For sale is a 1991 Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue, made in the USA and finished in classic Vintage Sunburst.

This is a genuine early-1990s American Explorer that has been modified with a clear focus on heavier, more modern playing. The core construction remains classic Gibson - mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and the unmistakable Explorer ’76 Reissue shape.

The main modifications are a Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion / SH-2n Jazz pickup set, a Floyd Rose FRX tremolo system, and an additional coil-split switch.

The guitar comes with its original Gibson USA hardshell case.

Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion / SH-2n Jazz

The original pickups have been replaced with a very well-matched Seymour Duncan set:

• Bridge - Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion Trembucker
• Neck - Seymour Duncan SH-2n Jazz

The TB-6 Distortion is the Trembucker-spaced version of the classic Duncan Distortion, designed for the wider string spacing typically found with tremolo systems. It delivers high output, fast attack, tight low end and plenty of aggression for hard rock and metal.

The neck position is fitted with an SH-2n Jazz, which is more open and articulate. It stays clear under gain and also works very well for cleaner sounds.

Together they give the guitar a strong contrast between an aggressive bridge pickup and a much more articulate, versatile neck pickup.

Floyd Rose FRX - full Floyd functionality without routing the body

One of the most interesting modifications on this Explorer is the Floyd Rose FRX system.

The FRX was specifically designed for guitars originally equipped with a traditional Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar setup, including Gibson Explorer, Flying V, SG and Les Paul models.

Unlike a traditional Floyd Rose installation, which usually requires substantial routing of the body for the tremolo block and rear spring cavity, the FRX is surface-mounted and does not require routing the guitar body.

It uses the factory mounting points from the original Tune-O-Matic and Stopbar hardware, while the spring mechanism is located on top of the guitar. This means there is no traditional rear spring cavity cut into the body.

That is particularly important on a vintage Gibson from 1991 - the body has not been routed for a conventional Floyd Rose, so the basic structure of the instrument has been preserved.

At the headstock, the FRX uses its dedicated locking system positioned behind the existing nut. It does not require the kind of shelf routing normally associated with a traditional Floyd Rose locking nut.

In practical terms, the FRX provides the features expected from a full locking tremolo system:

• String locking
• Fine tuners
• Upward and downward pitch movement
• Excellent tuning stability under heavy tremolo use

At the same time, it is a far less invasive solution than installing a traditional routed Floyd Rose into an early-1990s Gibson.

The tremolo arm is included.

Coil split

The control layout has also been modified.

One of the original Volume controls was removed and replaced with a coil-split switch.

The current control layout is:

• 1 x Volume
• 1 x Tone
• 3-way pickup selector
• Coil-split switch

This adds brighter, more open sounds alongside the full humbucker tones.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Gibson
• Model: Explorer ’76 Reissue
• Year: 1991
• Made in USA
• Finish: Vintage Sunburst
• Mahogany body
• Mahogany neck
• Set-neck construction
• Rosewood fingerboard
• 22 frets
• Dot position markers
• 24.75" scale length
• Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion Trembucker
• Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan SH-2n Jazz
• 1 x Volume
• 1 x Tone
• 3-way pickup selector
• Coil split
• Floyd Rose FRX
• FRX locking system at the nut
• Fine tuners
• Grover tuners
• Tremolo arm included

Condition

The guitar is in good vintage condition, appropriate for an instrument made in 1991.

There are natural signs of more than three decades of use, including surface scratches, small marks and areas of finish wear. All of these are clearly shown in the photos.

One especially characteristic detail is the natural finish checking on the headstock, with similar age-related lacquer checking visible in places on the neck.

This is not a collector-grade Explorer in factory-original configuration. It is a real early-1990s Gibson built to be played, with a focused and functional set of modifications.

Importantly, despite having a full locking tremolo system, the use of the FRX means that the body has not been routed for a conventional Floyd Rose.

Included

• Original Gibson USA hardshell case
• Floyd Rose FRX tremolo arm

The original large rectangular Gibson case features the classic brown exterior and pink plush interior associated with the period.

This is a very interesting option for someone looking for an early-1990s USA Gibson Explorer that is already set up for serious playing rather than display use. The TB-6, SH-2n, coil split and Floyd Rose FRX make it particularly well suited to hard rock and metal while preserving the original construction of the Gibson body.

• 14-day return policy.
• Safe, professionally packed worldwide courier shipping.
• Local pickup available in Łódź, Poland.
• VAT invoice.
• No trades.

More photos, better deals and vintage Japanese guitars:

Instagram: @mozartguitars.pl

Facebook: Mozart Guitars