| August 7, 2023 |

Gibson Explorer Buyer’s Guide: Gibson USA, Gibson Custom, and Epiphone Models Compared

Plus! Hear how an Explorer compares to other humbucker-loaded Gibsons

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Our Video Comparing Gibson Explorer Models  

In this Gibson Gear Guide Explorer™ comparison, Dinesh tries to answer the questions, What Explorer guitar is best, what’s the most versatile Gibson Explorer, and can the Explorer do more than just metal? 

Watch as Dinesh compares the Epiphone Explorer with the Epiphone Prophecy Extura Explorer guitar, the Epiphone 1958 Explorer versus the Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer, and the Gibson Explorer Custom versus the 70s and 80s Explorer guitars.

You’ll learn about the history of the Gibson Explorer and how it was ahead of its time when it came out in 1958. Dinesh also dives into why the Explorer was embraced by the heavy metal and rock genre more than any other. Hint—the clue is in the midrange bite!  

In this demo and Explorer comparison video, you’ll also get to hear which Explorers have the hotter pickups, whether an Explorer is good for blues, jazz, and rock, and which Explorer guitar might actually be better for your playing style depending on how hot you need your pickups, where the controls are, and what kind of neck you like on your guitar—whether fat or SlimTaper™. We’ll compare and review budget-friendly options from Epiphone versus some of the most high-end Gibson Explorer guitars we have right now to give you a better understanding of how versatile these guitars really are! 

We also get to see and hear what the similarities are between the high-end Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer and the Epiphone ’58 Korina Explorer—chances are the results might just blow your mind! 

If you’ve ever been intrigued by this iconic heavy metal guitar and are wondering whether to buy one but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. From the Explorer’s vintage-inspired designs to modern-day variations, we’ll explore everything you need to know to find the Explorer that’s perfect for you.

Our Video of the Mighty Gibson Explorer Versus EVERY Other Gibson Humbucker!  

In this second video, Dinesh compares the Gibson Explorer pickups with the sound of every other humbucker™ guitar we could find, tries to answer why the Explorer guitar might be overlooked by fans of other humbucker pickup-equipped guitars and explains why you’re missing out on some incredible sounds by not owning an Explorer. There’s a world of midrange tones you might be missing out on!

Watch as Dinesh showcases the sound differences between the Explorer versus Les Paul™ and Gibson SG™, the ES-335 versus the Flying V™, and examines the unique qualities of each guitar, including tonewoods—design and feel. We also get to hear what the humbuckers on the Gibson Firebird™ sound like when compared to full-size humbuckers on a Gibson Explorer, Flying V, and Les Paul.

Can the Explorer do more than metal? Is a Les Paul better for your sound? Did you know an ES-335 sounds incredible with a LOT of gain and is an underrated rock/metal guitar? Does the sound of a Firebird’s humbucker appeal more to you when you’re busting out some serious riffs? Does the 80s Flying V suit your sound more than a Gibson SG?

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer, but if you’ve ever wanted to hear what (almost) every style of Gibson USA guitar sounds like compared to each other, this humbucker pickup comparison and Gibson USA buyer’s guide is perfect for you.