Are Explorer guitars worth the hype?

[@etiennefournier]

What I love: The shape What I hate: The shape

[@Randyplaysguitars]

I have an Epiphone Lzzy Hale, Ghost horse and Extura; a Dean Z and a Chapman Ghost fret Pro. All the things you mention are what I love about them and also why I don't play them as much lol

[@yerav4241]

What I love: the shape What I hate: chibsons

[@TheInfectiousCadaver]

its a sexy guitar no doubt. but like a flying V, its so uncomfy to play sitting down. my epiphone les paul works great though lol

[@mrlocorio4291]

The high heels of guitar shapes

[@etiennefournier]

I like this! Well said

[@IwanTimmermans]

Love the looks of the Explorer... Cause of Hetfield

[@Juiceman0920]

Fr

[@kiillabytez]

Admit it, you're in love..., with Hetfield, not the guitar.

[@nickrana7152]

Both my Gibson explorer’s don’t neck dove at all. Yours dives because of the strap button placement, if it was on the heel oh the neck joint it wouldn’t dive.

[@scootdusty5172]

Can you explain a bit more for me? I’m thinking of buying that guitar but neck diving is a big thing for me so it would be nice to know how to fix it.

[@Behornn]

@@scootdusty5172 The top strap bouton. Instead of leaving it on the "horn" move it to the heel of the neck, like a SG. Solved the neck dive on my Tokai.

[@zzzhuh]

This causes a problem when you go to play the higher frets. Get a strap that has a grip. Your done, and you don't have to drill into your guitar.

[@royeaston6067]

@@zzzhuhyeah that don’t work at all had a Jackson Flying V with terrible neck dive bought a 4 inch wide leather strap with gripy stuff underneath because that’s supposed to help it griped perfectly to my clothes and pulled whatever I was wearing down with it. Only works on bare skin and not if you start sweating.

[@Serpentsfate808]

Leather strap is good solution to neck dive that's what I did for mine I don't like the feel with the strap button on the heel

[@NegdoshaManido]

I love me some Flying V and Explorer! This video had me literally laughing out loud, because every Explorer player has these same experiences. Great video, man. Rock on!

[@francisonehour8712]

As an Explorer lover myself, I'm going to put my 2 cents in there. I've had an Epiphone Explorer Goth back in 2005, which suffered from neck diving too! Or maybe *I* was suffering from it? Anyway, I had to carry the neck while playing and it was SO annoying! But it was a so cool guitar. A few years ago I bought an Edwards Explorer (model name E-EX-125D) which doesn't dive!!! Perfectly balanced! How cool is that!? I also own an ESP MX250 which doesn't dive either (but it's heavy comme un cheval mort because I'm french-speaker and I don't know the words to say it's goddamn heavy). Cheers Etienne!

[@etiennefournier]

Je parle français aussi! Ma Explorer est assez légère, probablement comme ta Goth. Honnêtement, je pense que je préfère une guitare pesante, mais sans neckdive que l'inverse

[@yodasecondave]

I was going to say, I’d never heard of neck dive being a problem on explorers. I’m my experience it’s the total opposite…weird.

[@PrettyboyAshtun]

just got my explorer and i’m loving it so far

[@purplebelike5510]

Explorer: Easy to play while sitting but also hard to play while standing Flying V: Difficult to play while sitting but simple to play while standing with a strap. Keep up the good content 👌

[@RodrigoBoschi]

V owner here ! the V is meant to be hold like a classical guitar , top wing over your right leg, bottom wing between your legs, if you do this there is no more comfortable shape to play while sitting, no neck dive, you hold it on place with your legs so your hands are completely free to play .

[@purplebelike5510]

@RodrigoBoschi I see, and it's pretty much what I think to get as my second guitar.

[@lucyfer_the_bat]

​@@RodrigoBoschirhoads v is exceptionally comfortable to play both sitting and standing love mine to death

[@sleevelessace]

yeah i got my first v over a month ago and for the first 3 days i was like crap i didnt think through it would be hard or akward to play sitting down (as i mostly played strat shape or les pauls before that), but now i love playing my v sitting down its comfortable in the classical position also what i do is shorten my strap so the strap holds it up and the bottom horn rests on ur leg@@RodrigoBoschi

[@alicesflannels2472]

@@RodrigoBoschi You can also solve the V sitting problem by wearing a strap whilst sitting down (given it isnt adjusted too low down)

[@psychoster2420]

Got my first explorer yesterday.. even tho it has flaws.. if your play on an open space while sitting, it's an enjoyable guitar i absolutely love it

[@Glue-p7c]

I just tried out my first explorer guitar today at guitar center. Loved it. Sounded good and looks better

[@stuntrushjr64]

I personally think that the Explorer was worth the money. First real guitar I bought, Epiphone 58 Korina Explorer Replica(It's the original color, I believe it's woodgrain, either that or it's orange). I do not regret it.

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

To fix the neck dive, either move the strap button to the neck join or put the strap over the bottom of the body.

[@007SDR007]

I have Jackson Kelly (basically an Explorer) and Tokai Star (an Explorer with deck cut out in center) and I love them. Extremely comfortable to play while sitting.

[@genaroperez8325]

The more I watch these videos the more I doubt on if I really want to buy an explorer as my first electric guitar

[@JuneIsFinallyHere]

You shouldn't lol

[@zeralith_4049]

buy what you like! if you like your guitar you'll play more

[@AbeBruck-zw6ko]

I first saw an explorer when i saw a vid of dave grohl playing one in a clip from 1995 and i loved the potential for it to be a dirty and raw or just cool looking normal guitar

[@PrettyboyAshtun]

@@AbeBruck-zw6ko ik exactly what clip your talking about and dave’s the reason i just got my explorer

[@MattSkepticGuy]

I'm getting the same guitar as my second guitar after a jackson js11, and it should be fun... Hopefully

[@JoshAllen17Goated]

As the owner of a B.C. Rich, I feel you brother!

[@lifeispurehell]

The way i fix the neck dive is to simply place the strap over the body by the bottom strap button

[@greyblenaut]

I never thought I would grow to be an Explorer-stan, I don't really follow any popular Explorer users, but damn if its not my favorite guitar I own (I got the Lee Malia one so its thankfully optimized for more contemporary heavy music). If I could change one single thing on it thought it would be that stupid pickups selector, thats a really awful place for it

[@jakestewartmusic]

I actually think the Explorer is the best design Gibson has ever come up with. I've had mine since 2007 and it's easily the best guitar I've owned and my favorite instrument to play. With the strap pin in the right place, it's one of the only Gibson solid-bodies that balances while standing (but it's not a boat anchor like a Les Paul - Explorers tend to be lighter). I think it's the most comfortable Gibson solid-body for seated playing - the LP is rear-heavy, the SG and Firebird's playable scale length is extended outward on the neck side from your body's center, and the V can only be played in classical position while seated. The controls are more streamlined than the 4-knob layout Gibsons, the input jack is out of the way (rather than on the face of the guitar like an SG), and the controls laid out in a straight line and are easily accessible compared to the relatively cramped layout of an SG, Firebird, or '67 V. Also, the headstock design alleviates some of the tuning issues I've had with other Gibson guitars, namely the classic 3x3 headstock design. I just wish they'd put some carbon reinforcement in the necks and headstocks for added strength and stability. The biggest issue for me are the MASSIVE case and the lack of a professional-quality soft case for them ala MONO or Reunion Blues. You'd need something with some protective rigidity and neck support to protect the aforementioned weak headstock, but I know someone like MONO could do it and folks like myself who gig Explorers in downtown areas (often hauling my Explorer case and the rest of my gear for blocks) on a regular basis would rejoice

[@jakestewartmusic]

Should also say that the tone is a nice sweet spot between the relatively twangy/honky SG and the relatively fat Les Paul. It looks like a metal guitar, but on mine I literally play jazz, honky tonk country, afrobeat, soul, you name it. Mine has some boutique overwound PAF style pickups, so it's just a great all-rounder.

[@danishmaboi9037]

been wanting an explorer for a long while now😩😩

[@ryanespinoza7297]

I have a Dean Zero explorer with no dive. The strap button is behind the neck joint not on the side. Grab a drill and move the screw it makes it much more pleasant.

[@MCFishNuggets]

My first nice guitar was that exact explorer, now my main is a bexgears Flying V kit. I still think I’ll have that explorer forever

[@Joemama-kd3he]

To anyone wondering the shape is somthing to get used to but I have the same guitar in the video and I love it so much

[@robertpurdy4452]

My Explorer has the strap button on the heel of the neck and I have no issues with neck dive. However, I have probably banged the corners on every surface so my precious dream guitar now has been relic'd for free. If that's not enough I have a 25.5" scale Schecter E-1 Apocalypse that's even bigger and longer than my Gibson that looks like it came through a Nuclear War - on purpose, complete with a metal treadplate pickguard. Seriously though, I love my Explorer and now that I have learned to watch out for banging it into everything all my other guitars have benefitted from it and I don't knock them into everything like I did the Explorer.

[@Phoenix308]

I like the explorer shape because it fits my wrist position when standing but I also despise the shape because of the neck dive and I’m unable to play it comfortably sitting down because I play with a classical position

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Youre right, it bangs on everything! I got the red lizzy hale and my luthor says the frets are so bad it needs a fret dress, and thats a new £2k guitar! Sounds bloody amazing though

[@caedavch.9883]

I have an ESP MX-2 replica in white, like the one James Hetfield used starting from the "...And Justice For All" period. The biggest issue I have with Explorers is trying to find a case or gig bag that fits the thing. But, it's definitely worth the looks.

[@BananaTeracottaPie]

I have the same explorer and case. I recently put some emgs in mine, and I’m probably gonna get a black pick guard for it too

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Sounds like you need to truncate the horns a little bit. Also, try playing in the classical position when seated. Much more comfortable, anyway, but the Explorer looks almost directly suited for that position.

[@gedcanonizado]

I have the exact same guitar and I love it ❤ awesome vid!

[@Ok-lm4is]

I’m planning on getting the ebony explorer with my first job paycheck , I think I’ll like it

[@greendayray]

Plays better standing when you move the strap button to the back of the neck heel

[@angusyoung7668]

I love the explorer. I’ve always wanted one

[@DamascusAmpere]

Good to know I'll just be sticking with my flying V for now then

[@Flub1000]

Yep. When you picking guitar\bass shape there is a choice - convenience or flamboyant shape. You have to pick one :)

[@joerushing1593]

Before I even watch, yes. Explorer are awesome!

[@asmorthia5477]

No sabía que Alva Majo también tocaba la guitarra, 10/10.

[@sponge6236]

i love explorers so much they go in 3rd on my guitar shape tierlist

[@mulaj100]

I love explorer guitar‘s ❤❤🎸

[@BzBlade]

What case is that? I got a gibson explorer and I've been searching for a slim case. How does it compare to the normal gibson case? (weight too) I see it's a bit smaller

[@RobCabreraCh]

I bought an Epiphone Korina one not so long ago. It is beautiful and it rocks!.... as long as it is on my wall. It is uncomfortable, lol. I am a bigger guy and I had to buy an extra long leather bass strap to be able to play it standing up

[@paavidyyd9385]

I've had matt black Explorer for 7 years now. This video made me laugh so hard 😂 Love it all the way but it's a tough love 💕

[@Ktulu-17]

does this extend to jackson kelly's and ibanez destroyers?

[@SergioKoolhaas]

Why I love the 80s version of the explorer: Toggle switch is closer to the rest of the controls.

[@robert00452]

I'm getting my first guitar in december. What shape should it be?

[@KERmed-wq3dt]

Yo so does the neck dive when you bring the guitar up with the strap??

[@banditkfk1463]

My Gibson Voodoo X-Plorer doesn't dive. On the Neck side the Strap should be mounted behind the guitar body not on the side

[@taylorburns08]

I have a Jackson warrior and plays amazing sitting or standing

[@Sam-cq3sl]

i want an explorer ever since i started learning one of my favourite riffs on guitar and i know the guitarist who plays the riff uses a stratocaster on my favourite riff but his first and most famous guitar is the explorer, im talking about (The Edge)

[@Autism666Prime]

I hve a Kelly but the exact same problems

[@czolgistta]

Wow... never knew I had so many issues with my Explorer. Oh wait... I don't. P.S. I don't even know how your neck keeps "falling down"... that is an issue with the Flying V but the Explorer? But there is a simple trick -> change your guitar strap to a more "sticky" material like leather and shorten it and you won't have that problem. P.S. 2 You don't need any special pose with the Explorer, just spread your legs a little and the look of the Explorer will do the rest. James Hetfield approves that message.

[@etiennefournier]

Like others mentionned, I would probably have to change the strap pin placement to the back of the neck to help reduce neckdive. That's probably the biggest thing. But yeah, my straps are not sticky at all haha P.S. I agree that the Hetfield power stance makes the neck dive feel more tolerable!

[@maxwellelliott7963]

get a thicker strap too@@etiennefournier

[@Stm242]

Should i bue an Explorer or a les Paul or a flying v as a mid to good player??

[@kmukhamadulloev]

I cant play guitar, but always wanted explorer guitar cuz of its beauty

[@Downhill_Nils]

Sooooo a less annoying Dean ml?

[@Zeppgirl_]

You can't beat the sound of an Explorer. It has X factor. ❤ Famous sound engineers like Spector can bag it all they like and instead promote some of the most crappiest guitars ever. Some SG baby blue knock offs made in where else with bolt on necks will never sound better than a Gibson guitar in general. My partner owns a 1980 E2 he bought in 198I and it's still going stronger than ever. Out of all his special guitars, that's the one he loves the most. ❤

[@syer3789]

Came here from the bradley video, though you were from france because of the name but turns out you're canadian ahah Love the explorer shape tho

[@etiennefournier]

Haha Yeah! We're about 7 million french speakers in Canada! ...Thus the french name. Thanks for watching! I love the Explorer shape too - you've seen it in the Bradley video

[@YY-zw2ec]

Make a video about Les Paul or SG

[@kiillabytez]

Funny stuff. Now do one for BC RICH!

[@ThunderousThrasher]

So this was actually a hidden commercial 🤣

[@l0rd_breeigo-sama954]

Love the V, Explorer and Firebird equally. Would say the Firebird is the “best” when it comes to all facetts compared to v and Explorer, maybe except for upper fret access. Vs always win in that

[@Lipo]

great video!

[@burnoutzzz]

The fret access is good in theory, but if you're like me you always hit the horn anyway during solos haha

[@Seven7Pain1]

This is Why I built A Z (explorer) headless and made back sweep lower for arm rest so i can sit down and play, and made it a single pickup with one vol one momentary killswitch and one on offf killswitch. But it still sucks trying to put in stand so made wall hanger

[@etiennefournier]

Sounds sick! I would love to see a picture of your build! Does it look like the Kiesel Lightspeed?

[@Soldier1287]

It can be played in the sitting classical position tho

[@Soldier1287]

I got a 1993 Gibson woth EMg 81/85 on Craiglist back in 2013 for $750. The guy wanted $850 originally.

[@Soldier1287]

I can’t bring myself to modify it. Given as it now counts as vintage

[@viniciusverissimo298]

2:25 flying Vs also have that problem

[@TheCouchAteAlex238]

And Jenna ortega

[@mastershake9551]

And I thought I'm the only one with all these problems 🤣 btw what's the name of the case ? Thanks 🤘

[@OrkishEngineering]

correction: the explorer is the second best shape. the flying v is the first.

[@colRobinOlds]

Lmao I thought I was just clumsy dinging my explorer at everything, it's a Harley Benton ex76 which is smaller than the original but still

[@80smetalisawesome]

Love the explorer because Mattias Jabbs

[@Demiglitch]

Similar to Hetfield's EET FUK you should have a sticker for it that says TABE RNAK

[@justsomedude5727]

I love my thunderbird bass, all the issues plus the neck is longer lol

[@CarsonRenfroe]

James hetfield is my favorite rhythm guitarist and frontman because... 1. He's funny 2. Vocals 3. EET FUK 4. YEAH 5. Flying V 6. 2nd best drummer in the band 7. He's aged very well over the years 8. Vocals are still intact 9. Haha 10. BEST FUCKING FRONTMAN EVER

[@josetomaspavez7052]

Its the exact same with my ibanez iceman.

[@cromax9855]

And also gibson's default nonlocking strap buttons

[@swissarmyknight4306]

Two words: Bottle washers. Any strap can be a locking strap, and they cost very little.

[@cromax9855]

Late reply but I meant to say that their strap buttons are smaller than normal straps which make it easier for the guitar to drop

[@MeandtheOwls]

True story, dude.

[@honigdachs.]

I have a checklist that I run through whenever considering buying a guitar. #1 Explorer type yes or no If yes, proceed to #2. If no: nevermind

[@lorenzociciulla2962]

I got a ltd, i love it but in a wide space 🎸

[@estd.bruwer2778]

🔥

[@massimilianomagni2351]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@PackKanashijo]

so... guess i'll get the firebird instead

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

flying v will always be superior

[@Skelevon_gaming]

Suprisingly my explorer doesn’t neck dive for me now my jackson rhoads on the other hand….THATS ANNOYING!!!!

[@50Persian]

Thanks bro

[@DishesWorldwide]

Try having an ML I hit it on everything

[@marcandrecoutu4798]

Love explorers, but the fret access isn't that great. Vs and superstrat shapes are much better for lead and solo.

[@dimascaesar9690]

It's reminds me Matthias Jabs of Scorpions

[@AudioStorm1980]

Neither one of my explorers neck dive. Some just aren't men enough for the explorer.

[@sharads6134]

❤ 😃

[@lucyfer_the_bat]

i love my jackson rhoads v

[@johankarlsson2243]

ESP= no neck dive Edwards and gibson =neck dives. Thats my experience .

[@dunno_504]

You forgot to say that it is very pretty

[@brucedickinson8993]

I would love to be your friend.

[@sortaunsure9048]

Kinda the same with the ML for me😂

[@billyandbobandbillybob]

1:14 oh bin tabarnak

[@EdgarMagneDrake4995]

Most of those guitar shapes are mostly for looks... So yea

[@Greg_Koenig]

Get a leather strap with unfinished leather on the backside..No neck dive ever again

[@syracuse6651]

ESP , ESP , or ESP Edwards , that's all I need to say .

[@shawnbruce6934]

Dude. This was a Great video. Do You live in France? I'm just asking bc if so I hope things are getting better there. America is going down the shitter.