Exploring for an Explorer

ddp · 22nd December 2011

Hi all

Looking for the Explorer experts here on the forum. I have a young friend who is looking for his first real decent guitar and he wants an explorer.

First what about this one:
GIBSON EXPLORER w EMG's limited edit. w/case

Second wondering about quality of the epiphones compared to the gibsons as well as what is a good price for a used explorer?

Igotsoul4u · 23rd December 2011

That's a nice guitar. I think the price is ok considering it is missing a knob and slightly beat up. I think they go for $1400 new so I would think $700 would be more appropriate. the epiphones are usually a step down in terms of grade of wood but mostly in the electronics. There are some fantastic epiphones out there but you gotta play more of them to find a good one then a gibson. Used gibson explorer is definitely a better buy. The korina epiphone explorer looks pretty sweet. Swap the pickups and you have a nice piece of wood.

drbob1 · 24th December 2011

Umm, Explorers don't hold their value real well, $900-1000 for a near mint, used one is par for the course. I wouldn't pay $800 for that one, I"m afraid, more like $500-600.

Epiphone came out with a "special order" Explorer with EMGs a few years ago. They're $600 new, so finding a used one for $400 should be doable. I had both a 76 Reissue Gibson and the Epiphone at the same time, sold the Gibson because the Epi was just as good or slightly better sounding!

Epiphone 1984 Explorer Reissue Electric Guitar Assorted Colors | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

Dervish Riff · 25th December 2011

I'd look for an Epiphone as well--the more expensive ones I've worked on were just as nice as low end Gibsons.

22nd December 2011	#1
ddp Gear addict Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 340 Thread Starter	Exploring for an Explorer Hi all Looking for the Explorer experts here on the forum. I have a young friend who is looking for his first real decent guitar and he wants an explorer. First what about this one: GIBSON EXPLORER w EMG's limited edit. w/case Second wondering about quality of the epiphones compared to the gibsons as well as what is a good price for a used explorer? __________________ Music about Dinosaurs

23rd December 2011	#2
Igotsoul4u Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,845	That's a nice guitar. I think the price is ok considering it is missing a knob and slightly beat up. I think they go for $1400 new so I would think $700 would be more appropriate. the epiphones are usually a step down in terms of grade of wood but mostly in the electronics. There are some fantastic epiphones out there but you gotta play more of them to find a good one then a gibson. Used gibson explorer is definitely a better buy. The korina epiphone explorer looks pretty sweet. Swap the pickups and you have a nice piece of wood. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/polishedproductions MacPro 2.66 quad, Macbook Pro 13" 2.4, Protools 8 LE 003, Logic 8, McDsp, Sonnox, API 512c, GR NV500, Buzz Essence, Focusrite Solo, DBX 160A, Telefunken AK47, AKG 414eb Adam A7 Sub 8, Laney, Fender, Martin, Musicman, Marshall.

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24th December 2011	#3
drbob1 Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 1,420 3 Reviews written	Umm, Explorers don't hold their value real well, $900-1000 for a near mint, used one is par for the course. I wouldn't pay $800 for that one, I"m afraid, more like $500-600. Epiphone came out with a "special order" Explorer with EMGs a few years ago. They're $600 new, so finding a used one for $400 should be doable. I had both a 76 Reissue Gibson and the Epiphone at the same time, sold the Gibson because the Epi was just as good or slightly better sounding! Epiphone 1984 Explorer Reissue Electric Guitar Assorted Colors \| Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

25th December 2011	#4
Dervish Riff Gear nut Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 105	I'd look for an Epiphone as well--the more expensive ones I've worked on were just as nice as low end Gibsons.