Explorer Style Guitars And Should You Buy One

I do not currently own a Gibson Explorer. I have owned 2 in the past.
This video is meant for anyone who is looking to purchase an Explorer Shape Guitar.
Guitars in this video
Hamer XT Standard w/ EMG 81/60 and TKO Kill Switch
LTD EX400 w/ EMG Het Set and TKO Kill Switch
Aria ZZ
Jackson Kelly KEXQ w/ EMG Bone Breakers and EMG Kill Switch
Jackson KE3 Pile Of Skulls w/ EMG Marty Friedman
Previous Explorer Guitars
Gibson Explorer in Classic White
Gibson Explorer in Black w/ Black Pickguard and EMG 81/85

[@countzero5150]

Explorers are the perfect compromise between being an extreme shape but still being a classic.

[@mantassapalas3810]

You got a point.

[@honigdachs.]

I fucking love explorers. I have four and feel I need more, haha. There's just something about them. I feel they suit me better than any other guitar shape, and visually, they're just kind of different - big, bold, adventurous and confident. I'm totally bored of the anemic and orderly looking superstrats with longer scales and too many strings everyone else seems to play now. I do have a couple older RGs I like, but these contemporary superstrats are fuckin' nerd instruments, let's be honest. I also can't stand Strats, Les Pauls, PRSs and all these typical "vintage" and "boutiquey" senior citizen guitars. An explorer on the other hand looks like a serious rockers' guitar, and they look cool and boys and gals alike.

[@bonsummers2657]

Same here. I've got a yakisugi burned and oiled custom with angular wood grain and a flyin V headstock,… love the look,…. and I've got one I'm putting together now (though I'll have Moze put the hardware and neck together, and, another on order,… three different yakisugi burned style and oiled explorers,…. rustic garage style,…. that's my style. I've had both Gibson and Epiphone natural Korina and Mahogany, but I sold them, great guitars, but that was in the 90's and 00's,…. then I got back into it this year.

[@professored7169]

Guitar is for senior citizens now, the explorer shape is like 40 years old, and I'm pretty sure all the things you said about super strats is what people said about explorers and flying v's when they first came out

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

…63 Years… Guitar is for Senior Citizens… so leave us Senior Citizens alone, grab a synthesizer, sorry, an app on your phone… and go watch TikTok for a few hours. If you still have anxiety then grab a fidget toy. My hip hurts! Cheers -Ryan

[@edgyswordsmanmanga4051]

I really like explorers in terms of visual design, I always associate them with James’ powerful stage presence. I got a Solar E1.6ET today that I ordered off of Reverb for about half the new price, and youre definitely right about the back fin bumping into things. I foolishly took it into the bathroom to see how it looks with a strap, and as I walked out, I bumped the back fin on the doorway and it rubbed some white onto the guitar. I managed to wipe most of it off, fortunately. Despite being a shorter scale and hanging higher on the wall, the E is longer from nut to end of body than my ibanez EX120. Aside from that, the only thing I legitimately lament is the fact that these arent ideal for classical position, which Ive played in almost exclusively for the last two-ish years- my only previous guitars having super strat bodies. It might be the evertune, and the shorter scale, but I found that the place I usually reflexively rest my hand to palm-mute is way behind where this bridge is. I gotta bring my hand forward quite a bit, which makes the whole guitar feel a little different, even when standing. TLDR; explorers are METAL AS FVCK but are also very different from a strat’s/super strat’s ergonomic body. It’s not uncomfortable, I just prefer classical for the sake of my posture.

[@Solidsaw]

Have you gotten used to it?

[@Kreln1221]

*My favorite Explorer derivative has always been the B.C. Rich Mockingbird, which combines the classic Exploreresque shape with the outline silhouette of a flame of fire, and it is just beautiful... It is much more classy than any other B.C. Rich design...*

[@cheems4301]

Mockingbird is closer to a les Paul than an explorer

[@Fragments_Ov_Shattered_Malice_]

@@cheems4301 a mockingbird is a warlock pretending to be an explorer

[@sleepdeep305]

@@Fragments_Ov_Shattered_Malice_ More like a warlock pretending to be a firebird

[@SavitTheGoalie]

You can never go wrong with bc rich guitars but the mockingbird is coolest guitar ever in my I got a masterpiece and I love that guitar

[@jsullivan2112]

Mockingbirds rule.

[@Spoonley]

I got a explorer a month ago and I love it! I definitely will buy many more

[@irmasil3]

I love my KE-1 Jackson and it also has some sentimental value for me, cos I am a Marty Friedman die-hard fan!!! BUT..... Explorers are as unbalanced as they can be: Neck heavy, front flipping heavy, neck squeezing bitches.... For some reason, all brands never actually got the strap button positions right....I moved both my strap buttons on my Kellys KE1 in the "Marty Friedman" position to make it playable. Lovely guitars but...Also, you HAVE to hang them low to stay properly on your body. If you play with your guitar hanging higher (closer to belly button rather than hips), you look like as ass AND its harder to play...

[@HighSpeedirt1]

I always just hooked my strap over the rear horn on Kelly USA to keep it from nose diving. Thanks for the tip on moving strap buttons.

[@HIGHTOP203]

My hamer xt’s well balanced! and honestly, explorers should be played low :))

[@bfrijas]

Could you explain the Marty Friedman position for the strap buttons? Do you mean the neck button being on the underside of the guitar rather than on the small top edge?

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Eric Peterson and Lee Altus are two thrashers who use this type of guitars! Jackson rules! Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@megaloblabber2948]

Lee Altus 💪

[@jeppyjep]

James Hetfield and at one point, Dave Mustaine, also use Explorer. Lee Atlus is the current Exodus guitarist right? I might get it wrong.

[@ilovesguitarmucho]

Very interesting finding this video after I have pre-ordered a pro series Jeff Loomis Kelly. Never been super big on owning an explorer (though I love seeing Hetfield with his way back in the day, the Thunderhorse, and Matt Heafy’s 7 string). I picked the Kelly for a few reasons. 1. I’ve been a Jackson fanboy since I was 16. 2. Have been digging the Kelly shape for the past few years really getting into Jeff Loomis, Brandon Ellis, and obviously Marty Friedman. 3. It’s a bit smaller and sleeker than an actual explorer. Can’t wait for it to come in.

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

That Kelly looks like itll be a badass axe. I've been eyeing even the USA models and hoping they would make a Pro or X series model. I'm considering getting one to have a guitar with a floyd Rose. Thing looks absolutely stunning

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They’ve had X Series models for a while. The only issue is that they come with Floyd Rose Specials. If you get one then I’d recommend buying a Floyd Rose Original alongside it. The Floyd Special on this one barely lasted 6 months. Cheers -Ryan

[@VMX12k]

I bought my Jackson Kelly KE5FR about 10yrs ago with case from the US for only $800 USD..inc. shipping to Australia! and it has been my gig and recording preference ever since. It has the stock Jackson fitted pickups. I also own (since 1990) two Jackson Rhoads V's, which are fantastic and since 1983 an Ibanez Rocket Roll MKII V which has great tone and playability. I have others too... BUT the point is that the Kelly is THE guitar I pick up every day. the others are used more for differentiation in tone when recording and for backup when playing live! Kelly's rock!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Glad To Hear - Kevin

[@razztastic]

"only" $800... Jesus christ.

[@Grindermetalhead]

I own a black Hamer Vector and that thing is built like a tank. If the rest of the Hamers are as sturdy as mine is, there is not much chance of getting a dinged one used. I dropped mine and bumped it pretty hard multiple times over the years. On one occasion I dropped it and I broke the plastic button on one of the tuner pegs but I made no dings nor dents on the guitar itself whatsoever. Most of the damage so far was made only to the things that had the misfortune to collide with that guitar.

[@Shalloworldmx]

I just got my first explorer type guitar (an Epiphone Extura) aaaand of course I bought it because of James Hetfield. I bought it online and the first thing that really stroke me was how HUGE it was, I wasn't expect it because I didn't try it on a store, I just have to be extra careful all the time. Still love that guitar.

[@JROC2112]

"I'm not going to play", great, I came to learn about Explorers, not to watch someone else okay. Thanks for such a great video. Been a real help to me. Blessings to you.

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

5:13 bought my Kelly because Hetfield and Richie Faulkner from Judas Priest, Richie don’t play Explorers that much but he made me want the floyd

[@paulberak4030]

Don’t hear people mention Aria Pro very often. I have to explorer’s from around 87. Bought mine new when I was 17. My high school friend gave me his last year that he bought the at same time:)

[@tippss3332]

Love my Jackson Kelly's. Japan and Indo made. Badass guitars!!!

[@VicioStarbreaker]

I have a ltd exp 200 coming my way...i have a ltd snakebyte and a snakebyte baritone so I decided to retrace hetfields guitars and get the exp 200 so hopefully I'll enjoy it (bolt on and rosewood fretboard) if not I'm sure I can find a buyer for it. Also I can't wait for loomis Jackson Kelly sig model

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Nice! The other guitar player on this channel, Kevin, just missed out on the SnakeByte Baritone. Cheers -Ryan

[@simonlacroix3916]

String gauge vs a Les Paul? The more I play, the more I find that the bottom strings are slinkier or maybe not as tensed as it should be... Is it just me ?

[@gus3333]

I bought a solar E2.6 and they are great if you replace the tuning machines and get used to the heavy body. For the same money I would like to have a good kelly around 1k.

[@aeugmk2]

Hey man, go on ebay and search for the 2 12v battery upgrade that fits in an enclosure. It connects like a 9v and you will love your emg actives even more!!!! It is no bigger than your 9v battery, awesome! 24v of emg fury!! The circuit is 27v max, so you're good to go.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I've tried the 24v, definitely great! BUT I'm not sure... I've been really into passives lately. To each their own... I'm SURE I'll make my way back hahaha! Cheers -Ryan

[@guntotinguy16]

Cool video...I am more of a V guy but I do own a Gibson firebird studio with P90s,plays great..explorers are awesome just not my preference. .

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Me too! I have 12 Flying Vs. 6 King V's, 5 Rhoads V's, and 1 Custom Shop Flying V. Just something about a V gets me motivated! Cheers -Ryan

[@sinisterfame622]

I have been subbed to you guys for a while now and I do enjoy your videos. I especially like this one because I love my explorer.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Awesome to hear! Thanks for Watching! Cheers -Ryan

[@kursatkaya8158]

Well, I am 6'3 so Superstrats or something like them looks like a toy to me so, Explorer-ish shape is my only -and dream- choice. I hope I'll get one soon.

[@Spaggot]

Got one yet?

[@justadog8248]

Two years later...stores cant keep em they sell instantly, used market is crazy awesome fun, custom cases are the way to go. eg. spray truck liner on the outside and they're bullet proof.

[@IndyRockStar]

I have 2 Gibson Explorers. They quickly became my favorite guitars.

[@damienbeckman-scott7016]

I just want to know which one has the least neck dive lol.

[@imthemetalguy1]

I got a jackson kelly pro series and a pro series rhoads for 600.

[@Dimefield]

Kelly player since late 90s here, prepare for a little biased opinion.... Finally someone else said it as I've found it, the higher fret acces with Kelly is so much better, that alone makes it my favourite. Also the size is nice. Kelly isn't too heavy. (weight, musically very heavy) Like this video says, one of the first things I did when getting a Kelly was crashing to a door frame with it.... nice.

[@joshuabarbour5278]

Love the pile of skulls Kelly.

[@Mike_B.]

What's the difference between the KEX-Kelly and the JS32-Kelly?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

There are a few differences: KEX is an X Series so it is made in Indonesia, has a Set Neck with a gloss finish, and comes with a Floyd Rose Special (not the greatest). The JS-32 Kelly is Made in China, has a Bolt On Neck, and comes with a Jackson Licensed Floyd Rose (Worse than the Special). Neither of them are bad guitars. The X Series feel a lot more comfortable and they have a “Finished” feel to them, where as the JS-32 guitars are good if you are going to upgrade almost everything in them. They are solid guitars but the Tuners are a little thinner and they don’t feel as nice as the X Series. But that can all come down to personal taste. Cheers -Ryan

[@juzzie]

Great video .. love my Snakebyte

[@jayrichardson5811]

Doesn't matter anymore where you're guitar is made guitar crafting Technology is everywhere now.. professional quality craftsmanship everywhere

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Materials used during construction do matter. I'm completely impressed by Jackson's JS22 or JS32 Chinese Line. BUT Hands On Inspection Times are super low in China. I honestly always go from American Made to Indonesian Made to Jackson Chinese Made al the time. The difference is obvious but I still like them all! Besides I have a lot of fun buying cheap guitars and sinking $500-$600 into them. Cheers -Ryan

[@aliascent]

Hard truth on the cases. But yeah, explorers are cool, kellys even cooler, and I wish there were more options. Where are the baritone or 7 string explorers ?

[@Wodzirej93]

Solar is makeing 7 string ex types

[@thedawnoftheblackhearts2745]

shouldn't be Jackson's warrior shape considered as an explorer type shape?

[@Dimebageus]

My Aria Explorer doesnt have a whammy bar and i already bought one but it doesnt fit. Can you tell me the specific one you got on yours ? Thanks

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The only answer I can give you is: The one that came with it. Sorry. Cheers -Ryan

[@Dimebageus]

Kinda sucks that i got this off a guy on fb but at least i got an explorer !

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Same hahaha! I got mine for I think $160. Honestly the Trem on it is alright... but you could always grab a Gotoh 1996T for cheap then you would have an extremely solid Trem and they come with Whammy Bars. Cheers -Ryan

[@Dimebageus]

imgur.com/a/cP2d5xT Ive searched everywhere and just cant seem to find one explorer looks like mine. Either that or i havent done enough searching

[@TheTactical6string]

i think you should mention how an Explorer type hangs while standing, if youve got a bigger stomach especially. you can put the strap over the rear but that looks like crap. i play sitting down mostly so its fine. Just got s Jeff Loomis kelly, its nice.

[@williammckee6165]

are Mockingbirds (BC Rich) worth a look at or are they all squawk

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Haven’t played one... but a lot of the BC Rich stuff that I have seen has been made in China. Cheers -Ryan

[@TheTactical6string]

Does anyone think I coukd fit my Loomis Kelly in to a esp EX case?

[@joeloliver2279]

I love my explorer (I have to finish refinishing it tho)

[@CapN_Swagga]

I wanted one because of skwisgaar skwigelf. you's gots to practice the guitars

[@douglasvaughn9349]

Good video

[@Kriegter]

The pink racer X ibanez destroyer is something I would like

[@joshgurr260]

I really want a Kelly but all the current models in the X series have a Floyd which is a no for me, I'll just keep looking out XD

[@SavitTheGoalie]

Does a mockingbird count as a explorer body?

[@amirrezarezaie]

There are idiots who pay 8k for esp mx series to be "hetfield". Kelly is absolutely a great guitar and I enjoy playing it.

[@davesargent8748]

Ikr!! I saw the ESP “EET FUK” guitar on reverb for up to 30 grand!! Who would buy that?

[@travis3266]

I could care less about the brand I just love the style, is there any good brands that are way cheaper than Gibson

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Lots of stuff out there off varying qualities, for sure! My favourites would be the Jackson Kelly or an actual Gibson Explorer. I just bought another Gibson Explorer last month and I'm starting to prefer it to the Kelly style... but as long as the Kelly has a good tremolo then they are AWESOME! Cheers -Ryan

[@ZaveAres]

Check out Shecter's E1 models

[@gauze.65]

Pls someone help me Jackson js32 king v or the epiphone black explorer with emg pickups

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Unless you are familiar with Floyd Style Tremolos and the upkeep involved... then I would say the Epiphone. Unless the King V has a Tune-o-matic. Then you'd be looking at either Bolt on neck on the Jackson or Set Neck with the Epiphone. Cheers -Ryan

[@gauze.65]

@@Crypticmaskguitar no this is my first electric guitar and yeah i think i'm gonna go with the explorer cuz it has emg pickups cheers bro

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Best of luck! Floyd Style Tremolos can be a nightmare… especially the cheap ones on the JS32 series. They WILL fall apart within a year! Congrats on the Epi Explorer! Cheers -Ryan

[@gauze.65]

@@Crypticmaskguitar thanks

[@gauze.65]

@@Crypticmaskguitar you got a follow

[@bangitsmom6855]

I had the Aria ZZ that was white and black. It was SEXY AF. Played incredibly. Like a dumba**, I sold it. Regretted it ever since.

[@scottcollins5240]

I have the Pro Series Jeff Loomis Signature Kelly. It's a beast.

[@tankdarla637]

love my Jackson Kelly

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

Want an Explorer? Buy the damn 1984 Epiphone...already have EMG's

[@jasonfromguitarcenter]

Painkiller488 X James Hetfield Starter Pack

[@patrickshannon4516]

The cheaper Jackson Kelly js series are okay they are good metal style guitars bought one for 180$ used once

[@tankdarla637]

I do not care about trends or whats popular, and no particular guitarist made me want one...

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

Kiesel Hyperdrive and Lightspeed are both explorer style guitars that are super solid. Maybe the best.

[@cobalt8421]

Schecter E-1 are a really good explorers guitars even better on many many aspects than gibson

[@haroldculhane4110]

I own an ibanez destroyer and it's kick ass. Stays in tune well.

[@jsullivan2112]

Ibanez really needs to bring back the Destroyer, the Xiphos is lame as hell. Dean Z is a top contender too, incredibly comfortable.

[@bigt6889]

Have an 84 exp. Not a big fan of it. I'd rather have my ibanez xphios

[@davidburgess5689]

Don't forget the iceman!

[@cletusburst4188]

Love my Kelly🤘

[@wizrom3046]

Ahh yes.. The Death Metal Martin

[@michaelfortunato3117]

WHAT THE DAMN HELL

[@frankorobinson1540]

There is no explorer type guitar used thats playable for 150 dollars lol

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

Okay its comments on Explorer wanna be guitars. Not a single real Explorer.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

As mentioned at the very start of the video... I'm still on a search for a Gibson Explorer that I can bond with. But yeah literally at the start of the video, dude, Cheers -Ryan

[@pety1245]

Gibson and Schecter! Rest ae trash. If you really want to get an explorer, spend the money!