Up for sale is a 1984 Gibson Explorer finished in a beautiful Purple Burst. Serial number: 81084564. This example features the desirable triangular control knob layout, the same configuration made famous by James Hetfield during Metallica's early years.

As expected from a 42-year-old instrument, this guitar is not mint, but it plays exceptionally well and is structurally sound. Cosmetically, it shows honest vintage wear, including numerous dents, scratches, and naturally aged finish checking throughout the body. There are no cracks, repairs, or structural issues. Rather than detracting from the guitar, this authentic aging gives it the character and mojo that collectors and players appreciate. The natural lacquer checking is especially striking—an appearance that Gibson's Murphy Lab now painstakingly recreates on modern Custom Shop instruments.

The guitar has been upgraded with high-quality hardware for improved reliability and performance, including:

• Schaller locking tuners
• EMG 81/85 active pickups with a new wiring harness
• TonePros locking bridge and stop tailpiece
• Schaller strap locks

The original parts are included with the sale, including the Grover tuners, Gibson Dirty Fingers pickups, and the original-style Gotoh bridge and stop tailpiece. Please note that while these parts came with the guitar, the pickups, bridge, and tailpiece do not appear to be factory original.

The guitar comes with a fitted Epiphone hardshell case (non-original), which provides excellent protection for shipping and storage.