almost a year to the day my new '06 Gibson Explorer '76 reissue in natural w/ gold harware arrived (4/20/05 for the first one and 4/19/06 for this one). i find it humorous with the significance of the dates as well
.
i sold my last one i had bought last year (forced finances) and missed it dearly for it's looks, tone and attitude it held. this one is my 4th Explorer (3rd new one) but the only one i currently own.
these pics show the case right out of the box and a couple shots of me opening the case for the first time and touching it for the first time (headstock and finger tips pic).
i'm still not a Gibson kinda guy (
neck shape and frets aren't my favorites but i'm used to them) but the Explorer and the Flying V are classics that i have fallen for in looks and tone. i plan to get a white Flying V sometime down the road. Gibson still has pretty shakey QC and if i hadn't gotten this one for more than $200 less than the current price ($839 shipped compared to $1069 shipped) i might have had a little bit of dissapointment. this one was a scratch and dent and doesn't have a mark on it that i could find. the plastic on the pups and plates had been removed and the strings need changed but otherwise it was in new condition. i can't say any of the things i had to adjust were Gibsons fault (pups too high,
strap buttons loose) but they weren't anything major. the nut heigth on the low E is a hair low as i get a minor - very minor - buzz on the open E. i might have a nut re-cut if it ends up bothering me or is noticeable when i play thru my rig at shows. i haven't played it thru my live rig yet but will be setting it up and trying it out thru my rig in a matter of minutes from now to give it a good run thru and make sure all is good before i bring it on stage as a last QC evaluation to make sure it is a keeper.
fit and finish would rate 9 out of 10. small imperfections and the case seems to be a little "cheapened" compared to the one that came with the Explorer i bought new last year. the lining feels a little rougher (still soft), different color (black rather than grey) and it didn't have the classic "black panties" or silk shroud that USA gibsons have always had. has anyone else gotten a Gibson or seen a new Gibson case that doesn't have the shroud? are they not putting them in the case anymore? i really thought that was very cool and i do miss it.
i won't get the chance to pop the new Gibby's cheri onstage until next weekend but i'll post more pics and a review of the performance after it has gotten some stage time.
you can click on the pics to enlarge and you are welcome to browse my other folders. enjoy!
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ew%20Explorer/
