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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.

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.
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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
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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

Gibson GA-18 Explorer 1x10 Tube Amplifier with tremolo 1950s 1960s

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1750

Beautiful amp in nice shape for its age. Sounds amazing. Tremolo is awesome. Tweed Is clean and smooth with some stains on bottom. Even those feel smooth. Original p10r speaker sounds great. original transformers. Vintage tubes. Just gone through and functioning perfectly with tone that is killer. three prong chord added. the silk screening on faceplate that tells you what control is which is gone but it??s pretty simple To figure out. Original footswitch was long gone and was bypassed. Rare ... more

Gibson GA-18 Explorer 1x10 Tube Amplifier with tremolo 1950s 1960s

Brooklyn, Connecticut, 062**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

Outstanding example of a gibson tweed! Dead quiet with zero issues. Wood pedal for tremolo looks cool as heck.
I currently have a weber speaker in there, but you can choose the original jensen if you want. I don't really hear a difference between them, I was just scared of blowing out the original one. I had a tech install a 3 prong cable as well. Local pickup in Brooklyn, CT only.... more

Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer Combo Amp - N

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

Item: Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer Combo Amp!
Description: You are purchasing a Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer Combo Amp. Killer amp of increasing desirability in great shape for its age. Missing the original Gibson logo as well a few original knobs, but this example has been serviced at some point as denoted by the 3 prong. Please inquire with any questions you may have prior to purchase
Shipping: $125 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas ... 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

Vintage 1980s Gibson warranty Card Explorer

Staten Island, New York, 103**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Vintage 1980s Gibson warranty Card Explorer Please look at pictures and feel free to ask any questions Please look at my other listings for more vintage warranty cards Thanks... more

1985 Gibson Explorer Black w / Sustainiac! w / OHSC

New Egypt, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

1985 Gibson Explorer! Made in the USA. Gloss Black finish on classic Mahogany body. Set Maple neck, topped with a 22-fret Rosewood board with dot inlays. Chrome hardware, including Kahler trem. Pickups have been changed to a Seymour Duncan Screamin Demon in the bridge and a Sustainiac in the neck. Luckily the guitar has the triangle knob set-up with the large cavity, so not much modification was done to the body to facilitate the system. The only thing that had to be done was two screw holes on ... more

1983 Gibson Heritage Series Explorer Korina Guitar W / OHSC-Awesome!!!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14999

This listing is for a
1983 Gibson Heritage Series Explorer Korina Guitar W / OHSC
Just in is an incredible SET of 1983 Gibson Heritage Korina guitars. We also have the Flying V and the Moderne
This is the Korina Explorer
All original and excellent condition. If a nicer example exists out there somewhere, I'd like to see it:)
This guitar, as the others, was collector owned and is in excellent condition
Take a look at the pictures, they don't lie
The neck is awesome and it... more

1976 Gibson Explorer w / OHSC

New Carlisle, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

1976 Gibson Explorer with OHSC Original finish, pick guard, selector switch, some finish cracks on back side of machine head. new CTS 500K pots and .022 orange drop cap, brand new Gibson ABR-1 bridge, the pick guard, selector switch the bridge post and thumb wheels and stop bar are original, Dragonfire Alnico 5 VINTAGE BUCKERS, I put a set of Kluson 70's vintage 6 on a plate tuners on it that are like the original $4, 500. obo
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Hamer Standard Explorer Electric Guitar w / Vintage Gibson Hard Case Great!

Hicksville, New York, 118**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Hamer Standard Explorer Korina Electric Guitar w / Gibson Hard Case Great!
Hey there! You are looking at a Hamer Standard Explorer Electric Guitar. This is a very cool looking guitar with Hamers unique body style! The guitar is very solid choice for any player or collector and is so much fun to play!
This guitar is in good condition being very clean and having only minimal signs of wear. Recently the guitar has been restrung, had its frets cleaned, and professionally setup. We have tested... 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
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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

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
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OLD VINTAGE GIBSON EXPLORER E2 ELECTRIC GUITAR & ORIGINAL CASE S# 808010085 E II

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Visit My eBay Store: ONE FOR FUN NOW
OLD VINTAGE GIBSON EXPLORER E2 ELECTRIC GUITAR & ORIGINAL CASE S# 808010085 E II
AWESOME VINTAGE RARE MODEL GOBSON EXPLORER E2 IN ORIGINAL HARD-SHELL CASE WITH 1 KEY
GREAT CONDITION, STRAIGHT NECK, LOW ACTION
JACK HAS A LITTLE STATIC, WILL PROBABLY NEED NEW JACK PUT IN, I WILL INCLUDE WITH GUITAR, WIRES WERE JUST TOO SHORT FOR ME TO DO IT
Shipping and Handling WITH DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.
WILL SHIP IN BRAND NEW GUITAR BOX TO PROTECT... more

1985 Gibson Explorer Designer Series Guitar in Ebony W / Graphic-OHSC

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

This listing is for a
1985 Gibson Explorer Designer Series Guitar in Ebony W / Graphic-OHSC
8 2 lbs
Maybe its just me, but I think these Designer Series Gibsons from the 80's are quite awesome
This one is all original with a factory Kahler trem and the much sought after Dirty Finger pickups
The guitar is in very good+ vintage condition. There are some tiny instances of finish checking here and there that you can see in the pics, but nothing major. Some slight marks here and ... more

1982 Gibson Explorer E2 sunburst flametop beautiful

Casselberry, Florida, 327**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

Very good to excellent condition. Rare guitar. Original case. I believe the Kahler has been added. EMG PICKUPS. EBONY BOARD. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this could be your guitar!... 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

1983 Gibson Explorer with MODS

Lawrenceville, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

This explorer is in great shape for 41 years of service. Modeled after James Hetfield's 1984 explorer, it has the 81 / 85 active EMG's. The pick guard was my own personal touch and is hand-made from the actual diamond plate. Not the flimsy stuff from Home Depot. I also have the original Kahler bridge that this came from the factor with. I installed the hard tail for a more customized look
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Genuine 1984 Gibson USA Explorer w / original case Metallica Project Build EMG 81

Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

Comes as seenGenuine vintage Gibson Guitar1984 - Serial # 83194519includes original case - case shows some wear and is missing the handleoriginal Grover Mini Rotomatic tunersoriginal bridge and tailpiece (bridge is dipping a bit from tension)the EMG 81 / 85 pickups were in it when I got it - I believe they were original - they are era correctoriginal pickup ringsoriginal NutEbony Fretboard, tiny chip at end of boardMissing electronics and knobshas been refinished black as seen, finish removed on... more

1985 Gibson Explorer Ebony

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

Good condition 1985 Gibson Explorer in a black refin. Seems like a home paint job judging by the way it is fading etc. No breaks. It seems as though this guitar has been through a few different pickup routings, as pictured. Currently, the guitars sits with the original Explorer pickups. Controls have been wired to run as a simple pickup selector, volume, and tone. Bridge and tailpiece seem to be replaced as well. The entire guitar has a good amount of wear, dings, and scratches. Some lighter ... more

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer Aged Nat Gui (LP1115907)

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

$1700

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1979 Gibson Explorer

Redwood City, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

The Gibson Explorer is one of the most recognizable and iconic guitars of all time. The Edge, Ace Frehley, BOTH James Hetfield AND Kirk Hammett and so many more have used Explorers to create some the greatest rock music of our time. Though they are now beloved legends of the guitar world, they weren??t always so popular
DEPARATE TIMES: The story of the Explorer begins in the early fifties, years before they were put into production. In 1951, Leo Fender introduced the Telecaster, the guitar... more

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

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 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

1985 USA GIBSON EXPLORER - Kahler Bridge

London, SW16***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1850

1985 USA Explorer?? doesn??t get much better! Same year and line as the Hetfield explorers back in the day. Kahler bridge for the bombs! Love this guitar so much and sounds incredible! Sadly doesn??t get used anymore so it needs playing! It has got some chips and dings which for me make it look awesome for that relic feel and definitely tells a tale of its history, none effect playing. Comes with original hard case.... more

Gibson Explorer GA-18T (1961)

London, England, E9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2055

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Gibson Explorer II E2 1980 Natural

Prestwick, KA9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5500

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

1982 GIBSON FF 82 FLYING V / EXPLORER TRUSS ROD COVER USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€179

1 cover ONLY
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1986 GIBSON EXPLORER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€499

1986 GIBSON EXPLORER BASS CASE - made in USA :
* tolex is worn, has a lot of rips
* blue interior has wear & some yellow-ish stains
* 2 new handles were added
* middle latch is missing the hinge
* hinges on back are rusty
* very hard to find !
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Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer Aged Natural

Lymington, SO41***, UNITED KINGDOM

£850

PURCHASED NEW BY ME EARLIER THIS YEAR FROM PEACH GUITARS
A FULL PLEK SETUP WAS ALSO CARRIED OUT BY THEM ON THIS GUITAR
ONLU SELLING AS I HAVE DECIDED THE BODY SHAPE IS NOT FOR ME
GREAT GUITAR THOUGH AND DEFINITELY A1 QUALITY
INCLUDES ORIGINAL PURCHASE RECEIPT, HARD CASE AND CASE CANDY
ALSO FITTED WITH CUSTOM PICKGUARD AND CONTROL PLATE ORIGINAL ONES ALSO INCLUDED CURRENTLY STRUNG WITH 12 / 52 ELIXIR STRINGS
Made in partnership with the Gibson?? Custom Shop, the 1958 ... more

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€449

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€397

Gibson Explorer Melody Maker Limited Run

Gelsenkirchen, 45***, GERMANY

€750

Gibson Explorer Melody Maker, in limitierter Auflage
Diese Gibson Explorer ist aus dem Jahr 2011.
Ein rares Modell mit Potenzial für Wertsteigerung
Der Start-Preis liegt deutlich unter dem Preis zu dem diese Gitarre derzeit gehandelt wird
Es gibt ein Paar kleine Gebrauchsspuren, Druckstellen, eine kleine Bohrung rechts unter dem Pickguard.
Sie wurde meist in dem originalen, gut gepolsterten Gigbag von Gibson aufbewahrt.
Die Bünde sind nicht zu beanstanden, sehr gut ... more

1986 Gibson Explorer Bass Case - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£444

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