We Found The "Best" Gibson Explorer For You in 2024: Epiphone vs Gibson vs Custom Shop Explorer

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Күн бұрын

How does the Epiphone Explorer compare to the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer? We compared every Explorer to show you it's more than a metal guitar!
The Explorer: another great humbucker guitar every guitarist should own!
▶ Products used in this video:
▶GUITARS:
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Explorer: bit.ly/44ZrtXQ
Epiphone Prophecy Extura Explorer: bit.ly/3P25OZF
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1958 Korina Explorer: bit.ly/3YmxPy5
Gibson Original 70s Explorer - Classic White: bit.ly/3KxFgg9
Gibson 80s Explorer - Ebony: bit.ly/3qkjiX4
Gibson Explorer Custom w/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss - Ebony: bit.ly/47gblTz
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/47jlNtt
Shop all Gibson Explorers: bit.ly/3KvaRPG
▶AMPS:
MESA/Boogie Mark VII 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3OsFm9W
MESA/Boogie 1x12 Boogie Thiele 19" Cabinet: bit.ly/3OML6Nm
▶PEDALS:
Maestro Electronics FX Pedals: bit.ly/45eJLnO
Discoverer Delay: bit.ly/3QLUq5B
Comet Chorus: bit.ly/3KxEnEe
Mariner Tremolo: bit.ly/3s3WE5R
International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.
In this Gibson Explorer comparison, Dinesh tries to answer the following questions: “Which Explorer guitar is best?” “What’s the most versatile Gibson Explorer?” and “Can the Explorer do more than just metal?”
Watch as Dinesh compares the Epiphone Explorer with the Epiphone Prophecy Extura Explorer, the Epiphone 1958 Explorer with the Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer, and the Gibson Explorer Custom with the 70s and 80s Explorer models.
You’ll learn about the history of the Gibson Explorer and how it was far ahead of its time when it was launched in 1958. Dinesh also dives into why the Explorer was embraced by heavy metal and rock players more readily than guitarists in other genres. Hint: the clue is in the midrange bite!
In this demo and Explorer comparison video you’ll also get to hear which Explorers have the hotter pickups, whether an Explorer is good for blues, jazz, and rock, and which Explorer guitar is the best for your own playing style. Spoiler alert: it depends how much punch you need from your pickups, where you prefer the guitar’s controls situated, and your preferred neck shape - SlimTaper or a fatter 50s profile.
If you've ever been intrigued by this iconic guitar and are wondering whether to buy one but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. From vintage-inspired Korina models to modern variations on the theme, we’ll explore everything you need to know to find the Gibson Explorer that’s perfect for you.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro playing
0:38 The Story of the Gibson Explorer
1:00 Can the Explorer do more than Rock & Metal?
2:33 Epiphone Explorer
4:45 Epiphone Prophecy Extura Explorer
6:38 Explorer for Blues?
7:39 Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer
9:35 Gibson 70s Explorer
10:42 The introduction of hotter pickups in the 70s
11:20 Gibson 80s Explorer
12:49 Gibson Explorer Custom
15:28 Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer
19:05 Side-by-side Gibson Explorer comparison
📼 Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ The Gibson Murphy Lab Explained: • Official Gibson Murphy...
▶ Explorer VS Every Humbucker Guitar: • What’s the Gibson Expl...
▶ The Official Custom Shop Les Paul Guide: • Why You'd Want To Buy ...
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🛒 Shop Gibson Brands:
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More info on Steinberger: www.steinberger.com/
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide #gibsonexplorer

Пікірлер: 111

@gibson 5 ай бұрын

▶ Products used in this video: ▶GUITARS: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Explorer: bit.ly/44ZrtXQ Epiphone Prophecy Extura Explorer: bit.ly/3P25OZF Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1958 Korina Explorer: bit.ly/3YmxPy5 Gibson Original 70s Explorer - Classic White: bit.ly/3KxFgg9 Gibson 80s Explorer - Ebony: bit.ly/3qkjiX4 Gibson Explorer Custom w/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss - Ebony: bit.ly/47gblTz Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/47jlNtt Shop all Gibson Explorers: bit.ly/3KvaRPG ▶AMPS: MESA/Boogie Mark VII 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3OsFm9W MESA/Boogie 1x12 Boogie Thiele 19" Cabinet: bit.ly/3OML6Nm ▶PEDALS: Maestro Electronics FX Pedals: bit.ly/45eJLnO Discoverer Delay: bit.ly/3QLUq5B Comet Chorus: bit.ly/3KxEnEe Mariner Tremolo: bit.ly/3s3WE5R International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires.

@brickafide 10 ай бұрын

All we want is an 80’s in white!!! Pleaseeeeeeee!

@brickafide 10 ай бұрын

We got a heart from Gibson, it’s coming boys!

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

I'll let the team know for you :) -Lee

@MrScrott 9 ай бұрын

And EMG pickups please

@gerrickdastrup8953 8 ай бұрын

And period correct woods..

@thegreatsambino659 8 ай бұрын

Make an Epiphone line of the 80s ones in white and black 🙏

@lucyfuir6386 8 ай бұрын

I have a 93 custom shop in heritage cherry. Had it since 97. Absolutely love it.

@T.R.R.Jolkien 2 ай бұрын

How did you find that guitar and was it expensive at the time? 🧐

@halloween35242 4 ай бұрын

Great video! Enjoyed listening to this. I'll take the 70's Explorer in black with the EMG 81 and EMG 60 pickups. Please!!

@HughesGarageSCA 10 ай бұрын

80’s Explorer in ebony does it for me, as well as the custom version shown after. Very nice. 🤘🏻😎🎸

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@charlesrocks 9 ай бұрын

I love this guitar just as it is. I can’t wait to own it!!!

@glaucosouza1971 10 ай бұрын

70s Vintage White for me. Gorgeous ❤

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Good choice!

@MrLespaul2000 9 ай бұрын

I just got the Epiphone Korina 58 Explorer and I haven't put it down since I got it. What an absolutely fantastic instrument. The Burstbuckers are nice pickups but because this guitar is a keeper i've decided to indulge and go down the Custom Shop route and installing Custombuckers. In my opinion I think Epiphone have done a great job and well worth the money I paid for it. Cheers from the UK. :)

@gibson 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my friend! -Lee

@barrettwissell9708 3 күн бұрын

I absolutely love my Explorer II and Explorer Pro.

@Dunhill-gk3cs 10 ай бұрын

Great video, ive got a 2006 '76 Reissue in Ebony and an Ibanez 2459 Destroyer. The destroyer wins for everything but the '76 reissue crunchs riffs pretty hard with the 500t

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Both awesome guitars!

@epasternak4206 5 ай бұрын

The all Black 80s and Epiphones sounded the best to my ears, all of them gorgeous.😊

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

The extra chime in the highs is coming from the Fact that the Epi korina and the Gibson korina have low output PAF types which are also brighter and more upper mid/treble heavy than most PAF types. The BB2 and BB3 having A2 mags and the custombuckers having A3 maga accounts for the Creamy midrange . The all Mahagony Gibson USA 58 style exlorer which i own has the same chime and creamy midrange as does the All mahagony Customshop 58 reissue . With Burstbuckers and/or custombuckers you could make all of these close to indistinguishable

@raffaeleragusa2824 10 ай бұрын

I love versatile guitars, so the one I'd pick is the Epiphone Prophecy....great Fishman pups, great look, great sonic possibilities...

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Those pickups are HOT! Thanks for watching!

@bikeman1x11 5 ай бұрын

the fishamns sounded awful - just mud

@MrLucanchrist43 6 ай бұрын

Ephiphone korina kills I haven’t seen you since I bought my last Mesa boogie from you all over there in Hollywood crazy. I wondered where you guys went great video thank you so much for the hard work.

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

A few explorers are missing. The Gibson USA original collection Antique Natural Explorer and the all Mahagony 58 custom shop explorer reissue with is really a 76 reissue but those are 2 very important explorers

@Barsky287 10 ай бұрын

Could we have more left-handed versions, please?

@lexythespacedog Ай бұрын

i love the one i have now. the explorer goth! with dimarzio pick (neck) but ofcourse i really love the 1984 explorer. 😍🤩

@IndyRockStar 10 ай бұрын

I have Gibson Antique Natural Explorer and the Gibson Explorer 70s. My next guitar will be the Custom shop. You guys at Gibson really nailed it with the Explorer 70s. If I could change one thing is I'd make the neck a little bit rounder. I played the Explorer 80s. I loved the way it felt, but if I bought it, it would immediately be getting a set of Bare Knuckle VH2 pickups. The Explorer 80s pickups are so muddy. I'm buying the Custom shop, ASAP.

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

Why they didn't use dirty fingers for the 80s explorers considering that's what 80s explorers had .

@jimwguitar3002 2 ай бұрын

I have the Epi V and explorer in korina Both are great guitars.

@barry3045 10 ай бұрын

I have always loved explorers . i have 4 Gibson in my collection, one epiphone, and 2 more ex styled guitars. the best shape.

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Thats so awesome!

@OrdinaryNimda 9 ай бұрын

I still think the Explorer reminds me of the Jetsons... However, I liked the sound from each of the models, despite the pickups being so different. Great presentation and playing!

@gibson 9 ай бұрын

I'm never NOT going to think of The Jetsons now... and now I have that sound their ships make in my head... but thanks for watching haha

@ryangiles5671 Ай бұрын

I wish Gibson never discontinued the 2019 "Antique Natural" Explorer. Gibson please bring it back! At a sensible price point!

@TS-nb9ko Ай бұрын

Love that 80s explorer.tones were just right

@LaCorvette 10 ай бұрын

I'd love me an Explorer, but availability is limited in my area.

@hmudara 2 ай бұрын

The black beauty is without words. Sensational gotta play that with a tux on just to match it’s class. 👌

@KM_1983 3 ай бұрын

My did the original antique natural Explorer get discontinued? Now it’s only the 70s Explorer

@sebastianbirven332 5 ай бұрын

I own a 2011 Gibson '76 Reissue Explorer. She had been a dream of mine for many years back then and still is today. This is the best Explorer ever made, in my opinion. I absolutely love the stock 496R/500T pickups. This guitar is so versatile. It does everything from warm clean tones to devastating hard rock and metal. Huge guitar, huge sound! Rockin‘ regards from Germany! 🤘😎

@gibson 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@fearpocalypse8062 8 ай бұрын

It'd be awesome to get an E2 CMT reissue

@enriqueaguilar9274 8 ай бұрын

For the price of these guitars, for me the best option is ESP Explorer or Ken Lawrence custom shop James Hetfield

@UnpleasantDog 10 ай бұрын

Wow, how I love the design, the grandeur and the sound of the Explorers! My congratulations and thanks to Gibson for creating the perfect model, in my opinion, and for made me like guitars since I was a teenager. One day I will still invest in an 80's model. One question I'd like to ask is whether there is any legal impediment to Gibson recreating guitarist James Hetfield's 1984 Explorer model, just as fellow Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett's spectacular Flying V was recreated? I'm a huge fan of James and to review that wonderful 1984 Explorer with all the original features would be amazing. Surely I would collect all my coins to get a relic of guitar by Gibson and my idol. :) I loved this video! Thank you very much! 🤘❤️

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching!

@prudentilla 5 ай бұрын

I have an 84 custom explorer

@sicaferal 7 күн бұрын

Prophecy Extura Explorer is killer

@BasilBannayi 5 ай бұрын

Would have liked to have heard the current Antique Natural with the burst buckers in the comparison as that's what Im using live at present. Of the guitars featured I'm surprised to say that the 2 most expensive sounded the worst and the Epi Prophecy the best ! Go figure !!

@thepizzaveteran 10 ай бұрын

For me the 70s had the best crunch tone.

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

70s certainly seems to have a certain sound!

@Staticold1 10 ай бұрын

I really hope they bring back the white 80s explorer!

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Seems to be a lot of people asking for this...i'll let the team know :) -Lee

@xXMetalCrewXx 7 ай бұрын

If everything looks good, next month i’ll have my first epiphone explorer! Wish me luck!

@gibson 7 ай бұрын

Good luck! We hope it serves you well!

@jakestewartmusic 10 ай бұрын

Explorer is Gibson's best solid-body design imo. More versatile than anyone gives it credit for - I play jazz, soul, funk, afrobeat, country, shoegaze, rock, doom, and pop on mine that I've had since 2007. 1. balanced weight No neck dive like Firebird, SG, and some Flying Vs 2. 6-in-line headstock There's a reason Aldo Nova used the Explorer headstock on his signature LP 3. simplified, easily-accessible control layout Few of us need two tone knobs. Especially when they can get fairly cramped like on an SG or Firebird. Love the spacious, straight-line, 3 knob setup on the Explorer and '58 V. 4. tonal sweet spot IME the Explorer sits somewhere between an SG and LP, closest to the all-mahogany LP Customs. The only thing is Gibson needs to make a professional-level gig bag for it. The case is enormous and while it's a must for serious travel, it's often impractical for local gigging and rehearsals. We need something on the level of MONO or Reunion Blues for us gigging players who need to tote our Explorer for blocks downtown. Gibson's current gig bag just doesn't cut it.

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the incredible insight here Jake. Good to hear you love the Explorer as much as we do!

@jakestewartmusic 10 ай бұрын

@@gibson thanks! it's my most prized possession and my favorite instrument i own

@InspiretoVictory 10 ай бұрын

I love the Explorer. But please, please, please make a Gibson USA Explorer with a fat neck like the custom shop. I can't stand the slim taper neck profile.

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Keep up to date on the Gibson product page my friend - you never know what's around the corner for Gibson! And thanks for watching!

@crummy. 10 ай бұрын

When are you guys gonna sell a white 84 explorer again? launch it before the end of this year plz I need one. And please fix the knobs location on the 84 before you release the white version.

@gibson 10 ай бұрын

Keep watching - you never know!

@crummy. 3 ай бұрын

@@RaymondGinn1978 well I think you fail to forget alot of people started enjoying Metallica more recently when there hasn't been any type of explorer like this for sale. And they did rerelease it but it's impossible and overpriced to get anyway so better to get a custom.

@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875 9 ай бұрын

Im still waiting for an Epiphone Explorer Custom. We got an SG and Les Paul,why not give us an Explorer and Flying V custom as well? Hell throw the Firebird in their for fun while you're at it

@Daron597 17 сағат бұрын

Do other brands have permission to make this shape? Cuz I just got a firefly explorer and I always wondered if its like a copyrighted shape, or if anyone can use it

@mariodriessen9740 5 ай бұрын

I LOVE Explorers!!! However…., all of them have the two humbucker configuration. And I would kill for an Explorer with two soapbar style P90’s. Or another dream: an Explorer with a Filtertron (or something similar) in the bridge position and a Dynasonic style pickup in the neck position for something completely different. Maybe a few different color options every year. Olive Drab Green would be amazing! Or Faded Pelham Blue. Or a Walnut finish combined with a tortoise pickguard. Faded Cherry… all typical Gibson colors, but not for Explorers unfortunately. Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel it might be one of the reasons why these are still regarded as ‘metal guitars’. And let me just tell you, whoever is reading this, that I purchased an Explorer just a couple of weeks ago. You know why? Yes, of course I loved the shape. I always have. BUT… believe it or not, the main reason why I wanted one is because it’s one of the most comfortable and most rewarding guitars to play when sitting down (yes, standing up as well). You see, I lost half of my right leg 9,5 years ago. Since then (after I had to relearn how to play again, because I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage immediately after the amputation and I couldn’t play anymore because of it) I need to play sitting down. I have a prosthetic leg, so I can stand and walk, but it’s impossible to switch the pedals on my board. It’s a long story to explain and go into the details of it, but trust me. I need to sit down. Fortunately you can get really great professional ‘stools’ to use onstage. Anyway, the comfort of the Explorer is amazing! Everything is perfectly balanced, you can reach the highest notes with ease and the armrest…. Man, the armrest! Some Explorer players might have noticed this, but that big chunk of wood has some great extra ‘hidden features’. Besides the comfort… Look, I like heavier strings. Nothing too silly, but I use a set of .011/.048’s on ALL of my guitars. And with a little bit of that extra tension that huge piece of wood will start to vibrate through your whole body. And it gives you a sense of power and a sense of being one with your instrument. And believe me, I’m not that vague hippie-like type of person, but because of this I really connect with the guitar physically, which translates into better playing. The only other guitar I own that gives me a similar vibe is my old, beautiful, black and beaten up (I dragged that thing with me for 37 years now) trusty, magnificently sounding Gibson ES-347. I will never understand why Gibson never reissued the second and latest version of that model. It has so many advantages over what’s already a perfect guitar (which, in this case, is NOT a ‘contradictio in terminis’). So me, my ES-347 and now my new Explorer…, I don’t think I need more than that, although I HAVE more than that, because I love guitars. However, I will swap the neck pickup for a Mojo Pickups humbucker sized Dyna (Dynasonic style pickup) for a wonderful bright clean sound to contrast the humbucker in the bridge. Anyway… I started with some suggestions out of just a tiny bit of frustration and I ended by explaining why the Explorer is so much more than just a cool looking guitar with humbuckers. O.. and my love for the ES-347 is a bonus for the two people that may be interested. 😅 Sorry for the long story. I just love to talk guitars. ❤

@Nathan-fv8rt 8 ай бұрын

Shame the white ones dont have the ebony board anymore, sick guitars none the less

@kbgrevolver4563 6 күн бұрын

Make the Snow Horse Explorer please. Ask Brendon Small he knows what it is

@lava306 6 ай бұрын

This video is hilarious. “What’s the difference between these guitars? Some finish/cosmetic differences spanning thousands of dollars. But they pretty much all sound the same.”

@Hobinator17 3 ай бұрын

You could be talking about any gear video ever. Guitars and amps all do kind of a similar thing right?

@T.R.R.Jolkien 2 ай бұрын

Scorpion’s Matthias Jabs 1984 Tokyo concert is nothing but explorers 😎

@durique1 6 ай бұрын

80's Ebony! For me, the GIBSONIC of all. My dream!

@gibson 6 ай бұрын

That's a great guitar!

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

I know Gibson owns Boogie now but does every Demo have to be down with a Boogie . Iike Mesas but in every . You dont hear phrases like the timeless combo off Boogie/Gibson . Maybe for the modern offerings but a 58 explorer Reissue through a boogie is hardly a staple combo .

@raulromo9335 5 ай бұрын

I would get a cherry red explorer

@gibson 5 ай бұрын

That would be cool!

@derekclacton 9 ай бұрын

If the long neck tenon is so much better, why did you stop using it? 🤔

@Edje001 15 күн бұрын

Nice sales video but it is the player who decides not the brand or the price. Btw why not testing on different amps like a Marshall or Fender (all tubes ofcourse) and then make a comparison.

@PlatinumBlack90038 8 ай бұрын

Prefer the sound of the Ebony Epiphone Explorer with Pro Buckers, the Epiphone 1958 Korina with Burstbuckers 2 & 3, and the Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer with Custom Buckers.

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

How are able to put the tonal differences between these guitars down to Korina vs Mahagony when every guitar has different puckups with some being vastly different in spec mateials and output . You have high outputs medium outputs and low ouputs . Paf types hot Paf types modern metal types . Alnico 2s Alnico 3s and A5s as well as ceramics and this accounts for the alot of the differences . There was a better way to compare as there are korina and Maghagony models with the same Pickups . There is the USA original collection antique natural which is all Mahagony with BB2 and BB3 that could be compared to the korina epi that also has BB2 and BB3 and you have Gibson custom mahagony and Korina 58 reissues both with custombuckers . The Gibson Korina sounds exactly like the mahgony 58s i have heard .

@CaudillN.C.-xv5cx 4 ай бұрын

Which model has the thinnest neck? I have a 1990 Gibson 76 reissue and I have found nothing that plays as comfortable as this guitar

@jasongormley5174 9 ай бұрын

For me 70's explorer sounded best, Custom Shop looked best ; ) thx

@gibson 9 ай бұрын

Right on!

@adamwatson6916 7 ай бұрын

The all mahagony 58 custom shop expolorer costs half the price of the korina verison and it sounds the same .

@michaelworse6034 3 ай бұрын

Korina all the way . What tone ❤ But at that price point , I have to pass .

@gibson 3 ай бұрын

Hey Michael we also have the Korina Epiphone model. Worth checking out !

@TheKiidBiizzy330 10 ай бұрын

🎸🤘🤘🙏

@fernandobolado9590 Ай бұрын

Gibson white

@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio 10 ай бұрын

I don't understand why Gibson doesn't offer the Gibson Explorer Ebony as a regular model... C'mon Gibson, bring back the 76' reissue Explorer Ebony as a standard edition.

@johnelmers3348 5 ай бұрын

We want affordable guitars that stay in tune designed for the player and not the rich collector.

@Thirteen31Music 7 ай бұрын

Yo Gibson - can you please please PLEASE release the 80s explorer in a classic white finish? I';ll wager this would be a big seller for you - cough Hetfield nudge nudge wink wink.

@gibson 7 ай бұрын

We’ll let the team know :) thanks for watching

@chrispuckett8855 7 ай бұрын

Is there a need for a flying v video

@gibson 7 ай бұрын

I think there is

@bryanquick16 19 күн бұрын

Maybe if Gibson would bring back the Explorers we want the Jericho Guitars wouldn't have had to make one. Just sayin

@grobwaclawa 7 ай бұрын

You should play some metal on it.

@robertrogers7939 Ай бұрын

Gibson is doing good things these days.

@gibson Ай бұрын

We appreciate you!

@BlootusWealth 9 ай бұрын

My guy acting like Metallica is the end of the heavy spectrum. Didn't even mention down tuning for the PUPs...

@lucyfuir6386 8 ай бұрын

Mine is in drop d 50% of the time

@barrettwissell9708 3 күн бұрын

I wish you all would get your heads out of your asses and make a Gibson MODERN Explorer, like Epiphone Extura, but Gibson branded. It sucks that I need to buy another brand in order to have the modern features I want, especially 24 frets and a 14-20" radius.

@mbhftw Ай бұрын

80'S Explorer is way over priced. No neck binding, no headstock inlay. Its a the same as a Les Paul Studio. This guitar should be $1700 tops

@RyanTaylor4real 9 ай бұрын

Making the custom fretboards out of richlite was one of the dumbest decisions ever made in history. Why would you take a $5,000 guitar and put a fretboard on it from a $200 little Martin acoustic? SMH