The Gibson Explorer Legacy
I was poking around Wikipedia this afternoon and came across the entry for the famed Gibson Explorer. It made it’s debut way back in 1958 when it was originally dubbed the “Futura”. It offered a radical, “futuristic” body design, much like its sibling, the Flying V. Its initial run was unsuccessful and it was discontinued in 1959. In 1975, Gibson began reissuing the Explorer after other guitar companies had success selling similar designs.
Although this design was a little ahead of it’s time in 1958, it has gone on to become one of the most recognizable designs for electric guitars. In addition, it’s been popular with major artists including Eric Clapton, Paul Stanley (Kiss), Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd), The Edge (U2) and Bob Mould.
Beyond Gibson original model, redubbed the X-plorer in 2002, several other companies have jumped in with their own version of this legendary style. One of the first models to copy the Explorer style was Hamer’s Z Standard model, unveiled in 1974. When the Jackson company offered up their version, called the Jackson Kelly, it resulted in a lawsuit with Gibson. Similar models were also offered by Ibanez (Destroyer), ESP(EX Series) and Gibson own subsidary, Epiphone (Explorer).
One of the most famous pictures of an Explorer-style guitar is on the cover of Van Halen’s “Women And Children First” which features an Ibanez Destroyer made from Korina wood and has no tremelo. Eddie loved the sound of this guitar and used it on several non-tremelo tracks from the first three albums including “You Really Got Me” and “Jamie’s Cryin’”.