Explorer guys, how would you describe one vs a LP ?

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moltisanti

moltisanti

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I've owned several LPs over the years, and while i always loved the tone i just can't get on with them to play live.

so how does an Explorer compare to a LP in terms of playability, tone, vibe ?
 
Really comfortable standing up or sitting down I find. Without the Maple cap of the LP I think my explorer sounds bigger, less focused in the mids if that makes sense, just fills out a lot of the tonal spectrum.

I love them to bits, but a nice LP is still a close second!

Luke
 
I got a Bill Kelliher Explorer and a 2010 LP Traditional, love em both but if I had keep only one it would be the explorer just way more comfortable and the control set up is simple which I like!! That being said I'm keeping and playing both for the rest of my life and then they'll go to my Sons!!
 
Equally as difficult to get to the 19th fret and above!!! Love them both but hate having to adjudg my hand positioning halfway through leads.

With that said, they are 2 of my favorite guitars.
 
LeftyCatton":usffax8t said:
Really comfortable standing up or sitting down I find. Without the Maple cap of the LP I think my explorer sounds bigger, less focused in the mids if that makes sense, just fills out a lot of the tonal spectrum.

Luke
Click to expand...

Agree .... I think all the Gibsons play kind of similar. In general a LP has more midrange & a bit warmer - because of the maple top.
 
Very comfortable / balanced...Big and thick sounding tone...Very manageable top end...Marries well with brighter / hot pick-ups...Including actives...neck is conformable and a touch faster than many Les Pauls.
 
thanks guys that's what i was looking for, on the gibson side what are the ones to go for/avoid ?
 
As stated. Despite the shape, they are very comfortable to play sitting or standing. I find the upper fret access to be easier on the explorer. Generally like the frets better. Aristocat has played mine extensively but usually plays an LP. He says after he plays it he feels like he has "wrestled a bear". I never met an LP I could play. the explorer just fits. Your mileage may vary. With all things Gibson, try before you buy.
 
As Threadkiller posted "Your mileage may vary. With all things Gibson, try before you buy." My explorer is really comfortable and it's easy to switch from a LP to the Explorer as the neck is very similar. My '04 is amazing and the build quality is pretty spot on (it's a good one). The only thing I don't care for is it has no binding on the fretboard. I do prefer that on the LP necks. Good luck they are killer guitars.
 
Get one of the Gibson Explorer Pro's. It's a 90% body which makes it just the right size.

Here's the difference.
The standard size is in the back, Pro in the front.
Explorer%20Pro%20vs%20Regular.jpg


Love it. Slim taper neck, nice and light. They pop up around the forum and on ebay at times. Grab one if you can.
This one is mine. Got EMG 81/85 pups now.

2002 Gibson Explorer Pro basically in unplayed, mint condition with the case and candy. This is not one of the GOTW or 2007 series guitars. Supposedly 1 of 200 made for 2002 yr.

1 piece mahogany body, two piece AA top.

BODY
Top Species: AA Maple
Back Species: Mahogany
Binding: Single-ply top

NECK
Species: Mahogany
Profile: Rounded
Peghead Pitch: 14°
Thickness at 1st fret: 0.800"
Thickness at 12th fret: 0.850"
Heel Length: 0.625"
Neck Joint Location: 19th fret

FINGERBOARD
Species: Ebony
Scale length: 24-3/4"
Total Length: 18.137"
Nut Width: 1-11/16"
Width at 12th fret: 2.062"
Frets: 22
Inlays: Pearl Block
Binding: Single-ply

HARDWARE
Plating Finish: Chrome
Bridge: Tune-o-matic
Tailpiece: Stopbar
Knobs: Black Top Hat
Tuners: Grover

ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup: 496R ceramic magnet humbucker
Bridge Pickup: 500T ceramic magnet humbucker
Controls: Two volume, one tone, three-way switch

CASE
Exterior: Brown Hardshell
Interior: Hot Pink Plush with Pink Shroud
Silkscreen: Gold 'Gibson USA' logo

Explorer1.JPG

Explorer2.JPG

Explorer5.JPG

Explorer3.JPG

Explorer4.JPG

Explorer8.JPG


Don't forget about the Hamer Explorers, great guitars.
 
i saw one of the Explorer Pros a few years ago in a shop and i liked it then, if i do pull the trigger i will definitely check one out if i can
 
Much like Les Pauls, there's no definitive Explorer tone...although a "good" one should have a fat, warm, round humbucker tone. Much like a Flying V, they are simply a Les Paul derivative...functionally they all cover similar ground. Try before you buy...if it plays well and sounds good, chances are it is good.
 
Ive played les pauls my whole life and recently scored a 84 explorer. I think the feel is very comfortable and easier to play up high past the 17th fret. I also notice that with the selector switch on the bottom bout I dont have to worry about hitting it when I play or do any type of tapping. I find myself playing it more and more over the 4 lp's I have. All in all, I think its just a pointy les paul if that makes sense lol.
 
angelspade":1s17erlt said:
Very comfortable / balanced...Big and thick sounding tone...Very manageable top end...Marries well with brighter / hot pick-ups...Including actives...neck is conformable and a touch faster than many Les Pauls.
Click to expand...

This is spot-on. :thumbsup:

Also, I think the upper fret access is awesome. No probs here.
 
What pickup do you guys recommend for an Explorer? I'm about to put a Custom Custom in mine in the bridge. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
 
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