Gibson Explorer

A space-age slab that gave hard rock rhythm players endless sustain.

The Explorer debuted alongside the Flying V with an angular Korina body aimed at the future. Its commanding low end and neck-through feel made it a secret weapon for blues-rock in the late 1960s before Metallica and other riff-heavy bands adopted it, cementing the Explorer as Gibson's most aggressive silhouette.

Introduced: 1958 (Korina body, limited production)
Signature traits: Sharp offset wings, hockey-stick headstock, dual humbuckers
Notable players: The Edge, James Hetfield, Allen Collins