For sale is my Gibson Explorer Vampire Blood Moon Limited Edition from 2011, made in the USA and produced in a very limited run of only 400 guitars. This is one of the more unusual factory Explorer variations Gibson released in the modern era. Rather than simply applying a special finish to a standard Explorer, Gibson gave the Vampire Blood Moon its own construction, electronics and hardware specification. The body is made from chambered swamp ash rather than the mahogany normally associated with the Explorer, paired with a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets and the distinctive red Blood Drop inlays. The neck uses Gibson's Fast Explorer profile, while the 24.75" scale and 12" fingerboard radius keep the familiar Gibson feel. One of the defining features of this model is the factory Juju / Grain Textured Satin finish. Gibson first applied a dark base to the ash and then worked a red grain filler into the open pores of the wood, leaving the red colour visible throughout the natural grain pattern. The result is the black and blood-red appearance visible in the photos, with the grain itself becoming part of the visual design rather than being hidden beneath an opaque finish. The guitar is equipped with the original pair of Gibson GEM active humbuckers. These were Gibson's own high-output active pickups, using Alnico II magnets and designed to provide a powerful output while retaining clarity and definition. The electronics are powered by a 9V battery housed in a separate rear compartment, with individual Volume controls for each pickup, a shared Master Tone and a 3-way Switchcraft selector with the characteristic red tip. Another major feature is the factory Schaller double-locking tremolo system with locking nut. This was part of the original Vampire Blood Moon specification and gives the guitar a very different character from a conventional fixed-bridge Explorer. The original black Mini-Grover tuners, black hardware, black Top Hat knobs with red numbering, red Gibson logo and matching red fingerboard inlays complete the factory black-and-red theme.

  • model: Gibson Explorer Vampire Blood Moon Limited Edition
  • model code: DSVP
  • year: 2011
  • Made in USA
  • limited production: 400 guitars
  • body: chambered swamp ash
  • finish: Juju / Grain Textured Satin
  • nitrocellulose finish
  • mahogany neck
  • set-neck construction
  • mortise and tenon neck joint
  • Fast Explorer neck profile
  • rosewood fingerboard
  • 12" fingerboard radius
  • 22 medium-jumbo frets
  • red Blood Drop inlays
  • 24.75" scale
  • Schaller locking nut
  • Schaller double-locking tremolo
  • Mini-Grover 14:1 tuners
  • black hardware
  • Gibson GEM Active neck humbucker
  • Gibson GEM Active bridge humbucker
  • Alnico II magnets
  • 2x Volume
  • 1x Master Tone
  • 3-way Switchcraft selector
  • 9V active electronics

The guitar is in Excellent condition. The photos show only minor signs of use consistent with a used 2011 instrument. It has not been modified and retains its factory Gibson GEM pickups, Schaller tremolo system, tuners, electronics and hardware.

The original Gibson USA Explorer hardshell case is included, together with the preserved factory documentation, including the Gibson Owner's Manual and inspection paperwork matching the instrument. Finding one of these limited-production Explorers together with its original case and documents makes this a particularly complete example.

This is a genuinely interesting chapter in Gibson Explorer history: the classic 1958-derived silhouette combined with chambered swamp ash, an unusual grain-highlighted finish, Gibson's own active pickups and a full Schaller double-locking tremolo system. It is very different from the typical mahogany, fixed-bridge Explorer while remaining a completely factory-designed Gibson USA instrument.

VAT invoice available.

  • worldwide shipping
  • safe courier shipping
  • fully insured shipment
  • professional and secure packing
  • the guitar is checked and adjusted again before dispatch
  • 14-day return period for eligible distance purchases
  • local pickup available in Łódź, Poland

More guitars, additional photos and better prices are available directly at mozartguitars.pl

Instagram: @mozartguitars.pl

Listed7 days ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Limited Edition Vampire Blood Moon Explorer
Finish
  • Ebony/Red
Categories
Year
  • 2011
Made In
  • United States
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Color Family
  • Red
  • Black
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Locking Tremolo Bridge
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Offset Body
  • Offset Body
Pickup Configuration
  • HH
Model Family
Body Shape
  • X-Style
Number of Frets
  • 22

Product safety information may be available here.

mozartguitars.pl

91-174, Poland
Joined Reverb:2020

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