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Vintage guitars for sale: Gibson Explorer

The Explorer was one of the legendary trio of solid body guitars created by Gibson President Ted McCarty at the Kalamazoo plant in the late 1950s. Along with the Gibson Moderne and Flying V, the original Explorer featured a body of Korina - an African wood better known as limba - and the latest innovations in guitar design and hardware, most notably the new humbucker pickups. Despite it being the dawn of the space age, the new guitars were just too futuristic and did not sell. Well at first... it gained acceptance in the late 1970s/early 1980s, and several reissues later, the Explorer is one of Gibson's bread and butter models.

TWO VINTAGE GIBSON EXPLORER BASS VOLUME or TONE KNOBS G325-17

Springfield, Oregon, 974**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Gibson Flying V II and Explorer II Guitars 1980 Promo Poster New Look New Decade

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

vintage guitar more

Custom 1970s EXPLORER Epiphone Gibson Hard Case TKL

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Custom 1970s EXPLORER Epiphone Gibson Hard Case TKL. Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS Ground.... more

1980 Gibson Three-Point Top-Adjust Tune-o-Matic Bridge ES335 SG Explorer Victory

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$397

Up for sale is an extremely rare Gibson 1980s three-point top-adjust "tune-o-matic" bridge
All original and complete
FANTASTIC cosmetic and working condition!
No breaks, cracks or repairs.
The top-adjust bridge was first used on the Gibson Explorer II, ES-335 dot, and later the Victory MV2 and MV10 models, and although clearly a very well conceived piece of hardware, it does not seem to have gained the useage perhaps it deserved. It was widely promoted as part of Gibson's spare ... more

Gibson GA-18 Explorer 14-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo 1959 - 1961 - Tweed

Carrollton, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Recently serviced, original Jenson Speaker. It has the cool clean tone. Cool vintage amp. Local pickup only. I will NOT ship. I can't let it get destroyed In Shipping, we are a small Vintage guitar shop In North Dallas, stop by, cold beers in the fridge
... more

Gibson Explorer 1984 Refinished

Gilbert, Arizona, 852**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

My beautiful first real guitar.

Vintage 1984 Gibson explorer that has been refinished (previous owner to me) to a natural finish. They did take off the paint and logo from the headstock but I have taken this guitar to multiple guitar shops in my area and it is possible to see the serial number, when looked up it does show it was made on September 18th, 1984 at the Nashville plant in Tennessee

Plays beautiful, I did switch the pickups out for I believe either burstbuckers ... more

Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer 12-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo - Black

Lake City, Florida, 320**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer 12-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo - Black
... more

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer Aged Natural Wood Guitar

Fredericksburg, Virginia, 224**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

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Used Gibson Explorer 1983 Black w / Original Case

Brookfield, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This guitar is pure class! If you're looking for a great example of a Norlin-era classic, this may be your new axe!
This guitar is in very good condition for it's age. There is general finish wear throughout, including scratches, small dings, and finish checking in certain spots. We did our best to picture these, but due to the high-gloss nitro finish it is somewhat difficult. There is a finish crack at the neck heel that wraps around both sides. Set neck guitars can develop this if you live... more

1985 Gibson Explorer Designer Series - Ebony Black

Morgantown, Pennsylvania, 195**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3899

1985 Gibson Explorer Designer Series - Ebony Black

Set up well and is a great player. Nice low action

Exceptionally impressive Designer Series from the mid-80s

Weight is 9 1 lbs. All original with no mods and features Dirty Fingers pickups and a Kahler tremolo

Overall, the condition is very good and is about as clean of an example as we have seen for this particular model. Light play wear throughout. Some light checking on the top ... more

1983 Gibson Explorer CMT Natural

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4499

For Sale: 1983 Gibson Explorer CMT ?? Natural Finish
Includes Original Hard-Shell Case
Here??s your chance to own a rare and highly collectible piece of Gibson history ?? the 1983 Gibson Explorer CMT in Natural. This model stands out with its bound curly maple top, premium build quality, and a monster set of Tim Shaw-era Dirty Fingers pickups that deliver all the attitude you??d expect from an early ??80s Explorer
Key Features:
?? Bound Curly Maple Top ?? A rare and beautiful CMT ... more

1982 Gibson Explorer CMT W / HSC Cherry Sunburst Flame Maple Top

Hendersonville, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Great guitar. Has some dings and lacquer checking but good condition overall. Lace Sensor Nitro Hemi in the bridge and hammer claw in the neck. Plays and sounds great. Comes with hardshell case.
... more

1981 Gibson E2 Explorer Guitar

Clearville, Pennsylvania, 155**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

1981 Gibson explorer E2 guitar. This was used by a gigging musician, so it is well loved and a bit worn in places. Work has been done recently on it. One of the switches has been replaced. The old pot for the is in the photos. Everything else is original on the guitar case included there is wear and tear on the case. reasonable offers will be considered. Seller pays for shipping and insurance. Item is as is condition
... more

1986 Gibson Explorer "Shadow" Bass rare w / Piezo Pickup its 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

This was a very cool new solid body bass for Gibson between 1985-6. This 1986 Explorer ??Shadow?? Bass was an ingenius design of a cool design having no pickups actually mounted to the top having just 1 ??Piezo?? pickup placed under its bridge for some very interesting sounds perfect for any Rock & Roll Band. Its original Alpine White finish is nearly flawless having virtually no play time by its 1st owner. I think these are so damn cool & have a look of an almost futuristic bass like no... more

Gibson Explorer 1978 Ebony ALL ORIGINAL Rare

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Gibson Explorer 1978 Ebony ALL ORIGINAL Rare.
Comes with original case and an extra SKB heavy duty road case I will ship with for extra protection. So you get two cases :)
This guitar sounds like an absolute beast, the pick ups sound amazing both the bridge and neck. The neck has a beautiful Rich warm sound. The bridge pick up screams like a banshee but also has a cleaned up vintage sound. Just great all around pick ups
an overall great sounding, playing and clean guitar with no ... more

RARE ORIG 1976 Gibson Explorer Guitar Tar Back pickups Pro Description & Photos

Hellertown, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6995

I found this RARE Vintage 1976 guitar in a collection in Japan.
I am insane about owning guitars that only sound like they did originally- and this guitar has the original pick ups and pots as noted in the professional description, which you must please read prior to buying or making an offer offer!!
I was overjoyed to add this to my collection and I paid almost $9000 including international shipping, insurance, and tariffs.
My "buy it now" price is more than ... more

1977 Gibson Explorer Vintage Guitar Natural, 100% Original w / T Tops, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7000

Up for sale, a 1977 Gibson Explorer in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. From the limited nad highly sought after reintroduction of the Explorer model in the latter half of the ?70s, this example features mahogany construction, a slender neck profile carve, and a pair of T-Top humbuckers
The mahogany construction results in exceptional natural midrange warmth and fullness, and this Explorer weighs 8lbs 12oz. All three pickup ... more

1984 Gibson Explorer in rare GREENBURST

Metairie, Louisiana, 700**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7200

HOLY GUACAMOLE! What an awesome & rare AXE!80??s vintage with HUGE, Heavy original Gibson case!
This ROCK & ROLL machine will make your hair stand up (if ya still got any) and scream!
This 1984 Gibson Explorer in rare GREENBURST is a MONSTER OF ROCKand a great investment for any musician looking for an exceptional instrument.... more

1985 OG White Gibson Explorer. HETFIELD METALLICA

Bourbonnais, Illinois, 609**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

An OG 1985 Gibson Explorer. NOT the 2007 reissue or the current 80??s style Explorer both of them have the shape and controls slightly off. Exact model from James Hetfield?s ??Messengers?? book. Guitar was completely restored professionally. Paint / Frets and new Nut. Retains the original ??Dirty Finger?? pickups. Guitar is DEAD MINT and nails the look of Hetfield??s actual 1984 Gibson Explorer

Stickers are easily removable but they complete the ??look??
... more

1984 Gibson Designer Series Union Jack Explorer

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14039

Up for sale is a 1984 Gibson Designer Series Union Jack Explorer
Dang
This is a wild one. We have seen a few of these over the years years but never one this clean. Granted the instrument does have a few small nicks and dings (please see our photos for a complete cosmetic rundown) but overall it's in very good condition. As expected over the years there is some visible checking on the graphic but this is to be expected. This one has factory original dirty fingers pickups, wiring ... more

Gibson Explorer 1978 Electric Guitar Vintage Rare + Case from Lynyrd Skynyrd

Nashville, Tennessee, 372**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14500

Retro Gear Shop is a high-end boutique store located in Nashville, Tennessee
Gibson Explorer 1978
For sale is a rare vintage Gibson Explorer 1978 guitar owned by Peter Keys (member of Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Peter mentioned Rickey Medlocke had checked out and played this guitar as well. Overall we would describe this as a great playing and sounding guitar, and in very nice cosmetic condition for its age. Our in-house guitarist checked it out and has the following notes:
- Based on the ... more

1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition with original case.

Pewaukee, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14800

1976 Gibson Explorer USA Limited Edition all original from a run of about 225 guitars. (1800 guitars split into two designations- Standard and Limited edition-I understand Gibson only made 100-225 Limited Edition and like this one, with the big difference: a baseball bat sized 50's style neck. Tommy Shaw grabbed this after his guitar tech at the time Jim Johnson was changing strings for me and said ??damn this guitar has mojo??-our U2 Tribute opened up for Styx). The back of the headstock ... more

21 Gibson Collector's Edition 1958 Flying V Explorer Korina Murphy Lab PROTOTYPE

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$98000

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 2021 Gibson Murphy Lab Collector's Series 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer set. These were the final prototypes chosen to reference during production of the entire numbered series. This is different from the "Production Sample" guitars that preceded the numbered series. The COAs are labeled "Prototype" and the hang tags label them as the "Golden Reference" approved by Mat Koehler to be used as the examples to ... more

1983 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 / DESIGNER SERIES TUNER

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£85

1 tuner ONLY
* gold plating on button has wear
... more

1982 GIBSON EXPLORER CASE - Made in USA - ex HEXX

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£379

1983 GIBSON EXPLORER CASE - made in USA :
* ex - HEXX (USA)
* black tolex is worn
* has some glued on stickers
* corners are worn through
* right latch is broken
... more

1982 GIBSON LES PAUL FLYING V EXPLORER HUMBUCKER PICKUP - TIM SHAW - 8, 6 K

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€397

1982 GIBSON HUMBUCKER PICKUP - made in USA - TIM SHAW series : * no date stamp * TALL leg version=for BRIDGE position * cable is 22 cm long=cut a tad shorter * reads 8, 6 K
ATTENTION!
OVER 1000 more GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!! CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>
... more

1983 GIBSON EXPLORER CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€444

1983 GIBSON EXPLORER CASE - made in USA :
* ex - HEXX (USA)
* black tolex is worn
* has some glued on stickers
* corners are worn through
* right latch is broken
... more

1982 GIBSON LES PAUL FLYING V EXPLORER HUMBUCKER PICKUP - TIM SHAW - 8, 6 K

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€449

1982 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€498

1982 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 CASE - made in USA :
* black tolex is worn
* red interior is clean
* all latches are working fine
... more

Epiphone-Gibson Shop 1958 Korina Explorer White Pickguard

Prescot, L34***, UNITED KINGDOM

£797

Embrace the legacy of the iconic Epiphone-Gibson Explorer with this 1958 Korina model, finished in a sleek white pickguard that offers a striking visual appeal. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, this guitar features a lightweight Korina body, a rich rosewood fretboard, and a comfortable 22-fret setup, making it a dream to play for both budding and seasoned guitarists
The 2023 Explorer is designed to deliver that classic humbucking sound via its 6-string configuration and is ... more

Gibson Explorer GA-18T (1961)

London, England, E9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2055

... more

1980 Gibson Explorer II E2 - Natural

Brierley Hill, DY5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4700

5 Piece Body - Maple / WalnutEbony Fretboard24 75" Scale Length22 Frets12" RadiusGibson T-Top Humbuckers3- Way Selector SwitchGibson TunersSerial Number: 80040100Weight: 9lbs 4 7ozCondition Report:
This guitar is presented in excellent condition for its age with the kind of playwear you'd expect for a guitar this old. The frets show approximately 60% of life remaining and all electronics function as expected
What's Included:
1980 Gibson Explorer II E2 - NaturalHard Case... more

Gibson Explorer E2 1980 - 5 Schicht Walnuß / Ahorn Korpus und Hals

Stadelhofen, 96***, GERMANY

€4900

Zum Verkauf eine wunderschöne und seltene E2, produziert in Kalamazoo, MI, USA am 22 10 1980, Produktionsnummer #66
Die seltene Gibson Explorer 2, auch E2 genannt, wurde nur für 4 Jahre produziert und war als Update zur Original Explorer gedacht mit einigen Unterschieden, wie z B. der 5-Schicht Walnuss / Ahorn Korpus und Hals, und der abgekantete und profilierte Körper. Die Gitarre kommt mit 2 kräftigen originalen Gibson Dirty Finger Humbucker Pickups. Koffer ist mit dabei.
Gewicht ... more

Gibson Explorer E2 1980 5 Stück Nussbaum / Ahorn laminierter Körper, Ahornhals

Stadelhofen, 96***, GERMANY

$4900

Selling a beautiful E2 made in Kalamazoo Plant, MI, USA on October 22nd, 1980, Production Number: 66The rare E2 was only produced for four years, the Gibson Explorer II, also called the E2, was intended to serve as an update to the original Gibson Explorer. A few key differences that set the E2 apart included a five-piece maple or maple / walnut body that was contoured and sported beveled edges, as well as a few cosmetic appointments for differentiation Lightweight and two powerful original ... more

Gibson Explorer E2 Walnut 1980 Rare collector

Paris, 75***, FRANCE

€4900

I??m selling this rare collector Gibson Explorer E2 1980 Walnut
This guitare was made in USA in 1980 It??s player, that??s mean used a lot but zero broken part
All original parts accept the pups :Gibson Bustbucker pickups x2Ebony fingerboard is straight Frets are used as 50% Body and neck are made with 95% walnut et 5% maple laminated 5 layers
Incredible sound clean to crushy when play with volume knob Gibson hard case but not original E2 case
What you see is what you get ! ... more

Gibson Explorer E2 ?? Walnut ?? Baujahr 1981 ?? incl. Original Gibson Case

Gladenbach, 35***, GERMANY

€5499

Die klassische Gibson Explorer wurde ursprünglich 1958 eingeführt, war jedoch ihrer Zeit voraus und verkaufte sich zunächst schlecht. Erst in den 1970er Jahren, als Hardrock und Heavy Metal populärer wurden, stieg das Interesse an dieser radikal kantigen Gitarrenform. Gibson reagierte darauf mit der Explorer E2, die einige Designänderungen aufwies. Die Explorer E2 wurde als Premium-Variante der regulären Explorer vermarktet, mit hochwertigen Materialien und einer ergonomischeren Form ... more

Gibson Explorer II E2 1980 Natural

Prestwick, KA9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5587

Here is a 1980 Gibson Explorer with a Natural Wood finish. This model was in the late 1970s released alongside the similar V2 and F2 models, though less sculpted with a flat body, yet with an impressive natural finish. Despite its angular appearance, it is well-balanced and plays smoothly. The explorer, first designed in 1957, the Explorer, along with the Flying V and the rare Moderne, has become a collectible guitar. This particular example resides in its original rectangular hard case. Its a ... more

gibson Explorer E2 Vintage 1979 / 80

Roques , 31***, FRANCE

€7100

Gibson explorer E2 vintage original de 1979 / 1980 d??après le numéro de série et les date potentiomètre et micro
Elle est dans un excellent état, pour ne pas dire comme sortie du magasin, dans son case d??origine Gibson, et avec ses papiers gibson Norlin d??origine et facture d??époque, ce qui est extrêmement rare, une vraie pièce de collection vintage qui ne va cessé de prendre de la valeur
Micro Dirty finger d??origine électronique d??origine
Je la vends pour financer ... more

Gibson Explorer E2 1980 Maple

Le Monastère, 12***, FRANCE

€8000

I'm selling my own Gibson Explorer E2 Maple 1980
It's not the E2 CMT !
95% maple laminated 5% walnut
100% original
Tim Show pups !
Wondeful wood grain and exceptionnal mint condition
Hardshell a la Gibson not original
Tkx for readingAsk for questions Shipping worldwilde with UPS Standard assurance... more