitars.
Helpful video. I plan to check one out locally tomorrow.
cool video man, I like your playing style. been jonesing for one of these explorers bad!
Thanks! Well, I purchased an exceptional 2021 Explorer that I may let go of soon if interested. I never thought I'd say it would be hard to purchase a guitar, but 2020/2021 has proven me wrong!!!
@@bellezzaguitars7155 I might be actually, do let me know if you decide to sell it.
Great video!!! I'm going to check out a used one today. Same year as yours. Love my fellow guitar nerds!!!
Thanks for watching! Hope it's a nice one. If it's a dog, stay away, they're plenty of these things out there. Guitar nerds unite.
thanks again for an incredible guitar review.You solidified my decision to purchase a 2019 Gibson Explorer.
I love my 500T and 496R ceramic pickups on my Explorer, something that I learned is how good cleans can be when you keep the volume around 2 or 3, dial it just before losing all the signal. If someone hasn't tried it yet, try it on a solid state or a Fender style amp with the neck pickup. It is surprising how much articulation you gain but maintaining the fullness of the sound. The bad thing is that when you show up to a blues or jazz gig with one of them you will be judged because that appearance is a bold statement, almost at the same level as showing up with a BC Rich with horns on the headstock. It's weird how much we guide ourselves by the appearance of the instrument, the sound starts to be something secondary.
You're going to be judged regardless, so do you ; ) I don't know where in Bum fuck Egypt you've been playing, but Clapton played an Explorer, & ZZTop, as well as Johnny Winter. It has a serious blues lineage tbh, & NOBODY should be looking at you as if you're playing a gross AF warlock FFS! And yes, it is weird that YOU let yourself be guided by the appearance of a guitar, but speak for yourself. My ears are instrument-blind, Haha!
Then those people that judge are just ignorant to the history of the Explorer.
well, I ended up selling it. For more than 10 years it was my No. 1 instrument, it had a serial number ending un 666, haha.
Anyway, I got a ES-135 with a wide ass neck and it's pretty darn good. Explorers are cool 🤘🏽
@@Irkennalpha Nothing wrong with changing it up a bit. The Explorer and ES guitars are all bad ass.
thumbs up! been curious about Explorers. really cool.
I bought this exact guitar,its perfect the way it is,sounds fantastic clean or overdrive.Very easy to play,very comfortable neck,well made,CTS pots,I added volume and tone pointers ,thats it!
Purchased an anniversary model up back in 2006 and it's still my go to guitar. The gold hardware is quite worn but other than that, the 500T/496R sound fantastic.
How does it fit and feel compared to a les Paul ? I have a les Paul and telecaster. But always interested in this guitar
@@burtonkephart6239 I think it plays better than a Les Paul, this neck is very comfortable and fast,more access higher up.The sound is fantastic,clearer bottom end when playing clean or with overdrive.
@Burton Kephart, I agree with Frank. Plays and feels nicer however my Les Pauls have several different profiles which are quite different. 50's and 60's style. And my Modern Player Plus Telecaster is a completely different feel to any of them. Which Les Paul model do you have?
Wise Guy I have the classic .
Very cool guitar, i personally like the hotter pickups for this guitar too, I feel like it brings out the full potential of the guitar while retaining good balance and versatility. And by hotter I don't necessarily mean actives, I mean just hotter passives like the original 496r and 500t, or the 490r and 498t. But if someone was gonna put actives into a guitar, the explorer is a good candidate. Having said all that, pickups aren't everything, sometimes you can alter the sound alot by just using different strings, pickup heights, amp settings, amp model, speaker model, and any other gear.
It's all personal preference, but I pretty much agree with you on this.
Beautiful guitar!
Great videos! Subbed.
I have this one and it has a VERY fast neck .love it
Appreciate the follow up video. Watched before I made my final purchase. Look forward to the obsessive 1 hour Explorer documentary...
Thank you so much for watching. Did you end up getting this same Explorer? And yes, look out for the Explorer doc sometime this year!
@@bellezzaguitars7155 got the exact same Explorer, had it about 3 months, love it, thanks for the inspiration
PS "This was my main guitar that I practiced my countless hours on...I ruined it's sound by putting in a Kahler Tremolo bar..." says Tom Morello, about his Gibson Explorer, at 0:44 in this video equipboard.com/pros/tom-morello/gibson-explorer-electric-guitar
You, my friend, know how to review guitars! I saw your original of this guitar, and now this one. You play sparingly without showing off (and you play beautifully), but it's way more about the practical aspects of owning these instruments. 5 star review! If only more youtubers could review like you. Subscribed!
That was exactly what I was going for. Too many reviews where people are shredding or they're playing through a ton of effects and distortion or through an impossibly rare and expensive amp. I try my best to represent that guitar for what IT is to all players. Thank you for the kind words and for subscribing.
You’ve just created a new YT channel...”Guitar Down Grades”....nice job!!!!!
Agree.. stupid as fuck.. see my comment
I have this Explorer and the 2017 Black Explorer. The Black Explorer has a mirrored pickguard, mirrored truss rod cover, Duncan JB in the bridge and Duncan Jazz in the neck, both with chrome pickup covers. I'm actually going to switch them out with Bursbuckers. I use a Friedman Brown Eye OD pedal and the gain on that thing is so powerful that even at the lowest setting, it's still too much gain for me. The Burstbuckers in my 2019 Explorer are just right for my tastes when I have the gain at like 1/4 of the way up. The only mods I did to the 2019 Explorer were switching out the toggle switch and knobs with amber ones to make it look closer to the '76 Explorer.
I am considering the same thing, big Allen Collins fan and trying to find a Hopf arm to swap out the arm that comes with the vibrola. Did you actually make the mods? If so post a video on the final product and the change process and your thought. Thanks for the videos!
Love the explorer models I have 2 of them, 1 ebony and 1 classic white with the ebony fret board. I got the white one right before they stopped making them, it’s my favorite of the 2.
Nick Rana when did they stop making the white ones?
Michael Perry not exactly sure but the one I have was made in 2009 so not too long after that I think
Nick Rana thanks, I can’t wait for the new 2020 Explorer to come out
Personally,I would not recommend any modifications; yet your intensions are extremely valid and logical.Cheers from Switzerland!
I own a 2016 T cherry Gibson explorer . It’s Hard to believe I’ve had her for 5 years already , great Gibson guitars age like fine wine . Currently, I have bare knuckle ragnoroks installed for modern metal .
I’ve got a ‘07 Ex in natural. Previous owner put a Tone Pros bridge, locking grovers, air Norton and tone zone with the push pull pots. It used to buzz like crazy until I had a fret level done and I put 10s on it. I would not put those deluxe tuners on it, I’ve got them on my ‘01 LP Classic...probably holds tuning the least out of all my guitars. So that plus that goofy vibro bridge...I think you are asking for a total disaster. Part of me wants to see if I would be correct about that lol...but yeah...I wouldn’t do any of those mods except maybe swap out the pups if you want something with more of a bite.
I bought a beat up 2008 explorer and put a 498T set in it.
I was shocked how great the guitar was.
I think Gibson made a strange decision to sell these guitars with the rather divisive 500T pickups, they are too hot and harsh for most, and the Burstbucker 2&3s Gibson later changed to are probably a bit on the underwound side.
With a nice hot alnico set, this Explorer easily equals my 20 year old Les Paul Standard, Classic and SG models.
I especially recommend it for tall guys.
I’d like to see another update video if you still have the explorer
Right on, good stuff. Too bad pickguards are kind of a pain to find, a tortoise shell or weird red or black color to match the brown would look cool
You can always have custom stuff made. It's just plastic so I am sure I can find stock and laminate myself. It's just a pain!
I use Dimarzio Super Distortion bridge pickups and they are great for everything. I like the Burstbucker neck pickup though.
Great review, this one and the first one you did. Just one small thing, you mentioned that this was exactly the same spec as the newer Original model, but I think the frets on that one are medium (profile) jumbos, whilst the 2019 designated ones are the low profile ones....I like higher frets so the Original may well be better for me. Haven't tried one yet but very tempted after watching your vids. Tried a friends Epi Explorer and love the shape. No neck dive like an SG.
thank you for pointing out. I have a difficult time keeping up with all of these fret wire changes...
I have a 2020 Explorer. I love it. I did a bunch of esthetic upgrades to my and swapped out the pups for some SD Saturday Night Specials and swapped out the cap to a paper in oil cap and modified the wiring to vintage specs which not only made this guitar sound awesome, but made it a really dynamic instrument.
I’m all about upgrading and personalize your guitars. To hell with other people telling you what u can and can’t do with YOUR instrument.
Agreed! I like this modification. I am pretty much as you . I love Gibson Explore since I was a kid . I owned 2019 model. I would do some modifications on mine too. Thanks. Great video
Thanks for your input. Still debating whether or not I am going to do it
I'm a long time Explorer player (first one in 1981 - still have it and, due to a re-fret job several years ago using jumbo size fret wire, it plays better than the day I bought it!). The Dirty Fingers pickups have a LOT of bite, and I normally need to roll the volume pot back a touch when using the same amp settings I use with other guitars - OR just turn the gain down a bit on the amp. Having played other Explorers and other Explorer-type guitars, the ONLY thing I wish mine had that some newer Explorers do have is a thinner neck. The neck on mine is a chunky one, and it just doesn't seem to play as fast as some of my other guitars that have thinner necks. But again, this is the ONLY thing I would want to change about it - this, and possibly the weight. She's a heavy beast, but beautiful up close! I have been considering getting a new Explorer just to have one with a thinner neck. But I agree with your thoughts on the stock pickups. I'd probably want Fishman Influence 'buckers on it. Thanks for your review (and the previous review) on this very cool guitar!
I'm the exact opposite. I love chunkier necks, so I bet I'd love your '81. Congrats on hanging on to it all these years. If you got the scratch, pick up an OC Explorer. Slim Taper neck, so you may like it. Thanks for watching!
@@bellezzaguitars7155 thanks for the tip! I just may do that!
I am SO with you on those mods! The Klusons and the vibrola will take that Explorer to the next level. The only things I'd do differently are gold bell knobs with thumb bleeders and double white/creme bobbin pickups.
Does it have a huge neck dive or just a big one ? Cause if you have to use a wide strap and bring the guitar up to the chest to be able to play standing up, then it has a neck dive.
My Epiphone Goth Explorer's neck dive makes me wanna smash it into the ground. Changing the front strap to the back side helps a little butt I can still feel the weight pushing on my shoulder. Try playing it wearing just a shirt in the summer time...
If I get the chance while they're still available I might grab the V version of this. Worst case I'll try to save up and go for the Mustaine V lol. Appreciate the in depth video 🙏🏽
I would’ve done very similar! Just without putting in the vibrola! This made me want one really bad, subscribed!
Like the vid. I'm getting a black Explorer soon with a white pick guard and swap all the electronics and add EMG's 81-85. Got a black Gibson V and dropping it off with my buddy to swap the pickups for the same EMG setup.
Sweet...Do people still say "sweet"?
@@bellezzaguitars7155 Awe Thanx Man! You say what the hell you want to! Don't be concerned about people. Just only be concerned with yourself. Your your own man, and whatevers cool to you, is cool man. That's one sweet as Hell Explorer Bro. I plan to play some Misfits- Punk Rock on it. Your licks are still good too. I been wanting a black one. Cool you actually replied back. Feel kind of like I hit the big leagues now, lol. I'm gonna start watching some other vids you put out now
Do you have the first knob connected to bridge volume, thats a mod I like
I had a 76 reissue explorer bought new in 2004 and sold it in 2009. Yeah that case is like a surfboard, I recently bought a 2019 explorer and I like the burst buckers over the ceramics now I’m wondering why I didn’t try switching pickups back then. I was thinking maybe it might be better suited for the 498t bridge pickup but then it might just sound like an SG standard. Gator cases has a gig bag around $40 that’s about the same as the Gibson one. I think the 2019 model is a little nicer with the finish and also the fretboard which it should be since they are making lower quantities now then 15 years ago.
Did you make the mods at the end of the video? I’m thinking about doing the maestro vibrola...i love a vibrola. Please let me know.
I did not. You would be the ONLY person who is supportive of this decision! (Look at the comments!) This Explorer is great the way it is, so I did not modify. My goal for the future is to get an Explorer husk (preferably a Gibson), refinish it, and outfit it to my liking. As far as modifying yours, it's up to you. I like the vibrolas, but if it doesn't work out for you there is no going back without having some snake bites. The fact is: YES it may not tune as well and it may affect playability, BUT they look really cool!!! Thanks for watching.
I have the same model. Unfortunately mine has a vibration on the D string. I think it's to do with the bridge. Any ideas how to fix? What gauge strings do you play? I have switched recently to 11s
I use pure EB Slinky 10's (10-46). A vibration in the D string? Hmm...pluck the string and then lightly press down on it behind the nut. Does it still vibrate? Or hold down the saddle and pluck it. My guess (based on owning and unpacking many new Gibsons) is that the nut may not be cut properly. Although, it's almost always the G-string slot that needs work for me. It might be my playing style, but every Gibson I own I have to file down that G slot. Maybe that D string needs work OR it could be a high fret (I doubt that though with this things being PLEK'd, but it's possible), or bridge is out of radius.
I bought the same one last year, all I’ve done is put bell reflector knobs and a antique cream toggle switch. I’ve had explorers and firebirds in the collection since 1978. Really like the guitar and I think it’s a superb price.
Nice. Thanks for watching. I still have yet to own a Firebird. I've got several on my list.
do you know a link to a black pickguard that'll fit this guitar?
Thanks....thinking of purchasing and updating the chrome to gold
Any advice on this? That is replacing the pickups, tuners, etc to gold.
Gold looks nice on an Explorer. There is plenty of retro-fit hardware out there so it could definitely be done. I'd say take a look at the market and price out what you want to replace. You're looking at about $200-$250 to do that and that is if you don't buy new pickups and just replace the covers with Gold plated ones. To make it "right" you'll need Mini-Grover Tuners (biggest expense), Nashville style bridge and stop-bar, output plate and jack, pickguard screws, strap buttons, pickups covers and mounting screws. Price it all out before you make the plunge. Always consider resale value when modifying your guitar!
I have a 1989 model I love it. I wouldnt change anything about mine
Great point about the neck profile. Gibson should make a lot more models with both 50s and 60s neck profiles. This spec is about size and fit. It should not be treated like a modern vs original/traditional feature. When almost everything only comes with a 60s neck, as Gibson USA has been doing for a while now, it rules out a lot of potential buyers that need the larger profile to be comfortable playing the guitar.
With help from comments like this and my channel growing (my goal is 3 Billion subscribers by the end of the year) we may be able to get Gibson's ears and have them offer a '50 and '60s neck on each model. I think they would sell even more guitars if that happened. Thanks for watching.
I saw it in person, its damn beautiful. Not worth much? It retails for 2500 bucks at my local store here in Ontario.
How about a video on truss rod adjustment? Just got my explorer and cannot figure it out
If you do need help on that, there are dozens of videos about adjusting the truss rod on UA-cam. Also check out my initial demo video of this guitar and I touch on that (you need to use the tool that comes with the guitar).
My 2006 30 year anniversary Explorer is still my go to. I owned one back in the early 90's and regretted selling it so I had to buy another in 2006.
Myself and the other Coheed fans really appreciate this review. That said, DO NOT put that trem on it. Don’t mess with the bridge whatsoever. If you’re happy with the way the guitar sounds and plays, don’t mess with it! If you wanted to do those mods you should do em on an Epiphone or Chibson.
That's right, I forgot...Coheed rocks the Ex's... I am happy to report that no Explorers were harmed following production of this video. I am hoping for a Gibson "husk" to turn up or to have someone build me a husk so I can outfit it with all of the vintage style hardware.
Awesome music and videos! So, how is this guitar when sitting on couch/leaning back on couch? I can't tell if the body is too thick/big for legit couch play?
I think its slightly thicker then a sg so it would be find sitting chilling on the couch and playing there pretty comfy actually
Thank you for the compliments. It's actually a good couch guitar, but the middle of the couch. Make sure you have clearance on both sides.
WD has exact fit replacement pickguards for these... I have a 2016 Explorer T and went from white on black to black on black... Fits perfectly
Thanks for the heads up. I just placed an order with WD and didn't even think to look. Good info for the future.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 I took delivery of my own 2019 Gibson Explorer Antique Natural yesterday... Traded in a couple to Dave's Guitar Shop who are great to work with.... I may buy another black guard and a tortoise shell as options for either of these Explorers.
Glad to have info to share , your welcome
@@bellezzaguitars7155 because it is fresh on my mind ... Here is the web address....
www.wdmusic.com/wd-custom-pickguard-for-gibson-2010-present-explorer-details.html
@@jasonsapp792 Congrats on the X! Hope it's a good one! I plan on making the drive up to LaCrosse someday to check out Dave's shop. They just got in a bunch of '62 RI Fender MTO specially for the shop and I am having a difficult time NOT ordering one.
Burstbuckers 2 and 3 are actually more aggressive than the original pafs and early patent numbers that came in the 58 exlorers and the 63 parts explorers .
I was with you all the way up to the trem. But hey, it worked for Allen Collins of Lynard Skynard. Go for the mods. I put the old Kluson style tuners on mine and top hat knobs. And I dropped in Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups. Mine has the gold hardware. I think it's an '08. I was going for the '57 look as well.
No Explorers were harmed after the filming of this video. I hope to get a "husk" in the future to make these mods though.
you guys kill me....stand up, lower the strap to waist level, and hit an E power chord......jeez!, rock that thang!
I have come to the terms that no guitar will ever make me look cool, sitting or standing, no matter how I play it!
Hey, ik it's a stupid question because explorers are kindve super metal lol but do u think an explorer would be good for very low tunings. My main tunings rn are drop a#, drop b, and c standard.
The Explorer is really what you make of it, but you can use it to drop tune. Use appropriate gauge strings and you may have to file the nut out for larger strings.
2:24 What’s wrong with the pickguard?
Black open coil humbuckers, reflector knobs, grover tuners, and the stop tail piece. The guitar is ready to rock.
My red 1984 Explorer came stock with Dirty Fingers pickups. They were plenty hot but a bit harsh (mine has an alder body and a maple neck). Never seem to like pickups with ceramic magnets in general for some reason. They have been replaced with a Duncan JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck with coil taps on the volume controls and a master no load tone pot. Love it. With the coil taps it will do just about any tone you want. Mine came stock with non-reflector top hat knobs. I love those tulip tuners on any guitar other than an Explorer. Mine has the Gibson branded sealed tuners. Skip the trem. Even if Allen Collins had one of his Explorer they are butt ugly.
Great review, subscribed. I am considering buying it. I live in Canada, I can get it new for 2200 plus tax in Canadian funds.How much did you pay?
I paid the full MAP price for this guitar which was $1700 USD. I would really check out the used market. You can probably scoop one up for a lot less than $2200 CA$, but it's up to you if you prefer to purchase it new. Thanks for subscribing!
Keep an eye on Kijiji. I got mine for less than half that. And it was in really great shape. Gibson prices are outrageous now.
Hey friend... if you haven’t already “defamed” it, you can buy Kluson tuner buttons that will fit on the mini Grovers without having to swap out
the entire tuner. I have the same guitar, and put the black reflector top-hats that look very nostalgic. Also, I replaced the factory tailpiece with Gibson’s TP6 tailpiece. Looks epic... and plays epic.
Thank you for the info. I was not aware of the swap-out buttons. I will check those out for sure. The Explorer is still in it's original state and it's actually with a close friend of mine. Trying to get it back, but it's in "Quarantine"!!! Thanks for watching.
Here's what you should do. Change out the tuners for Grover mini locking tuners, Replacing the pickups with Gibson Vintage Custom buckers (Sold at Sweetwater -Limited edition matched sets ). Replace the pots with 500K CTS pots and use Bumble bee oil/paper caps. If you want to cut into the guitar for a new bridge then have an ever-tune bridge installed w/ a floating trem system. This is basically what I did to my SG standard (except for the bridge. I don't like trem bars) and that thing ROARS.
to me, i hated certain moods but everyone has different preferences when it come guitar specs
my Mods are High Output pups (Emg,Dimarzio,Seymour Duncan,Kent Armstrong,etc)
Bone Nut
Single Volume knob
If I keep a guitar it always gets a bone nut if it doesn't already have one. Thanks for watching.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 i love bone nuts and i think it should be standard on gibsons and higher-end imports instead of basic plastic
Well, I had a glance at your Explorer review and a couple days later came across this vid. The review was really enjoyable, this "one year ownership statement" was on par with it;-)
For about 15 years ago I bought a '96 Explorer in cherry finish. Bad paint job, the nitro feels sticky, becomes hazy with whatever polish Is used, your guitars looks very well finished with a nice luster. The woodwork on mine is nice though, tone is something I had to get used to being a Fender player mainly. The pickups were mainly due to my feeling uncomfortable with the response T500 and R496 if I recall correctly. Never got along with high output pickups. About twenty years ago I owned a Firebird. Couldn't get along with the balance, or actually lack of that. I soled it shortly after purchase, a pity because I really loved the sound.
Years later I was able To buy a vintage set of Firebird pickups. With careful mounting the rings just covered the routings for the humbuckers on the Explorer. So than that was that, an Explorer fitted with Firebird pickups;-)
Nice but still not used all that often I kept looking for improvements in applicability. There were pictures of vintage Explorers with Bigsby's mounted. This drew my attention. A friend of mine had a Bigsby of the desired type and was willing to part with it, it came including a nice roller bridge. Mounted it and bang on! Lovely guitar, super almost Strat-like open twangy lush sounds. The guitar to play "Wicked Games" all day.
Than, much later on in my life I watched a vid of Jack Pearson playing a Flying V / Flying A in his view tune down to C# standard tuning. ( ua-cam.com/video/jYzgH4pcAKA/v-deo.html ) Tried this on my Explorer and YES! There was my unexpected but desired semi baritone.
Your question, should I modify or not. My, as well as your Explorer have very little resale value, at least noting that compares to the beautiful musical instruments they are, I'd say: if you love the guitar, make it heavenly fit for your job.
Thanks for sharing that vid. That C# tuning sounds rad! Especially on that V (Although I am sure he can make any guitar sound great). I hope to go to Song birds someday. I want to play Rick Vito's V and Ex. I have actually never owned a Firebird. Always wanted to, but i've never bonded with one.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 So have you done a pickup swap yet? I hope you didn't sell it, but I haven't run into any new video's about it yet, so I started wondering. I think you would be better served by BBPros, before going to something considered "High Output". The Pro's are just enough additional output, to really wake up a distortion or overdrive pedal.
Havent tried the new ones, but the Gibson Explorer is my favorite guitar ever
Do you still love it? Or are you will to sell it in order to get something else?
I have been thinking about buying one of these but am hesitant due to one concern that would be a dealbreaker for me, neck dive. I’ve seen some people say it’s an issue on older explorer models but was curious if anyone has had that problem with the 2019 model?
I have this guitar and its easily the best balancing guitar I have! Stays perfectly balanced!
Gibsons answer to the stratocaster. great guitar boys. ESP LTD korean Snakebyte was a solid guitar too put that SG/les paul sound into it the high back arm rest the explorer delivers a huge bonus for rest on the pick arm before kicking off again. awesome body ergonomics for the player very comfortable and easy to play before delivering the goodies
You’re in luck, Mr. Bellezza. Keith Williams of five watt world has himself uploaded videos in 2020 (which you might already have viewed by now) chronicling the histories of the Explorer and the V. Possibly, watching those is what directed my channel recommendations to both of your Explorer reviews.
As I commented below your first review, I did own an Epi Explorer for 3 1/2 years. For the first month or two after purchasing it, I just carted it around in a plastic bag, but I was warned that the neck would suffer that way. So, I bought the SKB gig bag, and it hit the spot. My Amazon review is titled “This Case Literally Saved My Neck.” Having a bag like that is instantly preferable to a hardshell case, because you get pretty much the same amount of protection and a fraction of the weight.
The day of this comment is July 16, 2020. If you have not already done any of those modifications you mentioned, consider this. It might be OK to install the new pickups and the Vibrola, but - please keep the mini Grovers!
Is there anyway I could install active pickups on this one even though there isn't a dedicated battery tray?
I think there is room. You'll probably want to tape the battery up, but I think you could make it fit in the cavity. When I worked as a tech, I saw Gibsons come in on a regular basis with EMGs installed and there were usually no added routes. Good question though.
On a second evaluation I would say definitely YES. There is a TON of room in the channel route next to the pickups and the toggle switch. You could fit 4 9Vs and on board effects if you wanted to!
I'm planning on putting Firebird pickups in humbucker housings in my Epiphone explorer. Yes Epiphone, who now makes a dead-nuts clone of the original 1958 Gibson Explorer....and Flying V too. They are both all Korina, body and neck: body two book-matched pieces with a small piece filling the "crotch" area. The neck is one piece of korina with a scarf-joint (stronger) and small heel cap that is hardly visible. The hardware and electronics is the same design as Gibson used, but slightly lower quality. The pro-bucker pickups sound great, best Epiphone 'buckers I've played through, lower wind for more clarity, very PAF not overwound too hot. The Flying V is so wonderful, I just ordered the Explorer too. This is a limited run for one of the big distributers, natural finish with gold hardware, $599USD shipped, considerably less than the Korean versions that have been available for years. Gibson may be better quality, or maybe not - these guitars are virtually flawless. The only difference in specs is the Pau Ferro fretboard instead of Indian rosewood. The fretboard edges are wood binding that has been heavily "rolled" for a very comfy feeling as you play. I'm loving it, can't imagine the Gibson version being that much better, considering they COST OVER TEN TIMES MORE than Epiphone Flying V and Explorer, I'm very happy with mine!
What intrigues me is that it still looks brand new after one year. Is that a nitro finish?
Yes. Gibson has used nitro pretty much forever. It never made the switch that most of the other industries made in the '60s. As far as it looking new, I babied this thing. Also, even if you baby a gibson the nitro usually starts to shrink back and crack. This happens usually around the inlay on the headstock. The sometimes happens within months.
Make the guitar yours and modify it as you see fit. They are made to enjoy. I have a 2006 in the same finish with gold hardware, the difference is that mine has the 496/500 ceramic pickup set. I'm afraid to swap the pickups out because it sounds epic. My first Explorer was a custom shop version from 1985 that I lost it pawn in about 2006. It addicted me to Explorers and ever since then I have been all about them. The Gibson Explorer and Flying V are my guitars of choice. If you buy them used, you pretty much lose little to nothing on resale if you have to get rid of it.
Better to have loved and lost your CS Explorer rather than to never have had it at all, right? Not really, I know. I still dream about guitars that I let go years ago... I am with you on V's and Ex's. I am a total convert now.
USA explorers are a quarter of an inch thinner compared to a vintage or custom shop explorer . I think the 70s tribute explorer might be full thickness . Where the explorer has such a thick body being a quarter of an inch thinner ends up being quite a but of wood .
Great review. I think I'll go for the Firebird with unique-sounding pickups, as I have other guitars with PAF humbuckers. :)
Go for it. I hope it is nice. I've actually never have owned a Firebird before. Thanks for watching.
Picked up my 1st bird last year. Was a 2020 but new. Couldn't be happier personally. Did you get one?
@@bellezzaguitars7155 I hope you get a bird my friend. Your explorer is really nice too though. Alan Collins brought me here.
@@jg-gw5ls The Allen Collins Explorer is on my want-list. Maybe someday...
@@bellezzaguitars7155 go bird
Oh, my friend. I bought this guitar but I knew pickups must be changed for 500T + 496R and pickguard for black. My first Gibson guitar was Faded Explorer 2008 with those pickups and black pickguard and she was awesome. I still regret that I sold her... So I did it and Explorer sounds and looks awesome now. You are right. BBs are not good choice for this kind of guitar. I had also B-2 Explorer with dirty fingers and it produced awful sound. I tried 498T and 490R and I wasn't satisfied with them. So I see the best option for Explorers are ceramics 500T and 496R. I don't understand why Gibson stopped using them regulary...
First of all: I love the Hank Scorpio avatar! I hear you on guitar regrets. We've all sold one or two that we KNEW we should've kept, but you know, until you reach rock star status you got bills and the occasional case of GAS. I want to pick up that new, white '70s Explorer. It's got open cover buckers that I assume are trying to replicate the "T" tops. I'd be interested to hear how that sounds compared to the BBs and the Ceramics. Thanks for watching!
Creamtone makes direct replacement explorer pickguards
thank you for the heads up. I will check them out.
I agree with him. Burst Bucker Pro's sound better in this guitar, due to the extra output from the high's & lows. Dirty fingers are a step to far for me personally, but that works for a lot of people too.
I am an explorer player. I agree with you on the neck and case. Not everyone likes the slim taperes necks
Being 6' 3" the explorer and the 335 are really the only Gibson's I can play comfortably sitting down.
I have a 2016, I briefly had a 2019. The 2016’s neck feels more rounded and larger despite that it’s about the same size as the 2019…the 2016 feels better and more substantial to me. As far as the pickups, the burstbuckers are smoother/warmer but do seem to lack a bit of punch in these guitars. The ceramic set in my 2016 isn’t as warm when they’re going full bore, but turn down the volume a notch or two and they really come to life and have a lot of range.
I think there has been some variation in the SlimTaper profile. I've owned over two dozen Gibsons with that profile and some years just feel different. My 2020 SG jr and 2021 Explorer feel fatter than my 2018 SG Jr and my 2016 '76 RI Ex. Lately the profile is more rounded and less of a "D" shape, BUT this can be interpreted differently by everyone, so no one is wrong in how it feels to them...Agreed on the pickups. The BB's are more mellow. They sound "vintage" to me. I like the ceramics in this guitar for the clarity and punch. Thanks for the comment.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 I have a few Gibsons with BB’s (SG and Les Paul Standard), and they sound great in both of those guitars…I think if I bought a Historic Explorer, I’d want more traditional pups like the Custombuckers, but these Explorers are well matched with the ceramics IMO. Interesting point about years and neck shapes, I hadn’t considered that…I generally like D shaped necks and the 2016 feels maybe more like a D than C. I have a 2019 Junior with a big C neck, in fact it’s a shade bigger than my R8. All that said, I do think neck sizes are overrated…to me, the comfort is more about the shape/carve than measurements.
Youre right about the pickups being wrong for that guitar. I prefer the ceramic 496r/500t set like in my 2006 Explorer or the 61r/61t like in my LP Standard. Those BB 61's are alnico 5's with a serious punch! The output averages only 7-8k but man do they handle high gain nicely! My Explorer came with all gold hardware and I installed gold speed knobs which look way classier.
I have a 2018, id be careful drilling that vibrola into yours. GFS are great… but maybe something that fits the vibe of a Gibson more? As cool as the klusons are…. That maybe the one thing i would do to mine outside of swapping pickups
I replaced my black knobs with the gold speed knobs. My 2006 has all gold hardware and I think the gold knobs look nicer.
A while back, I did the same thing and the shop owner where I bought them said he couldn't remember the last time he sold gold knobs. They look a lot better!
Can you do an updated guitar collection
I sure can! However, I am rebuilding my collection, so it's not very impressive right now, but I got some cool new pieces I can show off.
Thanks also could you maybe check out my collection vid
I find explorers loose that hollow mid tone with higher output pickups but that hollow tone is not for everyone
Do the history video - it sounds like you've done a lot of work. I'd watch it. Fascinating story.
Thanks. It will get done eventually, so be on the lookout for it this year.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 look forward to it!
Can someone please tell me if the guitar has good balance. Like does it neck dive
ark_eezee YT it does NOT neck dive. The heavy back fin and thin light neck prevent that.
You should watch my initial review of the guitar for more on that :)
This would be my first guitar after a couple years of playing on a squire and I’m almost certain this is the one since I’m a huge Metallica fan but I was wondering if anyone has any advice or warnings.
Thanks for watching. What do mean for advice and warnings? About this particular guitar?
What a fantastic video, great playing and attitude. I'm in, love the explorer and great to see no Metallica was necessary 😂
I’ve had mine since ‘94. Love it, it’s my number 1.
Hope you didn’t put that stupid bridge on.
Hi, nice movie. However, I don’t agree with your suggestion around the pups. It absolutely depends on your preferences and your gear setup (amp, pedalboard, strings…) Les paul is smaller but is much heavier. In some cases even 1kg. Bb3 PAF may sound good in Lp, V and EX also.
Stay heavy!
Watched this video 5 times now. Can't decide between explorer or v. Great content, though.
Great review.
I own a Gibson Gothic Explorer '76 from 2000 (a stained black guitar aimed for the metal player). It is equipped with the T500 in the bridge position and still equals far more modern guitars in sound, character and playability.
However, the size and weight of the guitar and of the case is responsible for using other guitars in my everyday routine and on most rehearsals and gigs.
The Ex is definitely a "show" guitar. Not really good in tight spaces! But right now in 2020, who cares what type of guitar you play. Everyone is playing by themselves (for the most part). Thanks for watching.
Great guitar! Everything you want to do to it is like buying a Mustang, and wanting to turn it into a Focus Rally Sport.
Yo just do it if you know you really want to unless you're doubting then take your time. I STILL TJINK UR GONNA DO IT THO. DONT SELL IT
Purchase a second Explorer identical to he first one you've purchased. Modify one of them and keep the other as original. When you go to sell the guitar sell them as a pair.
I like this line of thinking...basically: buy more guitars.
Explorer is my hands down favorite guitar shape. Followed by the Flying V. Mostly because I'm 6'7" and I look like a dork playing a ukulele when I play a Les Paul or an SG!!
I like things BIG!! Big guitars. Big guns. Big cars. Big trucks. Big women (Not fat ones though).
Moot point though. Play Baritone or Piccolo bass for years now. If I ever win the Lottery, I'm gonna get an Alembic Explorer bass like John Entwistle played.
Happy playing, Everybody!!