Gibson Explorer Gothic II

A few years ago Gibson started putting out "Gothic" versions of some of their guitars. Over time they changed the models slightly. Some had ugly skull inlays and some didnt. Some had passive Gibson pickups and some had EMG. New models have Gibsons new active pickups called Gibson GEM pickups. This Explorer is one of the models made in the middle of the lifespan that game with EMG pickups. Gibson should have just stuck this with model. Gibson first started selling Explorers in 1958 and their design was way too radical for the time so they were discontinued a year later. In 1976 Gibson started the first reissue of the original 1958 design and now today Gibson is selling reissues of the reissues. Gibson has been producing the '76 reissue Explorer since 1990. This is the Gothic model of the Explorer. It has a thin black finish that allows you to feel the grain of the wood under it. It has an ebony fretboard with no inlays and a black pickguard. The neck is mahogany and it is a set neck. The body is mahogany also and has a pair of EMG picksups in it. It is the classic 81/85 combination. The rest of the guitar is just like a normal Explorer except everything is black.

UTILIZATION

The neck profile is the same as on every other Explorer. Early 50s Gibsons had huge necks. Today people refer to them as the "baseball" bat necks. In the 60s Gibson switched to slimmer neck design. The Explorer today has that 60s design. The 60s Gibson neck profile is one of their most popular. The upper frets are easy to reach because of the Explorers design. The radical shape actually gives the guitar a perfect balance for playing while standing up. The neck will come to rest at a perfect angle due to the large body acting as a counter weight. The satin finish feels a lot smoother than the gloss finish on normal Explorers. Because this guitar has active pickups you will have to remember to change the battery for them whenever they run out. If you gig with this guitar you should always carry a spare set with you.

SOUNDS

With the EMG pickups this guitar is a metal machine. The 81 in the bridge gives great high end bite and will retain clarity even with the lowest tunings. The Explorers huge body means there is a ton of wood and more wood equals more tone. The 85 in the neck is super smooth and great for solos. I like the 85 in the bridge also if your guitar is kind of bright. An 85 in the bridge and smooth out a bright guitar. Because EMG's have quick connect connections you do not have to solder them so you can easily switch EMG's around to experiment with the tone and see what you like the best. Also with EMG's you can do the 18v mod to them to get a more natural or organic sound out of them. This greatly improves the clean sound also because stock EMG's give a generally cold or sterile sounding clean tone.

OVERALL OPINION

The Gibson Explorer is large and in charge and the Gothic version is made for metal. Gibson no longer makes the Gothic Explorer. The closest guitar they make now is a 7 string Explorer that comes with EMG's. The closest 6 string they make is the crazy Epiphone Futura which is a modified Explorer shape. That guitar comes with EMG's also. If you are looking for a metal Gibson Explorer it does not get much more metal than this.

What country does she makes?

Made in America, Hard Case Made in Canada

How many frets, what kind of micro as well as their configuration?

22 frets, EMG 81 and 85

What type of bridge?

Tune-O-Matic

What rglages?

3 knobs (2 volume / 1 tone)

UTILIZATION

The handle is it enjoyable?

So it's the surprise! I am used to that type handles highways Ibanez, Jackson, I admit that I was a little afraid of what I Reserved the handle of a Gibson Explorer (this is the first that Gibson j'achte ). I was afraid of hitting the handle of a lumberjack or slow compared my Ibanez Well ... None of that! The handle is easy and enjoyable to play. Plans sweep, the other legatos up / down speed flow by themselves, say nothing! G long heard that the Explorer silent for a rhythmic scratching. Of course, it does a good, but it does not absolutely prevents it have what it takes for fast solos. Moreover, I find comfort on the handle than my Ibanez Sabre. Bizare but true ...

Access in acute (dernires freight) is it easy?

When seated, you reach the 22nd fret with no problem. By standing against, ca dpend height which is the door like James Hetfield on guitar at the balls, clear that c will be more complicated to move the boxes to tickle del at 17 . If you wear belly up, it goes without problem.

Ergonomics is it good (in terms of shape, weight ...)?

Perfect. The guitar is perfectly balance, no problem. The weight of the body of the guitar makes up the handle which gives a good grip, while standing. Sitting, no problem either. The guitar is comfortable trs. No need to talk about his form ... It is simply ... Unique! Legendary.

Do you get a good sound easy? ...

Yes, as long as we do not want to play the Flamenco. C net is clear, it is cut for the MODEL mtal! With the good stuff behind, you can not not find the sound we like. Attention time, she can not bear to be plugged into the stew!

SOUNDS

Appropriate are your style of music?

Perfectly. I play with it only the mtal and is perfect for a. Gnralement when I play the Blues or the other style I leave my Ibanez, together with its PAF Pro / Tone Zone pickups and Split is quite versatile.

With what (s) amplifier (s) or effect (s) do you play?

For now a Marshall AVT100 g I intend refourguer quickly as it starts running out of steam. I do not plug the guitar direct into the Marshall I use a V-Amp II, I plan refourguer too.

What are the sounds you prfrez, you dtest?

In clean, the 85 is round and warm, I like the sound it DGIG. Intermdiaire position (81 + 85) is also interesting and breadth of the sonic palette of the guitar. For fans of the intros Sanitarium trs ca does well. The EMG 81 in it sounds pretty clean nasal. I use it only for composing intros the Season in the Abyss, it is perfect for ca.

In diso, needless to dcrire the EMG is the pure in your face. For résumé, I personally do not find that I dtest sound on this guitar, I love everything she makes me cocquine

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?

O When I rdige this notice, three days. Not enough of course, but I'm on a thing that will never tire of it.

What is the particular feature you like best and least?

As: shape, color (all black vtue, even the hardware), its presence charisma, look agrssif ... All what. A real beauty. Same people who know nothing about guitars remain in emmerveills seeing her. She has the mouth, there was no doubt.

The least: nothing.

Have you tried many other models before acqurir?

Essay of Gibson? No, never. This is the first that Gibson j'achte. Otherwise g tried many other brands like Ibanez, Jackson, BC Rich etc. etc.. Each place.

How do you report qualitprix?

I do not know if I can speak because I did not buy his "normal" price. I bought it for 750, new, guitar + hard case + shipping included. It's a good deal and the coronation ratio Q / P is unbeatable.

Exprience with, you will do again this choice? ...

Without hsitation!

I metterai well 10/10 across the guitar but would not rev as target note. 9 / 10 everywhere, and against heart!