Here it is! The Explorer of your dreams! Or at the very least mine. A reissue of the 1984 gibson explorer. An upcoming Guitar of the week (week 47). Now I know I have said some bad things about Gibson in the past, but I have wanted this guitar for about the last 10 years. Only one problem – they did not make this version any more. Oh and I don’t have the money, worry about the details later right? Yeah, I don’t think so. Oh well.
For now just enjoy the picture.
Later
dantheman
UPDATE
Here are the specs from Gibson’s website on this model for those who are wondering.
The fret size is most likely medium jumbo or 6130 fret wire. This is the most common size for Gibson.
Later
dantheman
Hi Dan,
I too, have been awaiting this re-issue of the ‘84 explorer. I am toying between this and the explorer pro, mainly because of pickups. I have a set of switchable active EMGs on a nice Cort guitar that kick ass, and there’s no way i can try the ‘84 as it’s US only.
Got any advice on choosing between explorer models? I defo don’t want the new century edition, cos it looks shit with that massive mirror scratchplate.
And dude, it’s gotta be white…
Let me know by email if you’d be so kind bro, as i can’t find no reviews on this model yet.
Cheers mate
Chris
ENG
Hi Guys,
The model is only just released. It is only available here in UK via special order and has not been out for long – week 47 of guitar of the week.
I have never bought myself a ‘decent’ guitar and have always used epiphone exlplorers (for last 20 years now) with pick up upgrades (last few years) and was thinking of treating myself.
I then had this model pointed out to me… Don’t like the usual switch position and have moved it on mine to just below the neck pick up.
However, after long consideration and each time moving up in price from aerodyne strat, through 3 pick up faded v , to finally afterr seeing this one realising it had to be the one…
I spent a few days making enquiries and finally placed my order and fortunately am told there will be one available for me
now a few months wait until it arrives…
no certificate of authenticity and the case is black rectangular fitted, with white ‘plush’ interior…
there is emg’s fitted a la jimi hetfield recent usage, with the white (sadly) colour. But the layout is a blessing in that at least the switch position is in more accessible place.
The board is ebony… what a treat
so now I have to dream of day of arrival, whilst clearing a big space so I don’t cause damage when it does arrive… think I may prepare a nursery room, nearest I will get to having child in near future I imagine 
with regard question about white explorers, I imagine this is only current one available?
with regard different models, differences is obviously mahogany or korina body, the pick up type and now
the switching and electronics layout. Check the pickups for what you require and choose colour and body woods to suit tastes. There are of course the Explorer Pro’s which are the smaller bodied version with binding and on satin finish, a flame maple top (as well as on tobacco burst style limited one. The pro is kinda like a rebuild of the discontinued explorer studio that i missed out on, hence my speedy order of one of these babes.
The explorer studio generally has the mini humbuckers, although there was the swamp ash model (the one I wanted, that had the usual 498 and 500 pickups as well as swamp ash body, clear laquered body.. ( boo hoo for missing out – maybe one day I find one)…
Anyway, hope this adds to the info for you guys and hope you enjoy…. once my guitar arrives, I will try to post more pics and offer opinions
cheers,
James UK
Hey guys, I also waited for this one, putting my on order about two months ago. I first played an explorer about ten years ago always wanting to get my hands on one. When I saw this one with emg’s, and limited to four hundred I had to have it. I’ve owned mine explorer for about a week now, and I love it! It’s the cheapest of all my guitars and has become my favorite. The action is great, the feel is very comfortable, the quality is as expected, very well made, and the sound is outstanding. I have played it through a mesa triple rectifier, engl, fender, and a marshal and it sounds great through all of them! All in all I’m very happy with my purchase! If anyone has any questions I’d be happy to help!
Hey Friend.. Not sure if you still look @ this page.. but was just wondering.. Or from anyone else out there who has one of these.. Is the Alpine white paint on yours a bit see through as in… you can see the pattern of the woodgrain underneath it through the paint.. This is a very different finish to the off white gibsons I have seen.. which almost look like their is a plastic/paint layer over the wood (you can’t see the grain at all) ..also are there small dimples in the paint.. and is it supposed to be like this?. I love my new exp.. but was a bit surrprised at the finish..!
Hey Ding since my original post I had a problem occur with my explorer. When I first received mine I thought that the strings going through the nut were seated kind of high, but didn’t pay anymore attention to it, than the high E string finally gave way and when it did it took a piece of the nut with it. Long story short it had to be replaced. I also adjusted the action, it was set a little high, no big deal. As for the finish, the front and back are very smooth, beautiful finish, but the top side of the horn has a somewhat dimpled look like you said, but not distracting, I actually like it. The rest of the sides have a nice finish. Can’t see through the paint anywhere on mine, and I do not beleive you should be able to see through the paint, quality control issue. I read a lot of reviews on these (not good)and talked to a few people in the industry and Gibson is not know for great quality control. All in all I’m still very happy with my purchase, love playing it, but this will probably be my first and last Gibson!
Yeah it is a sweet purchase! I just wish they had better QC. Can you post any links you got for reviews of this thing… I have hardly been able to find any at alL!!
Thanks friend.
For reviews go to:
musiciansfriend.com
americanmusical.com (though they have erased some negative reviews)
these are owner reviews, I haven’t found in magazine reviews.
You can also try these. Am toying with getting one of these as well (still many available.)
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1864165
http://boardreader.com/t/Amps_399063/Happy_New_Guitar_Day_to_me_Gibson_84_Rei_1853775.html
might as well name it the james hetfield signature…lol.
In fact this was the first Explorer James ever used.
I happen to own one of the originals and it’s a great guitar. Peghead design’s a bit weak though… mine fell off a couple of times, thus erasing the S/N printed on the head/neck joint =/
Odd enough, mine has a 24.5″ scale and a tremolo that looks real cool but doesn’t work as good as it looks. Maybe it’s a custom shop guitar.
Even so, I’d live under a bridge before I sold it.