Need help Id'ing an Explorer

[gilaltom3]

It says custom shop on the back and the serial number says it was made in 1985, but it has a midi pickup or something in it and I've never seen an Explorer with one. Maybe you guys can shed some light.

[JOLLY]

I can't say as I've ever seen one of those before.

[TheLivingDead]

Dunno but I like it!

Have you tried contacting Gibson?

[BTMN]

Does it come with the Roland cable and processing unit? They made those and a few guitars might have had them added. That appears stock from the shots IMO. Esp. with a CS logo. Hamer made a few Steve Stevens guitars like that about '85.

Just noticed the Gold Ibanez knobs.

[gilaltom3]

It was an old friend who traded it for some A/C work. He usually asks me if he comes across something he hasn't seen and vice versa, but we were both a little confused on this one. I told him to get in touch with Gibson, and no it didn't come with any kind of roland unit.

Thanks dudes!

[ItsaBass]

I'd call Gibson.

[BTMN]

Like I posted it looks original.

That plug and the pickup by the bridge is for a Roland guitar synth. I'm not sure which model.

Found this info on the unit. No connection to this completed sale but the seller is considered a Roland expert.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...tchlink:top:en

[PonyKiller]

Here's a thread with a similar guitar. Says it's a GR-700 Roland Synth system.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=90577

Also from 1985. Looks like Gibson had a Synth-equipped guitar series back then.

Anyway, that explorer looks killer. Dunno if the Synth can be used with modern equipment but the passive electronics can definitely rock with anything.

BTW, what's that knob or screw like thing under the bridge pickup mounting ring? The Les Paul on the other thread also have it.


Anyone noticed the "Pat. Appl. For TM" sticker above the pickups? I didn't know the PAF craze was going on even way back then.