For Sale: 1997 Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue – Classic White | Original Case | Vintage Patina

Up for sale is a 1997 Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue in Classic White, complete with the original Gibson hard-shell case. This guitar has been played and broken in over the years, giving it excellent vintage character and authentic aging that Explorer fans love.

The white finish has naturally aged to a yellowed/cream “Randy Rhoads” look, and the guitar shows honest play wear along with finish checking throughout — the kind of natural aging that’s difficult to replicate.

Condition

Very Good

• Scratches and dings throughout from normal play
• Finish checking across the entire guitar
• Finish checking along the seam where the fingerboard meets the neck (common on aged white Gibsons)
• White finish has aged beautifully to a yellow/cream patina
• No cracks, repairs, or structural issues
• Neck is straight and stable
• Frets are in excellent playing condition
• Professionally set up and plays fantastic with no buzzing or dead spots

Everything on the guitar is 100% original.

Specifications

• Model: Explorer ’76 Reissue
• Year: 1997
• Serial Number: 90597708
• Finish: Classic White (naturally aged)
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, Slim ’60s profile
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Nut Width: 1.69"
• Neck Depth: .80" (1st fret), .86" (12th fret)
• Pickups:
• • Bridge: Gibson 500T
  • Neck: Gibson 496R
• Electronics: Original
• Case: Original Gibson hard-shell case included

Tone & Playability

This Explorer is built for high-output rock and metal. The 496R/500T pickup set delivers tight lows, aggressive mids, and cutting highs, while the ebony fingerboard and slim ’60s neck provide a fast, smooth feel that’s perfect for shredding.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly highlight the wear and finish checking. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so they arrive safely.

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This 1997 Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue is a killer player with real vintage vibe, natural aging, and the aggressive tone Explorers are known for.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006