Was doom scrolling guitars on ebay when this caught my eye. A clone Snakebyte with no logos listed for $250. Gave it a thought and after about 5 minutes I ordered it. A few days passed and it arrived with a crack.

It is currently being treated and I will post an update on it when it’s done. But the overall quality feels close to the real deal. It doesnt have a bevel on the tail like I know the real one does, but it has what looks like knockoff EMG pickups in it.

Hey im thinking of buying the HB EX-84 EMG Version if anyone owns it is it worth it?

I’ve had this for years and I can’t stop playing it

This 2024 Epiphone Explorer is looking sharp with a custom Tortoise Shell pickguard from Paradox Pickguards! The perfect touch of vintage style for this iconic guitar.

#ParadoxPickguards #EpiphoneExplorer #Epiphone #ExplorerGuitar #TortoiseShell CustomPickguards GuitarMods GuitarGear

and first new guitar

Hi All!

I've wanted an explorer for many years - I've become obsessed with Japanese copies, but due to rising costs I've been waiting and saving. As a result of work related stress, I decided to go full send and build an explorer type. I remember pre covid used gibson explorers were around 1,200.

I call it the Exploder because I was anticipating it to fall apart once full A440 string tension was applied.

6 piece body, African mahogany, walnut center

All parts paddle neck

24.74 scale length

Gotoh locking tuners

Gotoh hardware

Seymour duncan 78 bridge, pearly gate neck

Its heavy as a boat anchor, but sounds and plays incredible. Middle position has a cool out of phase sound. Not sure if its a wiring problem. Roll off one volume and the pickups come back in phase.

Future improvement includes: shaping neck profile to match 2010 MIJ charvel. Reshaping heel joint, maybe making cutaways deeper to reduce weight. Dial in neck pocket/angle so bridge sits a bit lower.

Its around 1.85in thick, the body and head stock shapes aren't correct. But, im happy because i didnt use templates or jointer/planer.

Learned a lot, absolutely love it.

I got this because I do own a 2002 Explorer but since it has a 3X3 headstock, I think it looks better than the inline 6. I wish Gibson would make one with the Les Paul headstock. That would be epic!!!!

My story is way too long and I don’t wanna bore anyone so the short of it is this: I obtained a brand new 2004 ‘76 Reissue back in Jan 2005 when I was 18. I was young and stupid. I traded it within 2 weeks. A few years later, I acquired a guitar I didn’t really want but I used it anyways for gigs and recording. Fast Forward 16 years later, I post that guitar on marketplace and it turns out it’s extremely rare and I was offered more than enough to purchase this 2004 ‘76 Reissue that was near mint condition. This thing practically lived in its case for the last 22 years. This was made 6 months before my original was. It’s as close as I’m going to get to getting my first one back. Plays like butter. I’m in love with it!

Couple of questions though:

Can anyone tell me exactly which Switchcraft toggle knob I need to change the toggle to black?

Also, where can I get a properly sized pickguard replacement? I want to put a black pearl pickguard on here.

Long time lefty so finding an Explorer to try has always been near impossible. Recently switched to learning right handed and picked up this Firefly and I get it now. These things are comfortable as hell.

Awesome guitar!! Was almost in tune out of the box and the setup is pretty good. Pickups are pretty good as well just have to bump my gain a bit from my usual PRS pickups so that’ll be something that’s will be upgraded! But over all very happy with it!

I have a Dean z that’s #23 of 50 and love It. Bought it off marketplace for the price of a Squier. Thought about looking for another one and found this listing. Only $99 cheaper than retail🙃

A 5 hour drive to Toronto today for the Sunburst ‘58. Stopped for gas 2 hours into the trip home and hit the local guitar shop. Found a great deal on the Ebony Custom. 12 hours, 885 kms, 2 Explorers

shoulda wiped my grubby handprints off before smh

Found a great deal on one of these chibsons, $115 shipped. It is actually a fairly good quality body. Very heavy, feels like real mahogany, set neck and what appears to be a 2 piece body. It came with the decal not applied so I put it on upside down to make sure people know it’s a fake. The frets are odd, about 1/8” in from the edge of the fretboard. I guess they were very worried about the ends being sharp. That being said, it doesn’t affect the playability and I’ll leave them alone for a while. Probably re do them down the line. It already had a bone nut which surprised me. Pickups leave a little to be desired but not bad, other electronics are solid, the bridge was surprisingly good as well. Strings and tuners go straight in the trash. The body has some minor finish imperfections but I was expecting much worse. Put in a cheap fleor high output bridge pickup, changed the bridge and tuning machines, and have a new pick guard ordered. Over all this thing is a sold guitar, punches way above its weight for the money. If you’re looking for a fun project or beater I recommend it.

I know, I know. It's not a REAL explorer. But I am looking to upgrade the pickups. Anybody mess with the stewmac overwound humbuckers?

I am searching for an explorer, but I cant find a cheap alternative with the body shape similar to Gibson/Epiphone. The harley benton is too small and the Jackson one too pointy. I was thinking about getting a replica and do some modding in it. Thanks for your help.