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The Gibson Explorer

Electric Guitar
First released: 1958
Produced in: Kalamazoo, MI


The Gibson Explorer is a type of electric guitar model by Gibson guitars, released in 1958. The Explorer offered a radical, “futuristic” body design, much like its siblings: the Flying V, which was released the same year, and the Moderne, which was designed in 1957 but not released until 1982. The Explorer was the final development of a prototype design that, years later, Gibson marketed under the name Futura.

James Hetfield of Metallica performs with a Gibson Explorer. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

The Explorer’s initial run was unsuccessful, and the model was discontinued in 1963. In 1976, Gibson began reissuing the Explorer after competitor Hamer Guitars had success selling similar designs. The Explorer became especially popular among the hard rock and heavy metal musicians of the 1970s and 1980s.


Songs that feature the sounds of the Explorer in KORD


Irish musician and songwriter, the Edge, born David Howell Evans and lead guitarist for U2, performs onstage at the Grand Circus Theatre, aka the Detroit Opera House, during their War Tour, on May 20, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)

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