Gibson Custom Explorer Custom Electric Guitar in Ebony

The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom in Ebony takes the iconic, angular rock machine and dresses it up in full Custom Shop finery. With multi-ply binding, pearl block inlays, gold hardware and a solid ebony fingerboard, it is every bit as luxurious as it is aggressive. Under the stunning gloss nitro finish lies a solid mahogany body and neck, loaded with a 490R and 498T humbucker pairing for that unmistakable Gibson roar, from searing hard rock to rich, singing lead tones.

Built by the Gibson Custom Shop, this Explorer is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the long-tenon neck joint that maximises sustain, to the hand-finished medium-jumbo frets that feel fast and effortless under the fingers. The result is a guitar that not only looks spectacular under stage lights, but also delivers a powerful, articulate voice and rock-solid tuning stability, night after night.

Custom Shop Elegance Meets Iconic Explorer Attitude

Multi-ply body binding, a solid ebony fingerboard and mother of pearl block inlays give this Explorer a refined, high-end aesthetic without losing its rebellious edge. The gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the guitar to resonate freely and will age gracefully over time, developing a unique character that reflects years of playing.

Solid Mahogany Power and Sustain

A solid mahogany body and neck with no weight relief provide a thick, authoritative tone with excellent sustain and punch. Whether you are chugging tight rhythm parts or holding out soaring bends, the guitar responds with a full, harmonically rich sound that sits perfectly in a band mix.

Ebony Fingerboard and Medium C Neck Profile

The solid ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing surface with a bright, immediate attack that enhances note definition, especially under high gain. Combined with a comfortable medium C neck profile, 12 inch radius and medium-jumbo frets, it feels instantly familiar and encourages confident, expressive playing across the entire 24.75 inch scale.

Classic 490R / 498T Humbucker Pairing

A 490R in the neck and 498T in the bridge deliver a versatile palette of classic Gibson tones. The 490R offers warm, vocal cleans and fat, bluesy overdrive, while the 498T brings higher output, tight lows and cutting mids for hard rock riffing and lead work. With twin volume controls, a master tone and a three-way toggle, it is easy to dial in everything from smooth vintage sounds to modern crunch.

• Custom Shop Explorer with Luxury Appointments - Multi-ply binding, pearl block inlays, gold hardware and a gloss nitro finish elevate the classic Explorer silhouette into a premium stage instrument that looks as impressive as it sounds.
• Solid Mahogany Construction with Long-Tenon Neck Joint - A solid mahogany body and neck with a long-tenon joint provide exceptional sustain, resonance and tonal depth, ideal for powerful rhythm work and singing leads.
• Ebony Fingerboard and Medium C Neck Profile - The ebony fingerboard delivers a fast, articulate feel, while the medium C neck and 12 inch radius make bends, vibrato and complex chords feel natural and controlled.
• 490R and 498T Humbuckers with Classic Controls - The proven 490R/498T pickup set, paired with dual volume controls, a master tone and a three-way toggle, offers a wide range of usable tones from smooth cleans to aggressive high-gain crunch.

Body

• Body Material: Solid Mahogany
• Body Shape: Explorer
• Binding: Multi-ply
• Weight Relief: None
• Body Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer

Neck

• Neck Material: Solid Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Medium C
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony
• Fingerboard Radius: 12 in / 304.8 mm
• Fret Count: 22
• Frets: Medium-Jumbo
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
• Nut Material: Corian
• Nut Width: 42.85 mm / 1.69 in
• End of Board Width: 56.89 mm / 2.24 in
• Neck Joint: Long Tenon

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: 490R
• Bridge Pickup: 498T
• Controls: 2 Volume, Master Tone
• Pickup Selector: 3-way Toggle

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Stop Bar
• Tuning Machines: Grover Kidney
• Tuner Plating: Gold
• Pickup Covers: Gold-plated
• Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
• Pickguard: Black Multi-Ply
• Mounting Rings: Black M69
• Jack Plate Cover: Gold-plated Brass
• Strap Buttons: Brass
• Switch Tip: Black
• Switchwasher: Black
• Truss Rod: 2-way Adjustable
• Truss Rod Cover: 2-ply Black/White
• Hardware Finish: Gold

Miscellaneous

• Accessories: Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity
• Case: Hardshell Gibson Case