A Modern Take on a Beloved '80s Design
Epiphone continues its tradition of recreating iconic guitars inspired by historic designs with a hard-rock icon: the Explorer ‘80s EMG. Originally launched as part of Gibson’s modernistic series in 1958, the Explorer took decades to find its true home — the gain-drenched metal scene of the 1980s. Epiphone narrowed in on the stylish 1984 version for its take on the decade’s favorite chug machine, including an angular mahogany body, a set-in ‘60s SlimTaper neck with a rosewood fretboard, and the iconic “hockey-stick” headstock. Sonically, the EMG 60/81 combo delivers high-output active tones that shine when pushed, remaining articulate even with the gain dialed to 11. The Explorer has long inspired Sweetwater players, and Epiphone’s modern take on the classic ‘80s iteration brings the legend to a new generation of guitarists.
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A Heavy Metal Classic Reimagined
While the Explorer started life in 1958, it found its audience in the 1980s in the hands of Metallica's James Hetfield. To honor its place in the history of metal, Epiphone cut no corners when reimagining this guitar. Building on the specs of the 1984 iteration of the guitar, you’ll find the same aggressive mahogany body and set-in ‘60s SlimTaper mahogany neck as on the original, with a dot-inlaid, rosewood fretboard for a vintage-accurate look and maximum playability. Complete with the modern stability of Epiphone mini die-cast tuners, a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a stopbar, the Epiphone Explorer successfully embodies the aggression of the original while delivering the modern stability today's player demands.
Relentless active EMG humbuckers
Regarded as one of the most popular active humbucker pairings in metal history, the EMG 60/81 combo was the only choice for the Epiphone Explorer ‘80s EMG. These active pickups have driven high-gain guitar tones since the ‘80s, powering the earliest iterations of the genre and remaining a top choice for countless guitarists today. The EMG-60 in the neck position is a muscular-sounding humbucker that is certain to drive your amp into the sweetest overdrive and distortion, and is at its best at high volumes. The EMG-81 in the bridge position delivers everything from a fat, thunderous growl to a metallic scream. Loaded with beefy ceramic magnets and close-aperture coils, this high-output humbucker boasts unyielding intensity and unparalleled detail, along with incredible high-end cut and fluid sustain.
Epiphone Explorer '80s EMG Features:
- A modern take on the Explorer design from 1984
- Aggressive, angular mahogany body offers effortless upper fret access and a lightweight feel
- Set-in mahogany ‘60s SlimTaper neck with a rosewood dot-inlaid fretboard offers effortless playability
- Epiphone mini die-cast tuners, LockTone TOM bridge, and stopbar bring modern stability
- EMG 60/81 active pickup set offers high-gain clarity and articulation
