Gibson Explorer Electric Guitars

The distinctive line of Gibson Explorer electric guitars was originally produced as Futura in 1958, but was redesigned and renamed the same year. The Explorer guitars were manufactured from 1958 to 1959, but the line was discontinued due to lack of sales. With its angular, almost futuristic design, this electric guitar proved ahead of its time, more suitable for hard rock and heavy metal rather than jazz and pop. In 1975, Gibson resurrected the Explorer after other companies began to produce similarly shaped instruments. A number of re-releases since, with high-profile artists adopting their use, have shown Gibson Explorer electric guitars to be a popular addition to the Gibson guitars family.

With a lighter weight, smaller body than many similar guitars, and a high action fretboard, Gibson Explorer electric guitars offer an eye-catching look, flexible play, and powerful ceramic pickups for power rocking and all the flexibility and action you need for intense shredding. The unique shape provides for easy balance, while the mahogany body lends a punchy sound to the guitar, and the Tune-o-Matic bridge provides reliable sustain. Powerful humbucker pickups complete the makeup of a solid, powerful guitar that's ready to rock-n-roll.

Gibson Explorer electric guitars are immediately recognizable from their unique shape, reminiscent of a lightning bolt, and the slanted headstock with all six tuning pegs on one side. While the non-traditional shape proved a bit too much for the original 1958 release, the 1975-version was popularised by artists like Rick Derringer and Eric Clapton, and later models of Gibson Explorer electric guitars were used by hard rock and metal guitarists like James Hetfield of Metallica. The shape that was once too extreme has now been copied by many guitar manufacturers, and has become a common sight on rock concert stages.

If you want a hard-rocking, reliable electric guitar with a solid sound and easy play, don't settle for an imitation. Go to the original – Gibson Explorer electric guitars. Perfect for metal, hard rock, alternative, and even classic rock, for the serious musician or the weekend shredder, it'll fast become a favourite.

You can see current listings for Gibson Explorer Electric Guitars below: