Electric Soul presents a Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue, commonly known simply as the Standard model. This example comes in the classic and only proper color – black and was made in 1993, making it a more than thirty-year-old classic and an undisputed icon of heavy music.

The early 1990s, the first phase of the Juszkiewicz era, is a highly regarded period in Gibson’s history. After the experimental Norlin years, tradition returned to the catalog in its best form. Models from this period are well liked, sought after, and hold their value. Excellent specifications and the now-legendary brown-and-pink cases with shrouds are trademarks of that era, which many Gibson fans remember with great fondness.

With its aggressive specification, the Explorer has been one of the gold standards of metal guitar playing for decades. A mahogany body and powerful 500T/496R pickups remain, despite the passage of time and countless new developments, a simple but highly effective recipe for the perfect metal guitar. On top of that, there is the unique appearance of its angular, futuristic body shape, guaranteeing a striking stage presence.

The guitar is fully functional and remains in original condition. The pots, pickups, frets, and hardware are all original. The frets have had a light level and polish and are in excellent condition, requiring no further work. The guitar clearly did not spend its life in a case, so it shows plenty of dings, scratches, wear marks, and the typical signs of aging associated with a nitrocellulose finish, including checking and finish flaking. However, it has never suffered any breaks or cracks in the wood. All of this adds character and authenticity. If you appreciate a natural relic look, you will love it.

The case has a damaged combination lock and a replacement handle made from rope, but it still performs its function perfectly well and has value in its own right.

Highly recommended. An Explorer from this year is a rare find on the used market. It is even more affordable than the current production models available in stores, while already having achieved legendary status. Definitely worth considering.