1986 Gibson Explorer XLP Custom Shop

[jack butler]

I bought this guitar in 1989 for $330.00 on consignment. It was at a Mom and Pop type store that I spent a lot of my time at. They let me put it on layaway it took me all summer to pay it off. I was 13 so doing odd jobs and allowance were my only source of income. It's been in storage since about 1998. I would take it now and then, but it needs a refret badly. It originally had Dirty Fingers in it. I'm not sure about the EMG's, really have to get back in playable condition to decide. This guitar brings back a lot good memories, so I thought I'd share some pic's. It originally had Grover tuners, but the gears broke in a few of them, so they've been replaced with Spertzel's. Can't tell what wood the top is, maybe lightly figured maple. It's about 1/4'' thick and is one piece, not book matched any idea's?

 

[headlessdeadguy]

Nice! I have 2 single cut Les Paul Xpls. Love em!

 

[Marshall Law]

that guitar is a 1985 not an 86

 

[Frolid]

Bitchin axe man! that thing's beautiful!

 

[jack butler]

that guitar is a 1985 not an 86

How can you tell? I couldn't find the serial# break down for the Custom Shop guitars of the 80's.

 

[Marshall Law]

that guitar is a 1985 not an 86

How can you tell? I couldn't find the serial# break down for the Custom Shop guitars of the 80's.

I don't believe they used a special Custom shop serial number,thats why it is stamped custom shop, they just used the 8 digit number that they have used since 1977, the first and fifth digit is the year, 2nd 3rd and 4th specify month and day it was built
and the last three digits was where it was built,and rank of guitar built that day, 1984 was the last of the Kalamazoo numbers 001-499, 500 to 999 are Nashville, does this confuse you enough

 

[jack butler]

that guitar is a 1985 not an 86

How can you tell? I couldn't find the serial# break down for the Custom Shop guitars of the 80's.

I don't believe they used a special Custom shop serial number,thats why it is stamped custom shop, they just used the 8 digit number that they have used since 1977, the first and fifth digit is the year, 2nd 3rd and 4th specify month and day it was built
and the last three digits was where it was built,and rank of guitar built that day, 1984 was the last of the Kalamazoo numbers 001-499, 500 to 999 are Nashville, does this confuse you enough

Cool, Thanks

 

[Marshall Law]

that guitar is a 1985 not an 86

How can you tell? I couldn't find the serial# break down for the Custom Shop guitars of the 80's.

I don't believe they used a special Custom shop serial number,thats why it is stamped custom shop, they just used the 8 digit number that they have used since 1977, the first and fifth digit is the year, 2nd 3rd and 4th specify month and day it was built
and the last three digits was where it was built,and rank of guitar built that day, 1984 was the last of the Kalamazoo numbers 001-499, 500 to 999 are Nashville, does this confuse you enough

Cool, Thanks[/quote]



right on, now your guitar is a year older, cool huh