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How are the new Explorers?

Musicman

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
1,909
I'm thinking of getting a new Explorer but would like to hear some opinions on the new ones. I've seen the studio versions but would like to know about the regular ones. Thanks...
 

Magnum

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Joined
Dec 5, 2003
Messages
1,514
I have a mid '90s. Not exactly new but the same specs as a current one. Nice full sound with good note to note definition. Low action. Rounded neck. Not nearly as heavy as most people think. I'm pretty tall so it's really comfortable for me although I've seen many folks smaller than me play them also.
 

steelknuckle

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Joined
May 12, 2002
Messages
2,543
If you are a lefty, they are marginal at best. The historic RIs have killer tone, but I've never played one, so I can't tell you how they play.
 

Mr Fuzzy

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2003
Messages
211
They are Ok I have a 2002 In natural finish.
I got it for a reasonable price other otherwise I would not have bought it. that being said...

The body shape is much pointer than the historic reissues which are more rounded and I think look better. I have no Idea why gibson altered the shape from the original 58 explorer design. I guess to justify the rediculously overpriced Korina Historic. Or maybe make it look more "metal", who knows whatever it just makes it look wrong. But I guess most people don't even notice the difference in shape.

The pickups are the hot ceramic pups. Some people hate them, some people love them...

Personally I would look into a Hamer standard. A far superior, higher quality, better built, better looking take on an explorer. Seriously.
I will probably buy a Hamer Standard this year and sell the Gibson.

I recently bought a Hamer korina vector and it is a excellent guitar. Better than any Gibson korina historic V's I have played, at one third the price.
 

Crusher

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Joined
Feb 6, 2004
Messages
1,199
I have a 2001 Gothic Explorer and love it. Very good guitar, sounds great, looks cool and balances well. I'm thinking of getting another
 

Musicman

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
1,909
Thanks guys, I may go the Hamer route since they've change the way they look. How are they as far as weight goes, really heavy?
 

timsmcm

Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2003
Messages
750
go the hamer standard route It is a way better axe for les money the weight is good and tone is better.
 

Magnum

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Dec 5, 2003
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1,514
How do you figure a Hamer USA Standard that lists at $3185 is less expensive than a Gibson Explorer that lists at $1448 :ahem I've heard this said on other forums many times. It's bullshit. Also, the current Explorers are designed after the '76 not the original Korina which is why the shape is a little different.
 

Mr Fuzzy

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2003
Messages
211
Magnum said:
How do you figure a Hamer USA Standard that lists at $3185 is less expensive than a Gibson Explorer that lists at $1448 :ahem I've heard this said on other forums many times. It's bullshit. Also, the current Explorers are designed after the '76 not the original Korina which is why the shape is a little different.


Actually the original 1976 models do have the more rounded body shape like the vintage Korinas.

It is the 76 reissues that have the altered pointy shape.

As for the Hamer Standards, they are great but a slightly different animal.
They are mahogany with a maple cap. Like a les paul. They weigh in around 8.5-9.5 lbs.
You can get an all mahogany Hamer standrd but i think it is a special order.

You can score a Gibson for around a grand. the Hamers are more expensive but are far better quality and worth the 3 or 4 hunderd more IMHO. (I do own a Gibson 76 RI)

As for the list price difference, Hamer tend to sell for a better prercentage off list than Gibsons.
 

steelknuckle

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May 12, 2002
Messages
2,543
If you want to go non-Gibson, you should give Shamray a looksy. They made mine exactly to my specs: one piece korina body and neck, 3 pups, master tone, 7 layer binding, brazilian rosewood board and all.

CS-0007_4274%20copy.jpg
 

Magnum

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Dec 5, 2003
Messages
1,514
steelknuckle, That is bad-ass!!! If you don't mind me asking, what type of price range would that fall in?
 

steelknuckle

New member
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May 12, 2002
Messages
2,543
I have to admit that I got the "friend of the factory" price. I'm really not sure what the market price is on it. Mine actually has real mother of pearl in the inlays, as in they cut it out of oyster shells with bolt cutter looking things and sanded them down by hand. Maybe it would be better to go to www.shamray.net and send an email to Michael. I wouldn't want to mislead you by guessing. I think it depends on what you really want. They'll make anything any way you want it. Here's a few shots of the fabrication of it.

CS-0007_9488%20copy.jpg


CS-0007_0142%20copy.jpg


CS-0007_0842%20copy.jpg


CS-0007_1845%20copy.jpg


CS-0007_1913%20copy.jpg
 

LesPaulCustom78

New member
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
42
serial said:
Hamer-no question. I LOVE the old Gibsons (pre-80), but have yet to play a single one made after that that was worth picking up. I'm sure that there are some out there, but I haven't found one. The uber-pointy look is a total turnoff too. WTF? Looks lousy IMHO.

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/memberpages/serial/ek_2_4.jpg

I love the Hamer Standards but I wish they hadn't changed the shape of the head stock from the way they were in the 70s, the blunt, chopped off head stock is the one that I don't like, but rest of the guitar is killer

the guitars in your linked pic are the good ones, before the headstock change :ahem
 

Crunchyriff

Active member
Joined
Dec 1, 2001
Messages
2,530
I love the Hamer Standards but I wish they hadn't changed the shape of the head stock from the way they were in the 70s, the blunt, chopped off head stock is the one that I don't like, but rest of the guitar is killer

And you can thank Gibson for that....
 

bluesjuke

Active member
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
7,007
Magnum said:
How do you figure a Hamer USA Standard that lists at $3185 is less expensive than a Gibson Explorer that lists at $1448 :ahem I've heard this said on other forums many times. It's bullshit. Also, the current Explorers are designed after the '76 not the original Korina which is why the shape is a little different.


Less than the Historics. Not the every day Explorers. Wish I never sold my '76.
 

rider of time

New member
Joined
Mar 13, 2005
Messages
19
Steel that guitar smokes. I have a couple explorers and have always liked the way they played.
How do you have the pickups wired?
 

Brownsound

Les Paul Froum Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2005
Messages
1,322
I have to agree about the Hamer. I have a 1987 Standards Custom. Bookmatched AAAA flame top in 59 burst. ONE piece honduran mahogany back. REAL MOP inlays, bound neck and body. Seymour Duncan pickups. Build quality is WAAAAAAAAAYYYYY better than Gibson current and past Explorers for that matter.

heres my baby..thats right, its in a Gibson case....irony :lol

hamer2.jpg
 

Brownsound

Les Paul Froum Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2005
Messages
1,322
Magnum said:
How do you figure a Hamer USA Standard that lists at $3185 is less expensive than a Gibson Explorer that lists at $1448 :ahem I've heard this said on other forums many times. It's bullshit. Also, the current Explorers are designed after the '76 not the original Korina which is why the shape is a little different.


Standard Customs go for $1000-$1300 used everyday.
 
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