The Fabulous World of Explorer Guitars


1979 gibson explorer

Attention: we've added some comment capabilities for those who wish to comment or elaborate on a particular guitar. These comment boxes will be added to select pages within the site. Enjoy...

Welcome to the fan site for Explorer guitars in both right and left hand models (we're not going to forget the lefty's). The Explorer was produced by Gibson initially from 1958 to 1959. It was called the Futura supposedly because of its futuristic shape. If you happen to be lucky enough to own an original Futura / Explorer, help us out and send in some pictures and information. Gibson pulled the plug on this guitar after fewer than 100 were made due to poor sales. The guitar remained a footnote in guitar history until 1975 when it was resurrected by Gibson because other guitar manufacturers were beginning to release and successfully sell unusual shaped guitars similar to the Explorer. We all know there's just something about that eyecatching shape...

SInce then there have been popular reissues from Gibson through the years including a left handed version during the 80's. Past and present models include the Explorer 90, Explorer Standard, Explorer Studio, X-plorer, Explorer Pro, and the New Century. They also produce various import Epiphone versions for those on a tight budget.

Plenty of knock-off versions, or copies, have also been produced from other big name manufacturers. We've listed some basic descriptions of these guitars as well as an area for commenting on most of them... check out the explorer-like guitars from Dean, ESP, Fernandes, Hamer, Jackson, Kramer, Ibanez, and Peavey, Tokai, and more. Many of these are known to be high quality instruments popular with rockers all over the world. Also, check out some Explorer bass guitars available for purchase.

gibson explorer left hand model

Check out our Explorer photo gallery (we're always looking for pictures of custom Explorer guitars), various facts and info, used guitar classifieds (including want ads), special section for lefty's, as well as our links to authorized Gibson dealers if you're in the market for an new Explorer of your own.

We've also added some links to some homegrown Explorer guitar videos available for your viewing pleasure at You Tube.

Last but not least, if anyone has anything they'd like to add including historical facts or information that you see lacking here, feel free to contact me any time. We are currently seeking photos of custom Explorers, so be a guitar hero and send in some nice pictures (I'm looking for more pics for the home page). Enjoy the site!

Update for the Lefty's, I have contacted Gibson customer service regarding the production of left-hand Explorers, you can read what I've learned here.




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