Explorer Custom with Figured Maple Top
This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a flame maple top and a custom Cobra Burst finish. Gibson Custom Select offers unique instruments crafted in small batches by the skilled artisans at Gibson Custom. These guitars feature handpicked details, including exotic tonewoods, unique finishes, and customized hardware and electronics. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a figured maple top, a rare find on any Gibson Explorer, highlighted by a striking Cobra Burst finish. These two features combined retain the bones of the core model and add two defining characteristics that alter the guitars aesthetics dramatically. This special instrument was designed by Gibsons experts with handpicked details that make these designs unique.
The Gibson Explorer was introduced in the late 50s alongside the Flying V. These two models were completely different from all other electric guitars at the time and were not initially accepted by the market. Due to their extremely low production numbers, the original Korina Gibson Explorers are some of the most valuable vintage electric guitar models in history. Once the 1970s arrived, the Explorer returned to the Gibson lineup, and the model was embraced by hard rock players of the time. Known for its wild wedge-shaped body and its hockey stick headstock, the Explorer has been highly influential and popular ever since.
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom features a mahogany body with a maple top, multi-ply binding around the top, an ABR-1 bridge with a Stop Bar tailpiece, and a pair of humbucker pickups. Instead of an opaque finish over a plain maple top, this Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a flame maple top. To accommodate the size of the Explorer, the billet of flame maple must be much larger than what is normally sourced for models such as a Les Paul. To showcase this huge piece of figured maple, the top was finished in Cobra Burst, which uses a base coat stain that helps accentuate the figuring in this beautiful piece of wood. Gold hardware is featured throughout the guitar, including on the pickup covers, bridge, tailpiece, tuning machines, strap buttons, and the screws that mount all the hardware to the guitar.
With its history dating back to the late 50s, the Explorer has seen many iterations throughout the decades. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom pushes the envelope even further with a massive piece of figured maple and a custom Cobra Burst finish. In combination with the multi-ply binding and mother-of-pearl block inlays, this Explorer will not be mistaken for any regular production-run guitar. Included with this guitar is a Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity and a hardshell case.
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