A Very Short History of the Gibson Explorer

The Explorer is one of the most recognizable electric guitar shapes ever made - and also one of the most misunderstood. Today it’s closely associated with hard rock and metal, but its story actually starts much earlier and with a very different goal in mind.

A Radical Idea in the 1950s

The Explorer was first introduced by Gibson in 1958, during a period when guitar companies were experimenting with bold new designs. Gibson called this line the “Modernistic” series, and it included the Explorer, Flying V, and Moderne.

At the time, these sharp, futuristic shapes were too ahead of their time. The Explorer didn’t sell well and was quietly discontinued after a short run.

Rediscovered by Rock and Metal

Fast forward to the 1970s, and something interesting happened. Rock and metal players started rediscovering the Explorer - not for its looks alone, but for how it felt and sounded.

The large body, aggressive styling, and powerful humbucker tone made it a natural fit for heavier music. By the late ’70s and ’80s, the Explorer had become a staple in hard rock and metal - and its once-radical design finally found its audience.

From Oddball to Icon

What started as a commercial failure eventually became a classic. The Explorer’s shape is now instantly recognizable, and it represents a big moment in guitar history - when manufacturers first pushed past tradition and imagined what the future of the electric guitar could look like.

Today, the Explorer stands as proof that sometimes a design just needs the right generation of players to come along.

Why We Love Guitars Like This

The Explorer isn’t something you see every day and that’s exactly why it’s special. We love guitars with stories, character, and personality, especially the ones that don’t follow the standard mold.

Whether you’re drawn to classic designs or something a little more unconventional, we’re here to help you find the one that fits you best.