Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection 1958 Explorer Mahogany – VOS

An all-mahogany version of the legendary 1958 Explorer

In the late 1950s, Gibson designed a trio of futuristic-looking new models that were intended to bring fresh, modern-looking designs to the product lineup. One of these was the Futura, which quickly morphed into the Explorer as we now know it. While the Explorer went on to become a true icon of the guitar world, it wasn’t instantly popular. Only 19 were shipped in 1958, its first year of production. Its subsequent popularity has made those late '50s Explorers among the most desirable and most expensive vintage guitars in the world, and one that has been played by guitar legends such as Eric Clapton, Slash, Allen Collins, Rick Nielsen, and James Hetfield.

Radically “space age” in appearance when it was introduced in 1958, the Explorer was way ahead of its time and still looks fresh, modern, and unique today. This is a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless design, which continue to captivate guitarists and collectors worldwide. Now, Gibson Custom is proud to introduce the 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue. It features all of the hallmarks of the original Explorers from 1958, with the only difference being that mahogany has been used instead of the original, rare Korina wood, but otherwise, all of the classic vintage Explorer features have been carefully recreated in this Historic Reissue model. Mahogany delivers a somewhat warmer sound than the slightly brighter Korina, making it a great choice for players who love the 1950s Explorer aesthetic but who are looking for a denser, all-mahogany tone for rock and metal. And since mahogany is more readily available than the scarcer Korina, this also makes this 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue the most accessible way to get Historic Explorer looks, features, and performance from Gibson Custom.

The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue features a mahogany body with the original Explorer shape made to the vintage specifications, a mahogany neck with a '50s Vintage profile, and the original Explorer headstock design, complete with reissue Kluson single-ring tuners. The unbound Indian rosewood fretboard is equipped with 22 authentic medium jumbo frets and cellulose dot inlays. The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue is powered by two Custombucker humbucker pickups that are hand-wired to two volume and one tone control with CTS potentiometers and a phone book capacitor. The Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and gold hardware are VOS-finished, giving it the look of a new-old-stock guitar from the late 1950s. A Lifton historic reissue brown and pink hardshell case is also included. Here’s your chance to own a '50s spec Explorer, now available from Gibson Custom in its most accessible form yet.