Gibson Custom Shop Explorer Custom – Gloss

Sonic Evaluation

When I pulled this menacing yet elegant Explorer Custom out of the case, I found that it was already in Drop D, and it seemed appropriate, so I decided to let the chugs commence! I wasn't disappointed, as this Explorer has a beguiling combination of muscle, gristle, articulation, and clarity. Overall, it has a super-clear percussive attack, superb note separation, and a rich harmonic profile.

The bridge pickup is warm, punchy, and open, and playing power chord riffs makes you feel like you're crushing a '92 Camry under the wheels of a monster truck with Jean-Claude Van Damme riding shotgun. Lead lines also have a delicious sizzling, stingy tone that cuts right through the mix with its rudeness and snarl. By contrast, the neck pickup sounds massive and thick while maintaining that open quality of the bridge position. Lead lines are laden with rich overtones, and chords sound thick and juicy.

Though I had a blast playing heavy, aggressive stuff on this gorgeous Explorer Custom, I also found it excelled at a variety of genres from blues to classic rock to warm jazz and even some jangly country! Any player that appreciates power, clarity, robust sound, and superb balance will love the tone of this imposing pointy black machine!