Only produced for four years, the Gibson Explorer II, also called the E2, was intended to serve as an update to the original Gibson Explorer. A few key differences that set the E2 apart included a five-piece maple or maple/walnut body that was contoured and sported beveled edges, as well as a few cosmetic appointments for differentiation. Though the Gibson Explorer II was discontinued in 1983, it was revived in spirit through the Thunderhorse, which was based heavily off of the E2.