After its short but noteworthy premier in 1958, the Gibson Explorer went out of production until the mid-'70s. Unlike the original Explorer which used a Korina body, later Explorers used Mahogany. Other changes from the original design include altered control knobs and tuning machines.

This model is a reproduction of the specs when it made a comeback in 1975-76. It's also known as the X-Plorer or the DSXR. A mirror pickguard became optional in 2002.

Years of Production: 1990 - present 

Body Style: Z-shaped solidbody

Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Dual ceramic (496R and 500T) magnet humbuckers, two volume and one tone control, tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece

Notable Players: The Edge, Billy Gibbons, James Hetfield