Gibson Explorer

[gordon_39422]

CHECK OUT THE PICS IN THE LAST POST, PLEASE!!

I have an opportunity to buy a Gibson Explorer for $400 in the OHSC. I am not familiar with the value of guitars, but I was wondering if this would be a good deal, or not. I am an avid Fender player, but I do have a 1972 Gibson J-38 acoustic, which I LOVE!. I have been unofficially in the market for an HH guitar, and this one came available through private purchase. It is black with white pickguard, and that is about all I remember. I can test drive it for a few days before the deal. I will try to get it tomorrow and upload some pics. Just from hearing about it, though, does it seem like it is worth it?

Thanks in advance,
Allen

[Skarekrough]

For $400 it sounds like a pretty decent deal.

As long as it isn't some weird one-off strangeness that no one else in the world would ever want at least you'll re-coup your original investment and probably make a few bucks on it.

[Zerberus]

SOunds like a great deal....

[nahfuten]

i would buy a $400 explorer

[TattooedCarrot]

If it isn't broken, that's a great deal. Nice guitars and more confortable and balance both sitting and standing than you might think by looking at it.

[Rainmaker]

I'd buy it

[Rainmaker]

Oh btw, welcome back Allen! Where you been?

[pac112]

dun know about US, but in Europe, a new Epi Explorer cos 400++ Euros.

If the condition is good and it aint a lemon, thats a steal.

[JeffB]

If it isn't broken, that's a great deal. Nice guitars and more confortable and balance both sitting and standing than you might think by looking at it.

+1.

I've had a couple. My fave Gibson next to a Paul. I've had some minor GAS for one for awhile now. will have another someday. Great guitar and assuming decent shape, great price.

If it's got the stock ceramics you'll prolly wanna pull 'em. They are kinda harsh.

And if it's real old and has DF's in it (not likely, but)...pull 'em and sell on ebay. For some ungodly reason those abominations have come back into vogue. Then again John Sykes used em for ages...and he has one of my fave tones... :Shrug:

EDIT: Give yourself some time with the bigger neck. Quite a bit diff from a Strat, but once ya start gettin used to it, ya may not be able to put the guitar down.

[Woodcutter]

I've never played on explorer, but I own a Gibson ES-137 and I've Played a Les Paul and Blues hawk and loved them.

[Mr Wolf]

Yeah! Sounds like a steal if its in good condition

[Hellion]

If you don't buy it, let me know where it is so I can pick it up. $400 for an Explorer is a great deal.

[WhoFan]

Never thought i'd like Exployers but after picking up a broken Epiphone and repairing it back to working order i want a real Gibson Ex oneday. The body shape is great and well balanced. Love the necks. I have been finding the long horns on the body are prone to bumps and dings so take it eays unit you are used to the bady shape.

WhoFan

[gordon_39422]

Thanks for the feedback guys..... I think I will go ahead and buy it from the guy. It isn't damaged other than some minor scratches and a little rash on the back. The guy is going to bring it by tomorrow and let me hang on to it for a few days to make sure it is something I'd like.

I look forward to a bigger neck. I have plans to buy a larger neck for my strat, but looks like that may have to wait......

BTW, Bee, thanks for the welcome of my return.... I had to relocate and I am just now getting DSL and other amenities managed into financial availability. Man moving can nearly bankrupt a person!!!!

I'll keep you posted to the turnout. In fact, I still plan to post pics for a some second opinions.....

Thanks again, and Take Care,
Allen

[gordon_39422]

Okay, I have the guitar in my hands right this second. Actually, I've had since yesterday, and played it quite a bit. I still love my strat, but I can see where this has its spot in my tonal demands. In fact, I plan to return my strat to true single coils and use this for any hb tones I desire.

My digicam needs batteries, so for now I;ll have to describe. it is black with white pickguard. It has chrome stoptail bridge, Chrome Grover tuners, and the Clear speedknobs found on MANY guitars. I havent taken it apart just yet, but the pups have GOT to be original Gibbies. The tone is alright, but I can imagine near-perfection with a set of SD's. (Warning, that precludes another thread in the near future!) Aside from the normal swirling on the frint and slight rash on the back, there are only one or two minor dings whcih are not very noticeable unless you are a perfectionist like me. The Hardshell is the Two-tone tan leather case I believe it is called the Pro hardshell with the bright pinkish velvet lining and cover in side the case.

These are the markings on the back of the headstock......

91380720
Made In USA

Can anyone help decipher production year and any other information available through serian number ID? I have been and still am doing my own legwork, but I figured some of you Gibbie fans would know more about resources such as this.

Thanks in advance for any assistance, and I will get pics real soon.

Allen

[big_black]

91380720
Made In USA

Can anyone help decipher production year and any other information available through serian number ID? I have been and still am doing my own legwork, but I figured some of you Gibbie fans would know more about resources such as this.

Build date of 8/13/90 if I remember Gibson's moth and day serializing correctly- #720 stamped that day.

[big_black]

This is the serial number identity:

YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank.

So I guess that would have been built on the 138th day in 1990 (you do the math), the 720th stamped that day.

[gordon_39422]

Thanks Big Black at least I know when it was made! Here are some pics I managed to take. Not the best quality, but they should do for a general estimate. Based on what I have described and what you see, do any of you see any reason this wouldn't be worth $400? I feel that it is worth it, but as they say, a fool and his money are easily parted. As such, I am trying to be cautious an avoid foolheartedness.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/5d216225.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/708dc1f6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/a64c7951.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/854bd419.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/7a288f08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2/d0514c0c.jpg

Thanks again for your input,
Allen

[ex-250]

looks like a deal to me

[JacksonMIA]

Go for it. Great deal.