GIBSON EXPLORER – 1976 …..SOLD !!!!

SERIAL NUMBER: 00 240297 DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1976 This guitar looks and plays the part: plenty sustain with a warm inviting tone on tap, but menacing nonetheless under the ‘hood. The explorer was one of the Modernistic Korina trio: the Flying V, the Moderne and the Explorer. Ted McCarty [the big cheese at Gibson at the time], unhappy that his competitors were coming up with funky things the kids loved to buy [ hint : Fender ], came up with these revolutionary instruments for trade shows to prove that Gibson wasn’t a stodgy ‘fuddy duddy’ manufacturer and could be as ‘with it’ as anyone else. At the time they weren’t a success, proving to be too ‘futuristic’ for the masses then, but years later they were recognised as the superb sexy works of art and perfection that we all know them for today. Even more importantly, because the first launch was not a success, very few were made, and this factor alone makes them very desirable and valuable instruments. As used by The Edge [U2], Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Allen Collins, James Hetfield. All original barring the neck repair, Mahogany wood with gold hardware. The neck has been repaired, an excellent job that in no way interferes with its playability or tone. Original two humbuckers, modified with coil tap push/pulls, Gold pickup covers, Dot markers, Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays Vintmarks, A few minor body chips, none highly visible $3900