Music

If you are familiar with U2 and The Edge-you probably already know what you are looking at.This is an excellent example of the highly sought-after vintage 1976 Gibson Explorer "Limited Edition" model with the quintessential baseball bat sized C-profile neck.  The guitar was made at the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo Michigan, U.S.A. in 1976 and is very solid with no breaks, cracks or repairs.  The guitar is all original with the exception of the pickups-which are era-correct original early 70's Gibson tar-back pickups-they are from another vintage Gibson guitar.  Everything else is all-original to the guitar.  This guitar retains its original gold plated single strip tuning machines as well.  Let's explore...The body is a big slab of mahogany and is incredibly lightweight.   The finish is in very nice condition with minimal handling evidence.  The area around the tone knob is slightly darker-see photos.  The front strap pin appears to have strap residue around the edges-see photos.  There is a small area between the pickups where some very slight 'pick wear' is evident in the clear finish.  The neck joint is solid and an excellent fitment.  The neck angle is excellent.  The neck is a beautiful piece of mahogany and it is straight as can be.   The truss rod functions.  The neck is the highly desirable early production version that was meant to resemble the original Gibson 1950's "baseball bat" profiles.  It is a large c-shape and feels amazing.  The girth measures .819" at the 1st fret and .970" at the 12th fret.  The nut measures 1.69" wide for excellent string spacing.   The original single strip "Gibson Deluxe" gold plated tuners are still present.  I rarely come across a 1976 Gibson Explorer but every time I do-they always have changed tuners, or a broken headstock repair...This one has neither!  The headstock is clean.  The serial number is easily legible-I have it blacked out in the photos for security.  The logo displays perfectly.   The rosewood fingerboard is nice and clean.  The frets have been professionally leveled, crowned and polished, they have an excellent height and appear near-new condition-see photos.   The action is set low for an easy playing experience.   The string height currently measures .010" at the 1st fret and .050" at the 12th fret.   The guitar plays perfect up and down the fingerboard with her dead spots.  It is lots of fun to play a variety of styles with.  The pickups both have an excellent signal and balance.  The neck pickup measures 5.15 ohms and the bridge pickup measures 7.82 ohms.  The pickups are the original spec Gibson tar-back pickups-however these ones are nickel plated instead of gold plated-so they are from the same era-but different guitar.  If you are familiar with tar-backs, you know how they sound:  smooth and articulate with a chunky overdriven tone... They have a ground-shaking effect when used with louder amps-especially in the all-mahogany Explorer.  The controls function smoothly.  The bridge and tailpiece both look good with light patina.  The guitar sits nicely on your lap and feels amazing.   The guitar is very lightweight, it only weighs 7.16 lbs.  A Gator-brand hardcase is included.  I have taken several photos to show how it looks in different lighting for your viewing. Photo props including signs, straps, cords, cars, shoes, dentures, toothbrushes, dust, albums, clothes or photos are not included unless noted otherwise. Draggin’ Guitars has been collecting, buying, selling and trading as well as repairing and restoring vintage guitars amps and effects for 35+years. Our descriptions of items are honest and forthright. In fact, we got our start in mail-order back in 1989 so you can count on our detailed descriptions. We want you to get exactly what you expect-so read thoroughly and please ask questions prior to purchase. There will be a 25% restocking fee plus the full amount of our outgoing shipping charges on any return for any reason-no exceptions. Although minor changes in shipping are possible-Any alterations including adjustments, modifications or moving the truss rod, nut, bridge, saddles or anything else on or in the guitar-will void any return policies. Please call us first. We will not be liable for 2nd or 3rd party repair ‘bench’ fees. Again-call us first. If you have any technical questions just call us on the Draggin’ Guitars hotline: 785-766-8906. Again, we welcome your call with any questions-we want your experience to be the best it can be. Our track record and reputation is #1 (go team!)-But don’t take my word for it-view our feedback and see for yourself.

The Gibson Explorer is a pioneering electric guitar model that has inspired many other designs. Known for its unique body shape, it features a solid mahogany body, rosewood fretboard, and powerful humbucker pickups. The sleek, aggressive design makes it a favorite among rock and metal guitarists.