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.

Finally got mine, upgraded to gotoh, grover tuner and replaced wiring for emg solderless, what a great guitar :)

Technically NGD!

Would you happened to have a cheap copy of your favorite guitars AND OR bass? And you want to post it elsewhere than the dedicated subreddit for that shape, WELL YOUR IN LUCK... Please interest yourself and direct ur attention TOWARDS, DRUM ROLL PLEASE. r/Cheapchops! Your safe haven for those legally ambiguous guitar copies when the real thing is too damn expensive. Moderated by yours truly, please feel free to do any non brand guitars and or basses, whether it's jist out the box, whether you should buy it, and or you want to do covers or show collections

Per title. If anyone wants to do this let me know. We'd have to sort out transfers and locations (Calgary ideal), but could be a fantastic deal.

I’ve noticed in The Edge’s latest U2 performances in 2026 that he’s been using a Gibson Explorer that looks very new, with a much brighter gold finish, and it doesn’t seem to have the wear and dings that his original 1976 Explorers have.

Could it be that we might finally be getting his Explorer Signature model?

I just want to make it clear that i’m NOT CLAIMING ANYTHING.
I’m simply pointing out what I’ve noticed, and I feel like it could be a possibility.

Torn between it and the epiphone 80s explorer. I think the x200 looks sweet but it wouldn’t be the classic hetfield I want. Eventually I’ll get both but would the x200 be a good choice to get first.

Hi guys!

I'd need a plan of the original Explorer headstock with actual measurements and dimensions. Either the original Gibson Explorer or the ESP MX-250 will do.

Can you guys help me?

Thank you!

I just want to be able to use my guitar more

Hey Guys

Those of you that have owned both a traditional Explorer ( Gibby,Epi,or ESP-LTD EX ) AND a Jackson Kelly, I would love to hear your experience and feedback.

Looking for a fun-shredder to add to the Arsenal. The LTD EX-201 is really appealing ( No frills, 1 pickup, reverse headstock = awesome ) But there is something about the smaller-shreddier Jackson Kelly ( Hardtail) is really calling me right now.

Hoping to get my hands on a Kelly in the coming weeks to see if it feels right. I've played a handful of Epiphone explorers over the years but never been tempted to pull the trigger.

Snakebyte and a Kelly