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Gibson Explorer 2016, High Performance - Cherry, Chrome Hardware

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Mahogany Body, Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, 2 Humbucking Pickups, and G-Force Automated Tuning - Cherry
Item ID: HDSXRCHCH

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Gibson Explorer 2016, High Performance - Cherry, Chrome Hardware
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Classic Explorer with Modern Advancements

The Gibson Explorer 2016 HP takes the essence of the classic 1958 Explorer and adds modern Gibson advancements for progressive players. The SlimTaper neck profile combines with the wider Soloist neck width for a fast, precise feel that's perfect for speed players and tapping. G-Force automatic tuning makes it easy to experiment with alternate tunings and is great for fast tune-ups between songs. And a Plek Pro fret treatment ensures precise playability, intonation, and tone. Finally, a pair of 500T and 496R pickups gives the Gibson Explorer 2016 HP tone that cannot be ignored.

Gibson Explorer 2016 HP Solidbody Electric Guitar at a Glance:
  • Plek'd for precision playability
  • Slim neck profile with wider Soloist neck width
  • Two smoking-hot ceramic humbuckers for hot tones
Plek'd for precision playability

This Gibson Explorer 2016 HP feels fast and precise, thanks in large part to Plek processing. Typically reserved for top-dollar custom guitars, this process levels the frets with pinpoint precision, providing you with the most playable fretboard you're likely to own. Each note rings loud and clear, and the fret edges feel smooth as silk.

Slim neck profile with wider Soloist neck width

The Gibson Explorer 2016 HP sports a fast, wide neck with a slim profile, perfect for modern players who push the speed limit. The wider Soloist neck width gives you more room for big bends and tapping than the traditional neck width. It's a great balance for players who love Les Paul tone but prefer a faster, thinner neck.

Two smoking-hot ceramic humbuckers for hot tones

Historically, Gibson has long been associated with the dark, punchy tone of the humbucking pickup with its fat low end and crunchy, complex midrange. The Explorer carries on that tradition with two scorching hot humbuckers with ceramic magnets (a 496R in the neck position and a 500T in the bridge position). The Explorer comes standard with coverless pickups, but some Sweetwater guitarists even prefer them removed for a louder output and more top end.

Gibson Explorer 2016 HP Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:
  • Comfortable, lightweight mahogany body lets you rock all night
  • Slim, lightweight, and smoothly contoured mahogany body won't tax your back
  • Slim neck profile and Soloist neck width create a fast, precise feel for modern players
  • Gibson 500T and 496R humbuckers give you access to a universe of tone
  • Tune up fast and precise with G-Force automated tuning
  • Fast-access heel improves access to upper frets
  • Adjustable titanium zero-fret nut allows you to fine-tune your action
Expand your collection past the norm with the Gibson Explorer 2016 HP!

Why Buy Your Guitar from Sweetwater?

See how Sweetwater goes to great lengths to give you the very best online guitar buying experience. From our online Guitar Gallery that allows you to see and select the exact instrument you want to our 55-point Inspection process and our in-house guitar techs, we take the guesswork out of buying your next guitar online.

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Tech Specs

  • Manufacturer Part Number: HDSXRCHCH1

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From rockers to jazz cats, there are generations of guitarists right here at Sweetwater who swear by Gibson guitars. Not only do they make many of the most iconic solidbody electric guitars of all time - the Les Paul, the SG, the Flying V - but they also produce classic hollowbody and semi-hollowbody models and some of the most iconic acoustic guitars on the planet. We play them all! Our close relationship with Gibson often allows us to stock exclusive models and rare finds, and we're always happy to turn players and collectors on to the gems in the Sweetwater Guitar Gallery. We also have access to all the latest Gibson hardware, and the Sweetwater Guitar Repair Shop has upgraded countless guitars with their top-of-the-line humbuckers, classic P-90s, and more.

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