I love it when a classic guitar has a modern twist applied to it. I love it more when that twist works! The Gibson Explorer Tremolo is such a guitar. The classic yet radical shape of the Gibson Explorer works so well with a Floyd-Rose tremolo system. They look like they should have always been together. The black and white combination used in the body and headstock paint is also a match that is made in heaven.
What’s not to love here!?
In keeping with the old and new theme, let’s look at some of the combinations this guitar offers.
- Oldschool … Solid mahogany body
- Newschool (is that a thing?) … Gibson high-gain pickups
- Oldschool … Solid quarter-sawn glued in neck
- Newschool (now a thing) … Floyd-Rose tremolo
- Oldschool … Individual volume controls, master tone and a three-way pickup selector
- Newschool … Grover kidney button tuners
Let’s be honest. It’s a Gibson, it looks awesome and the shape has successfully stood the test of time (if you exlude the 60s-70s when the masses weren’t ready for this beast of a guitar). Today, people are clearly tougher. Those people need the Explorer. I know I need one.
Disclaimer: I’ve not played this guitar. I have not experienced the sound or feel of this guitar. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.
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