Are you ready to rock with the boldest and most daring guitar design? Look no further than the iconic Explorer style guitars. With their striking body shape and powerful sound, these guitars have become synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll attitude. But which Explorer style guitars are the best for 2023? Let’s dive deep into the world of these legendary instruments and discover our top picks.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore the world of bold and iconic Explorer style guitars
- Discover the top picks for 2023 and find your perfect match
- Learn about the best overall, Epiphone, premium, and budget options
- Consider important factors when choosing an Explorer style guitar
The Gibson ’70s Explorer Electric Guitar – Best Overall
The Gibson ’70s Explorer is a modern example of the original Explorer body style. It features a mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fretboard, and 2 Gibson ’70s Tribute humbuckers. The craftsmanship and tonewoods used in this guitar provide a balanced tone with rich mids and harmonics. The ’70s Tribute pickups deliver a powerful output and are designed for overdrive.
With its iconic design and exceptional sound quality, the Gibson ’70s Explorer stands out as the best overall choice for musicians seeking the ultimate explorer-style guitar. The combination of the mahogany body and neck ensures excellent resonance and sustain, while the rosewood fretboard adds warmth and depth to the tone.
Expert Craftsmanship
Gibson has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality guitars, and the ’70s Explorer is no exception. The attention to detail and expert craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this instrument. From the flawless finish to the smooth playability, the Gibson ’70s Explorer is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Powerful ’70s Tribute Pickups
The Gibson ’70s Tribute humbuckers are designed to deliver the iconic tones of the ’70s rock era. These pickups offer a versatile range of tones, from warm and creamy to aggressive and gritty. Whether you’re playing classic rock, blues, or metal, the ’70s Tribute pickups have the power and clarity to meet your needs.
The Gibson ’70s Explorer is a true powerhouse of a guitar. It combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability, thanks to its exceptional construction and top-notch components.
Unparalleled Tone
The combination of the mahogany body and neck gives the Gibson ’70s Explorer a rich and resonant tone that is full of character. The mahogany provides a warm and thick sound, while the rosewood fretboard adds clarity and definition to each note. Whether you’re playing clean arpeggios or distorted riffs, the Gibson ’70s Explorer delivers a tonal experience that is unparalleled.
Visual Appeal
In addition to its impressive sound, the Gibson ’70s Explorer exudes a striking visual appeal. The unique body shape and exquisite finish make this guitar a true showstopper on stage or in the studio. Its bold and distinctive design sets it apart from other guitars, making a statement wherever it’s played.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Pickups | Gibson ’70s Tribute Humbuckers |
Epiphone Explorer “Inspired By Gibson” Electric Guitar – Best Epiphone
The Epiphone Explorer “Inspired By Gibson” is an exceptional guitar that offers incredible value for its price. This model is designed to closely replicate the original Gibson Explorer, which has become an iconic symbol in the guitar world. With the Epiphone Explorer, you can experience the same distinctive style and sound without breaking the bank.
Featuring a solid mahogany body and neck, the Epiphone Explorer delivers outstanding resonance and sustain. The use of mahogany contributes to its warm, rich tone and ensures a durable instrument that will withstand years of playing. The Indian laurel fretboard adds a touch of elegance and smoothness to your playing experience.
One of the standout features of the Epiphone Explorer “Inspired By Gibson” is its Probucker 2 and 3 humbuckers. These pickups accurately replicate the tonal characteristics of the original Gibson pickups, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities. From sparkling cleans to powerful crunch, this guitar can handle any genre with ease.
With its striking design, exceptional craftsmanship, and remarkable playability, the Epiphone Explorer “Inspired By Gibson” is undoubtedly the best Epiphone Explorer on the market. It’s a true gem for guitarists who want to explore the iconic Explorer style without compromising on quality or affordability.
Gibson Custom Explorer Custom – Best Premium
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom is the epitome of high-end craftsmanship and iconic style. This premium guitar is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and features top-of-the-line materials that ensure exceptional tone and playability.
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom boasts a solid mahogany body that delivers a rich and resonant sound. The use of mahogany lends warmth and depth to the tone, making it ideal for a wide range of music genres. Combined with the ebony neck and fretboard, this guitar offers a sleek and smooth playing experience.
One of the standout features of the Gibson Custom Explorer Custom is its pair of Probucker 2 and 3 humbuckers. These pickups are meticulously designed to capture the essence of the classic Gibson sound. They deliver a rich and dynamic tone with enhanced upper midrange presence, allowing for expressive playing and powerful solos.
When it comes to build quality, the Gibson Custom Explorer Custom sets the standard. This guitar is meticulously hand-wired, ensuring optimal signal flow and minimizing unwanted noise. Its premium appointments, such as the high-quality hardware and meticulous craftsmanship, make it a truly exceptional instrument.
Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or any other genre, the Gibson Custom Explorer Custom is a versatile and high-performance guitar that will exceed your expectations. Its premium features, exceptional build quality, and iconic design make it the perfect choice for discerning musicians who demand the best.
Specifications:
| Body Material | Mahogany |
|---|---|
| Neck Material | Ebony |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Pickups | Probucker 2 (neck) and Probucker 3 (bridge) |
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Electric Guitar – Best Explorer Style Guitar With Floyd Rose
The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is an Explorer-style guitar that combines stunning aesthetics with exceptional performance. Crafted for high-octane performances, this guitar is a true showstopper. With its sleek design and powerful features, it’s no wonder why the Schecter E-1 FR S is considered the best explorer-style guitar with Floyd Rose.
Superb Craftsmanship
The Schecter E-1 FR S features a mahogany body with a striking quilted maple top, offering both durability and visual appeal. The mahogany neck and ebony fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless fretting and rapid finger movement. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship of this guitar are truly impressive.
Unparalleled Sound
Equipped with a Sustainiac pickup in the neck position, the Schecter E-1 FR S offers infinite sustain, bringing a unique layer of depth and versatility to your playing. The Schecter USA Apocalypse VI Humbucker in the bridge delivers unparalleled power and precision, allowing you to deliver blistering solos and heavy riffs with ease.
Pitch-Perfect Stability
One of the standout features of the Schecter E-1 FR S is its Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo bridge. This renowned bridge system ensures pitch-perfect stability, even during aggressive tremolo usage. Whether you’re dive-bombing or performing subtle vibrato, the Floyd Rose bridge allows for precise control and uncompromising tuning stability.
“The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is a dream come true for guitarists who crave powerful sound, exquisite design, and reliable performance. With its stunning aesthetics and top-of-the-line features like the Sustainiac pickup and Floyd Rose bridge, this guitar is truly in a league of its own.” – Guitar World
The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Electric Guitar is the epitome of excellence in the world of explorer-style guitars. Its superb craftsmanship, unparalleled sound, and pitch-perfect stability make it the ultimate choice for shredders, metalheads, and anyone looking to make a bold statement on stage.
Jackson Kelly JS32T – Budget Pick
If you’re on a budget but still want a guitar that delivers power and ferocity, look no further than the Jackson Kelly JS32T. This affordable option is perfect for metal players or anyone seeking a bold stage presence.
The Jackson Kelly JS32T features a poplar body, which provides a lightweight yet resonant foundation for the guitar’s sound. The maple neck offers stability and durability, ensuring that this guitar can withstand intense playing sessions. And with an amaranth fretboard, you’ll experience smooth playability and a rich tonal response.
What sets the Jackson Kelly JS32T apart is its high-output humbuckers. These pickups deliver a powerful and expansive tone that is ideal for heavy genres. Whether you’re chugging out palm-muted riffs or shredding through blistering solos, this guitar can handle it all with ease.
Maneuvering around the fretboard is effortless, thanks to the compound-radius design. This innovative feature provides a gradual curvature that allows for comfortable playability in both lower and higher positions. The result is a guitar that feels great in your hands and enables you to express yourself freely.
Visually, the Jackson Kelly JS32T is a stunner. Its unique body shape exudes ferocity and attitude, making a statement on any stage. Whether you prefer a classic black finish or a more vibrant color option, this guitar is sure to turn heads.
With the Jackson Kelly JS32T, you don’t have to compromise on quality or versatility when shopping on a budget. This guitar offers exceptional value for the price, combining affordability with powerful tones and a distinctive design.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Body | Poplar |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Amaranth |
| Pickups | Jackson high-output humbuckers |
Experience the power and versatility of the Jackson Kelly JS32T without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly guitar is a top choice for players who demand quality and performance without sacrificing their financial goals.
Dean Z 79 Electric Guitar – A Great Alternative
If you’re looking for a unique and versatile alternative to the traditional Explorer models, the Dean Z 79 Electric Guitar is a fantastic option. With its distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship, this guitar stands out from the crowd.
The Dean Z 79 features an Eastern mahogany body, known for its warm and resonant tonal properties. The Eastern mahogany neck provides excellent stability and comfortable playability, allowing you to effortlessly explore the fretboard. And with an Indian rosewood fretboard, you can expect smooth and balanced tones with great sustain.
One of the standout features of the Dean Z 79 is its DMT Series Time Capsule humbuckers. These pickups are specially designed to deliver vintage-inspired tones while adapting to the demands of modern music. Whether you’re playing classic rock, blues, or heavier genres, the Dean Z 79 can handle it all, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities.
“The Dean Z 79 is a true gem. Its unique design not only catches the eye but also delivers exceptional tone and playability. It’s a great alternative to the more traditional Explorer models.” – Guitar World
In addition to its outstanding sound, the Dean Z 79 offers exceptional value for its price. It provides a blend of vintage charm and modern playability without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner exploring different styles, this guitar is a great choice.
So if you’re looking for a reliable and visually stunning alternative to the classic Explorer models, consider the Dean Z 79 Electric Guitar. It’s a great option for players who value both style and substance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Explorer-Style Guitars
When shopping for the best explorer-style guitars, it’s important to take into account several key factors to ensure you find the perfect instrument that meets your needs and preferences. These factors include tonewood and construction, pickups and electronics, playability, and hardware and reliability.
Tonewood and Construction
The choice of tonewood used in the construction of an explorer-style guitar greatly influences its sound. Different woods produce distinct tonal qualities, so it’s essential to consider the type of tonewood that suits your playing style and the sound you want to achieve. Some common tonewoods used in explorer-style guitars include mahogany, maple, and alder.
Pickups and Electronics
The pickups and electronics in an explorer-style guitar play a crucial role in shaping its tone. The choice of pickups determines the guitar’s output, clarity, and warmth. Single-coil pickups provide a bright and articulate tone, while humbuckers offer a fuller, thicker sound with reduced noise. Consider the type and configuration of pickups that best complement your musical style and preferences.
Playability
Playability is key to a satisfying playing experience. It encompasses factors such as the guitar’s neck profile, fretboard radius, and overall ergonomics. A comfortable neck profile ensures easy maneuverability, while a suitable fretboard radius facilitates smooth bending and chord transitions. Test out different explorer-style guitars to find one that feels comfortable and natural in your hands.
Hardware and Reliability
The quality of hardware components and overall reliability of an explorer-style guitar are vital considerations. High-quality hardware ensures stable tuning, smooth operation of the tremolo (if applicable), and durability. Look for well-built bridges, tuners, and other hardware components that can withstand the demands of your playing style and offer long-lasting performance.
By considering these factors – tonewood and construction, pickups and electronics, playability, and hardware and reliability – when choosing an explorer-style guitar, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your musical preferences and enhances your playing experience.
Sources:
Gibson Explorer Buyers Guide: Gibson USA Custom Shop and Epiphone Models Compared
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best explorer style guitars for 2023 offer a range of options for players of all budgets and preferences. Our top pick is the Gibson ’70s Explorer with its modern take on the original design and premium features. For those looking for a more affordable option, the Epiphone Explorer “Inspired By Gibson” provides great value. If you’re seeking top-notch quality, the Gibson Custom Explorer Custom is the ideal choice.
The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition and Jackson Kelly JS32T guitars offer unique features for players who desire a Floyd Rose tremolo or are on a budget respectively. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional Explorer models, the Dean Z 79 Electric Guitar is a fantastic option.
When choosing your perfect explorer-style guitar, consider the factors of tonewood, pickups, playability, and hardware. Each of these elements contributes to the overall sound, tone, and performance of the instrument. By carefully evaluating these factors and taking into account your personal preferences and budget, you can select the perfect explorer-style guitar that will inspire you to create and perform at your best.