The Explorer™ was launched in 1958. While its reception was initially mixed, guitarists eventually discovered its many strengths over the years. In the 1970s, rockers adopted its futuristic shape and powerful sound, but it was during the 1980s, marked by hard rock, that the model truly exploded and was embraced by some of the decade's greatest guitarists. The new 80s Explorer - EMG is inspired by the famous 1984 model. The 1984 Gibson Explorer is an iconic electric guitar, recognizable for its unique design and exceptional tones. Guitarists such as The Edge, Billy Gibbons, and James Hetfield have all played Explorers, contributing to their legendary status. James Hetfield's 1984 Gibson Explorer, often referred to as the "EET FUK" Explorer, features a cream white finish and a unique control configuration, without a pickguard. If you appreciate retro-futuristic style guitars, the 80s Explorer - EMG is a striking tribute to the spirit and boldness of that era.
The 80s Explorer - EMG features a fast and comfortable mahogany neck with a 60s SlimTaper™ profile. This neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays. The headstock is equipped with Mini Grover® Rotomatic® tuners and a Graph Tech® nut for optimal tuning stability. The strings pass over an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and are secured by a LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece. The mahogany body, in its iconic shape, is equipped with active EMG™ pickups: an EMG 60 in the neck position and an EMG 81 in the bridge position. They faithfully deliver the rich and powerful sound, as well as the exceptional sustain of the Explorer models so prized by the guitarists of that time. A 9V battery powers the active EMG pickups, and its compartment is located on the back of the guitar for quick and easy access. The pickups are wired to individual volume controls and a master tone control; controls are managed by knurled metal knobs. The absence of a pickguard helps give the 80s Explorer - EMG an appearance that is both elegant and slightly menacing. If you appreciate retro-futuristic guitars, the 80s Explorer - EMG is a striking tribute to the spirit and boldness of that era. Delivered in a premium gig bag, it is ready to accompany you in rocking the world.
Battery not included. To power the pickups, you will need a 9-volt battery.