An elegant black and gold Explorer with powerful humbuckers for an iconic rock attitude.
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom electric guitar puts a sophisticated spin on one of Gibson's most iconic and unconventional body shapes. This striking instrument pairs the Explorer's asymmetrical mahogany body with an elegant black finish accented by cream binding for an undeniably premium look. Under the hood, it houses a pair of revered Gibson humbuckers that unlock a world of tonal versatility. Whether you're a diehard Explorer fan or simply crave a guitar that stands out from the crowd, this Custom model is an inspired choice.
Distinctive Body Contours Enhance Playability
Beyond its striking visuals, the Explorer Custom's asymmetrical body design offers ergonomic advantages that set it apart from standard guitar shapes. The low shoulder allows unobstructed access to the highest frets, while the deep belly cut ensures playing comfort when standing or seated. This unique contouring makes complex chords and wide stretches feel natural under your fretting hand. And the extended upper horn provides perfect balance whether playing seated or strapped in for marathon sets.
Exquisite Craftsmanship Elevates This Iconic Design
While the Explorer has always turned heads with its unconventional body shape, the Custom series version takes things to another level of sophistication. The multi-piece mahogany body is clad in a sleek black nitrocellulose finish that highlights the beveled edges and hard carved lines. Cream binding graces the body's top and the headstock, adding elegant contrast and a premium touch. These thoughtful details elevate the Explorer's unique aesthetic while staying true to its maverick spirit.
Timeless Gibson Tone From Proven Humbucker Pairing
At the heart of the Explorer Custom's versatile sound are a pair of Gibson's acclaimed humbucking pickups—a 490R in the neck position and 498T at the bridge. The 490R delivers everything from rich, liquid leads to warm, rounded rhythms with its vintage-flavored PAF tone. Complementing it nicely, the higher output 498T serves up searing crunch and sustain for scorching solos and heavy riffing. Together, this pickup combination allows you to seamlessly shift between traditional humbucker tones and more aggressive, modern voicings to suit any musical situation.
Premium Gibson Pedigree and Craftsmanship
As part of the Gibson Custom lineup, the Explorer Custom represents the pinnacle of the company's electric guitar designs. It features the same premium build quality and attention to detail that have made Gibson a legend in the industry. From the solid maple neck with its rounded '50s profile to the ABR-1 bridge and vintage-style tuners, every component has been selected to meet Gibson's exacting standards. With its iconic looks and uncompromising playability, the Explorer Custom is a fitting choice for guitarists who settle for nothing less than the best.
Specifications
- Body shape: Other
- Body type: Solid Body
- Body wood: Mahogany
- Body finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Neck shape: Medium C
- Neck wood: Mahogany
- Joint: Set-in
- Scale length: 24.75"
- Truss rod: Vintage
- Neck finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer
- Material: Ebony
- Radius: 12"
- Fret size: Vintage-style
- Number of frets: 22
- Inlays: Mother-of-pearl Block
- Nut width/material: 1.687 in. (42.8 mm) Corian
- Configuration: HH
- Neck: Proprietary Humbucker
- Bridge: Proprietary Humbucker
- Control layout: Individual volume, Master tone
- Pickup switch: 3-Way
- Bridge type: Fixed Bridge
- Bridge design: Individual saddle
- Tailpiece: Stopbar
- Tuning machines: Vintage-style Sealed
- Color: Gold
- Number of strings: 6-string
- Case: Hardshell Case
- Orientation: Right Handed
- Country of Origin: United States
Features
- Asymmetrical mahogany body, black finish with cream binding
- 490R and 498T Gibson humbuckers, versatile tones
- Maple neck, '50s profile, ABR-1 bridge
- Extended upper horn, deep belly cut for balance and comfort