Epiphone Explorer ('58 Style Reissue) | 2005 - Black Gloss

Built at the well-regarded Unsung factory in Korea, this Explorer has had its electronics reworked with a purposeful upgrade: a hot-rodded DiMarzio USA open-coil humbucker in the bridge for extra bite, clarity, and output, paired with the original factory-issue enclosed chrome-covered humbucker in the neck for smoother, warmer vintage lead tones. The control layout has been simplified to master volume and master tone, with the 3-way toggle relocated from the pickguard to the original first volume pot position — a replacement scratch plate accommodates the new layout.

Underneath the gloss Ebony finish sits a resonant mahogany body with maple veneer and a set mahogany neck in a SlimTaper "D" profile, 24.75" scale, rosewood fretboard with pearloid dot inlays, and 22 medium jumbo frets. Hardware includes a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece and upgraded locking Grover die-cast tuners, all in chrome.

Condition is honest player's wear consistent with its age: normal surface scratching across the body, some small nicks and dents on the lower face, scuffing along the bottom edge, typical buckle rash and a few small nicks and dents on the back, and minor scuffs on the headstock. Mechanically and structurally it's excellent — the neck shows almost no wear, the frets are entirely free of fretwear, and the updated locking tuners and modified electronics all function perfectly.

Come play it in person at our Sydney shop, or we'll ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia — get in touch for a quote.

Features

• Brand/model: Epiphone Explorer ('58 Style Reissue)
• Year: October 2005
• Country of origin: South Korea (Unsung plant)
• Finish: Gloss Ebony (solid black)
• Body: Mahogany with maple veneer
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck construction, SlimTaper "D" profile
• Fretboard: Rosewood, pearloid dot inlays
• Frets: 22 medium jumbo
• Scale length: 24.75" (628mm)
• Nut width: 1.68"
• Bridge pickup: DiMarzio humbucker, made in USA, open-coil
• Neck pickup: Original factory-issue vintage-voiced humbucker, enclosed chrome cover
• Controls: Master volume, master tone, 3-way toggle (relocated to first volume position)
• Bridge/tailpiece: LockTone Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece, chrome hardware
• Tuners: Upgraded locking Grover die-cast tuners
• Pickguard: Replacement scratch plate
• Weight: 3.9kg
• Case: OHSC, included
• Condition: Honest player's wear, structurally and mechanically excellent, no fretwear