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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.

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony

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

$2000

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass bass in good condition. The bass is fairly lightweight for a 80s Explorer bass, very comfortable to play.
I am the second owner of this bass which has been kept in my home (smoke-free environment). Serial # 82555563 made in Nashville, TN
Note: Prev. owner did the skull stickers which appear to simply be glued over the dot inlays.
1 ) Missing (1) volume knob
2 ) A few nicks and significant paint chipping / checking.
Techn. details:
Alder body, ... more
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1982 Gibson Explorer CMT W / HSC Cherry Sunburst Flame Maple Top

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
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Gibson Vintage Explorer Diablo Rest-O-Mod Ebony 1976 w / OHSC

Gibson Vintage Explorer Diablo Rest-O-Mod Ebony 1976 w / OHSC

Renton, Washington, 980**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7000

Vintage Gibson Explorer Diablo "Rest-O-Mod" in factory Ebony finish made in 1976 with original hard shell case. This guitar features a solid mahogany body, 1-piece mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. Upgraded with a set of Bare Knuckle Handwound custom aged black waged screws "PG Blues" Humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions, wired in phase
Controlled by 2-volume, 1-tone knobs, a 3-way toggle switch with new CTS 500k pots with aged nuts / washers to match the instruments' aged ... more
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Gibson Explorer 1984 Refinished

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
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1964 Gibson Explorer Amplifier Model GA-15 RVT

1964 Gibson Explorer Amplifier Model GA-15 RVT

Seymour, Wisconsin, 541**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

1964 Gibson Explorer Amplifier Model GA-15 RVT. Everything works on the amp. The original 10 inch speaker has been replaced. I used the amp for several years for amplified harmonica.... more
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Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer 12-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo  1967 - Black

Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer 12-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo 1967 - Black

Memphis, Tennessee, 381**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700


1967 Gibson GA-15 RVT in Excellent Condition. This guitar amplifier has been completely gone through. Over $700 has been spent by its previous owner to get this to 100% ( see photos of receipts that will be included with sale ) New tubes, reverb tank, speaker etc. Serial #A022510
Number of Channels 1
Total Power / Type Class A
Speaker / Size 1 x 10 "
Preamp Tubes 3 X 12AX7 Power Tubes 2 x EL84s
Effects- Reverb, Tremolo, EQ Treble, Bass
Footswitch- Yes
$100 Flat ... more
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Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer 12-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo  - Black

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
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1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition Vintage Guitar Natural w /

1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition Vintage Guitar Natural w / '50s Neck Carve

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

$8800

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a vintage Ibanez Destroyer hardshell case. One of a small number of '50-style Explorers produced in the latter half of the '70s, this first-year Limited Edition reissue has a notably chunky "baseball bat" C-shaped neck profile carve only seen on the earliest examples of this model
With mahogany body and neck construction and gold-plated hardware throughout, this Gibson has a... more
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Epiphone Inspired By  Gibson 1958 Explorer Korina Guitar

Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1958 Explorer Korina Guitar

Charlotte, North Carolina, 282**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

Here I have an Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1958Explorer Korina Guitar
I buy, repair and resell musical instruments. Igenerally receive shipping damaged guitars from the factory or a distributor. Ialso receive store returns or open box items
This guitar came to my shop with cracks at thenut. I placed maple splines in the neck then finished with black lacquer. Youcan see the repair in the photos. I am listing this guitar in 'very good'condition ONLY because there has been a repair. ... more
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Gibson Explorer 1978 Electric Guitar Vintage Rare + Case from Lynyrd Skynyrd

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
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1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Cream, VINTAGE

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Cream, VINTAGE

Schaumburg, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Beautiful Cream Vintage 1985 Gibson Explorer Bass. Good condition. Plays and sounds great. Original owner. Made in the USA. SN 83554579. Purchased in 9 / 3 / 85. All original components. Some nicks, paint chip, scrape, checking. Always kept in temperature controlled environment. Rare item. Looks and sounds awesome on stage.... more
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1983 Gibson Explorer Natural

1983 Gibson Explorer Natural

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

$3500

Very good condition 1983 Gibson Explorer in natural. All original aside from the Seymour Duncan pickups. Factory trem arm. A few scratches from play as pictured. I also believe the neck has been sanded a bit as you can see from the color difference between the back of the neck and the body. Thisbe thing is a ripper and takes high gain super well. One of the best feeling neck pickups I??ve felt in an explorer. Large epiphone had shell case included. Willing to ship or drive a reasonable distance ... more
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1983 Gibson Explorer Blue Sparkle

1983 Gibson Explorer Blue Sparkle

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

$3200

Excellent condition Gibson 1983 Explorer in Sparkle Blue. All original outside of the professional respray and changed out pickup selector switch. No breaks. Frets have plenty of life. Very little signs of use outside of a few surface level nicks. Tuners, input, and electronics all work perfectly. Originals pickups sound super mean and full. NIce smooth c shape neck. Light to medium light weight. Neck is nice and straight. Never gigged, and kept in a smoke free pet free studio for recording ... more
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Gibson GA-18 Explorer 1x10 Tube Amplifier with tremolo 1950s 1960s

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

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
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1958 Specs. Figured Korina Explorer Replica.  Kluson USA & Gibson Les Paul Parts

1958 Specs. Figured Korina Explorer Replica. Kluson USA & Gibson Les Paul Parts

Jasper, Alabama, 355**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

1958 Specs. Figured Black Korina (Limba) Explorer Replica
This auction is for a 58 Specs. Figured, Black Korina (Limba) Explorer Replica that I am currently building and should have finished by end of March or mid April  
The reason for the continued delay is I'm recovering from Bell's Palsy, which is facial paralysis to one side of the face. It's been just over a month and I'm finally able to talk more clearly, still It's been fairly rough, and is a very slow recovery
Anyway, ... more
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Vintage Gibson GA-15RVT Explorer Combo Amp - N

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
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Gibson Melody Maker Explorer Guitar

Gibson Melody Maker Explorer Guitar

Kelso, TD5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£800

Gibson Melody Maker Explorer Guitar.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GUITAR IS CASH ON COLLECTION ONLY, I WILL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHIP THE GUITAR. THANK YOU


Hello,

You are looking at my 2011 Gibson Melody Maker Explorer guitar, it??s in ok condition, but has a few dings, scratches and marks all over the satin black paint. The worst paint loss is mainly on the pointy edges and there are lines in the paint where the body wood is joined a bit of crackled paint ... more
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Gibson Explorer 1985 Designer Serie Kahler

Gibson Explorer 1985 Designer Serie Kahler

Paris, 75***, FRANCE

€3500

I'm selling this beauty ! 100% original parts Amazing sound !!!
2 dirtyfingers pickupswith kahler. Whammy bar in the case
Black hardware on rare Designer Serie with matching headstock Not pickguard model It's a player, many things to check on HD pics
Very used hardshellOther countries, ask me Shipping on UPS Standard with assurance
... more
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Gibson Guitar bass SG Explorer Flying es les Paul eb grabber Thunderbird firebir

Gibson Guitar bass SG Explorer Flying es les Paul eb grabber Thunderbird firebir

ITALIA / ITALY, ITALY

€30

ALTRI LIBRI, CATALOGHI SU
STRUMENTI MUSICALI (GIBSON, EKO, MEAZZI, DAVOLI, FARFISA, FENDER .) - CHITARRE - ORGANI E TASTIERE - BATTERIA - AMPLIFICATORE -
NELLE MIE ASTE!!!!
Gibson
98 pag, A4
Tutte con splendide fotografie e dettagli di chitarre anni 50 60 70 80. Tutto a colori!
Anno 2010 / 2020 circa (non è riportato)
Guida alla produzione chitarre e bassi elettrici, Formato rivista
All'interno
La storia il marchio dalle origini ai giorni nostri les Paul la ... more
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Gibson Explorer E2 1980 - 5 Schicht Walnuß / Ahorn Korpus und Hals

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

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
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1986 Gibson Explorer Basshülle - Made in USA

1986 Gibson Explorer Basshülle - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£444

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

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€179

1 cover ONLY
... more
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1979 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 CASE - made in USA

1979 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€295

1979 GIBSON EXPLORER E 2 CASE - made in USA :
* black tolex has some rips
* ends are worn
* red interior has light wear
* 1 foot on side is missing
* parts are rusty
* BOTH SIDE LATCHES are missing=ONLY center latch is present
* seam on back has a light crack=check pic 9
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
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gibson explorer limited edition 1976

gibson explorer limited edition 1976

Vernier, 1***, SWITZERLAND

€7500

Gibson explorer limited edition 1976... more
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