Up for sale is a hard to find 1985 Gibson Explorer XPL in the Ebony finish with the Gibson branded Kahler system.  I have had several of these XPL Explorers, but something about this guitar is just special.  It has those indescribable characteristics that you get when you get one of the "good ones". The tone is awesome and the guitar just plays like butter.  It has that broken in feeling and just wants to be played.
Original Dirty Fingers pickups and electronics sound great and put out massive sound.  The only thing on this guitar that is not original are the strap buttons (appear to be strap locks).  This is a player's grade guitar and has all the minor dings, dents and scratches you would expect.  Black guitars are notoriously hard to photograph, so it is difficult to show these.  Nothing that really jumps out at you, but also many of these have been filled in with black paint of black marker.  The Kahler is fully functional (original whammy bar included!) but may need some minor tweaking or lubrication.  The string roller on the low E saddle is frozen, but can be repaired or replaced if needed (does not seem to be an issue).  
So the elephant in the room: Is there a headstock repair?  The answer is NO!  This line you see mostly on the back of the headstock, but also a little on the front, is just a stress crack in the finish.  This is the second XPL Explorer I have had with this exact same line in the exact same place.  Examine the close up pictures and you will see there is absolutely no break or crack in the wood.  It is a bit of a mystery, but I believe the cause it from lying the guitar down on a flat surface and then applying some pressure on the neck (either while working on the guitar or for some other reason).  I think the stress crack in the finish is the exact weak point where the headstock would break if you applied stronger pressure.  Anyway, it is purely cosmetic and not an issue in any way.
If you are a fan of these XPL Explorers, you probably won't find one for a better price.  Includes the original Gibson branded hard shell case.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed3 days ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Explorer XPL
Finish
  • Ebony
Year
  • 1985
Made In
  • United States
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Type
  • Solid Body

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BSL Guitars

Hiawassee, GA, United States
Joined Reverb:2014

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