Legendary Gibson Explorer Players

We look at The Legends of the Gibson Explorer
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[@sylviafoster9093]

Allen Collins was a master on the Explorer guitar.

[@lfader]

Very emotional lead guitar player I love Allen Collins Saw him x3 w Skynyrd 💥

[@M1SFT_Gort.Official]

hell yeah

[@xxloki713xx]

One explorer player you should definitely check out is Claudio Sanchez from the band Coheed and Cambria. He played a few really cool ones. Got lots of great tones out them too.

[@jltrem]

Ramon, I've been a Neil Young fanatic since the Springfield days but have NEVER seen a photo of him playing an Explorer. Thank you for providing a first for me.

[@TheGuitarShow]

My pleasure bro

[@jltrem]

@@TheGuitarShow Wow! Also when you mentioned Alvino Ray and his Singing Guitar it brought back a memory I had from seeing him on television when I was a kid (71 now, even older than Bob) and being amazed at how it was done.

[@weeds56]

Love the channel. Another long time explorer player is Ricky Metlocke. Skynyrd and Blackfoot.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed

[@derekclacton]

Great video, Ramon! Just one to add, from me - Ricky Medlock (Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd) 👍

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks! He's a great picker!

[@derekclacton]

@@TheGuitarShow Sure is and I misspelled his name; it’s Rickey Medlocke :) KZbin auto spell says Rickety, so I dodged a bullet there!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Ah thanks for that Derek - another question - are from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex? @@derekclacton

[@funkster007]

Glad you mentioned Matthias Jabs from the Scorpions. Only part that was off was stating he originally played a Firebird. That was actually Uli Roth in the band's earlier days.

[@RcknRol72-i4n]

He played a 70s Gibson explorer with the scorpions from 78/79 until 88 when gibson made him a custom explorer with a floyd rose . He played that regularly until the early 2000s when Domengett made him a non gibson custom explorer. So yes , Matthias played gibson until about 2003.

[@funkster007]

@@Skyy-avari Matthias' famous white one with the black stripes wasnt originally white. It was repainted. .Yes it's a Gibson Explorer

[@garfinn4555]

I will add one of my favorites to the list, Rickey Medlocke. A guy I think is vastly underrated as not only a guitar player, but as a singer & songwriter, as well.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed

[@hostilerampage]

rickey and dave hlubek

[@mitchmartin4507]

I totally agree. Ricky is an amazing guitar player! Love Ricky!

[@alohamark3025]

Everyone should have an Explorer and Flying V in their collection. My korina Explorer is from the 80's (Norlin Era), and the guitar has Shaw pickups. Solid rock tone and a keeper for life, unless someone wants to trade a 50's.

[@TheGuitarShow]

I totally agree!

[@georgeprice4212]

Explorer? Yeah. Flying V? I look dorky with one.

[@TheGuitarShow]

ditto @@georgeprice4212

[@doc_matter]

I love this series series you got going on, I have watched all your videos, some multiple times! Keep it up man I hope they never stop!!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks - that means a lot!

[@cliftonfulkerson3627]

This was fantastic!!! Thanks for making this for us. Loved it

[@tangentz0007]

I wonder how many young guys remember any of this history. Good job. It was a major tone part of the 3 guitar attack of Lynyrd Skynyrd.❤❤❤

[@TheGuitarShow]

Great comment, thanks

[@brandonjackson5865]

Al Collins is my favorite of all the Skynyrd guitarists, love watching old footage of him playing he definitely loved his job. I don’t know how many younger guys know about it . Though not a Gibson Edward used his Ibanez Destroyer for tracking anything on VH1 that didn’t require a tremolo, and I happen to believe it was the stock Ibanez pickup probably made by Maxon in the bridge.

[@5150show]

Fantastic show , fantastic channel, fantastic guy !

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed bro

[@telecasterjim1]

Ricky Medlocke played many over the years.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks

[@linheitzig9227]

As usual Goose, a very informative & interesting video. Thank you Goose.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thank you!

[@james.8442]

Everytime i see gibson explorer, i see James Hetfield..

[@johvanortiz6267]

I have a Harley Benton EX-76 (Explorer copy) and it is a fantastic guitar! The shape is very comfortable. My favorite explorer players are Eric Clapton, Dave Groll, and Gary Moore.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Very nice indeed

[@jimedick9496]

Matthias Jabs of the Scorpions is definitely the best guitarist to ever play the Explorer. He has so many different types and he even has his own signature Explorer. It’s the Explorer 90 that was designed and made to fit Jabs requests. It’s made with a smaller body and 24 frets.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Agreed!

[@sikad2damax]

Explorer 90 that's the guitar model ,I'm always curious MJ s guitars specially the strat one

[@Skyy-avari]

Look close at the headstock and read the name,, he never played a GIBSON EXPLORER, ITS A COPY. sorry , but you're wrong.

[@Skyy-avari]

​@@sikad2damaxit's not a GIBSON EXPLORER he has never played one, it's a copy, just look at the name on the headstock. Sorry but you're wrong.

[@jimedick9496]

@@Skyy-avari His famous guitar was a 1976 Gibson Explorer that he painted white. He later sent the guitar in to Gibson to have it repaired and that’s when they painted the black stripes. He originally used tape. Not even Gibson rebutted the history on his guitar. Jabs has his own line of Explorers that I don’t believe are affiliated with Gibson. His original white Explorer, with the black stripes, is in fact a Gibson.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Thank you for this one also, Ramon. One player who most people don’t know about is Survivor co-founder and constant Frankie Sullivan. In a centerfold picture in the insert from *Ultimate Survivor* with the lineup that recorded “Eye of the Tiger” (Frankie, vocalist Dave Bickler, keyboardist & co-founder Jim Peterik, bass player Stephen Ellis & drummer Marc Droubay) miming the song on TV, Frankie is seen holding a white-finish Explorer sands pick guard. That may have been the only time he played an Explorer or was seen with one, since Frankie Sullivan’s name might be better associated with the Stratocaster and the Les Paul. Another player I associate with the body shape is Tommy Shaw. Between the release of the Styx album *Cornerstone* and its followup, *Paradise Theater,* Tommy acquired a ‘76 Explorer that’s visible in the video from “Babe”. Tommy played that Explorer on the last 2 Styx records with its classic lineup of DeYpung, Young, Shaw, Panozzo and Panozzo (the last being *Kilroy was Here).* The mods Tommy made to it included installing a Tune-o-Matic bridge and a DiMarzio lead pickup (presumably in bridge position). During their *Return to Paradise* tour in ‘96, Tommy was playing a an Explorer-shaped Hamer.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure bro, thanks for this addition!

[@jeffsquires6620]

I have a explorer and I manage to hit everything within 10 square feet feet with it. I found it awkward until I put the strap in front of lower bout. Many thanks Allen Collins.

[@Skyy-avari]

Don't forget Rick derringer who had one of the very first split v- headstock 1957 explorers. !!!

[@hesekie1]

A great, wide-ranging list

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed

[@KentuckyColonel]

3:50 actually the story can be verified.. One of Allen Collins' friends states that in 1975 he and Allen were at a "well known luthier's shop", assuming in Jacksonville, at the same time. Allen was getting the brass nut replaced on his Explorer and his friend (who lived in Martinsville VA, in 2004 when this statement was made, I will leave his name out of it) said he played the Explorer. I am making a replica Allen Collins Firebird III#3 and a replica 58 Korina Explorer.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Kentucky

[@KentuckyColonel]

@@TheGuitarShow YW

[@jameshazen2907]

@@KentuckyColonelhey I’ve been curious for a while about the firebird Allen used. Particularly the one he had a p90 in bridge on.Do you know if he used the middle position on the p/u switch? And if so would there be a sound he was known to like? I appreciate it.

[@scotty4489]

I don't know if he counts as an Explorer player but Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special played an Explorer clone, a one off custom made by Jay Rhyne, an Atlanta area luthier. Rhyne likely did the custom work on Allen Collins Explorer because he used Collins Explorer as a template to make the body for Carlisi's guitar.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks for the info Scotty!

[@joserdiazalmodovar1898]

Yeahh so did Early Deff leppard with hamers yes

[@CathyHolton-jh1xv]

Regarding the Edge’s 1976, I’ve noticed on a few occasions that his original Explorer has a fret marking on the first fret. I’ve looked at other 76’s in person and on the internet and I’ve never seen a marker on the first fret. He could have had it added, as he’s used to playing Les Paul Customs, but I’m not sure if it was from the factory and maybe a few got out like that.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks for this info Cathy

[@georgeprice4212]

I think a Guitar World cover should give a hint as to why Dave hasn’t been seen with his black Explorer since 2003: it was broken along the wiring canal on the guitar.

[@rwheellife]

In 1985 I bought a new ESP Explorer, Red body. black pic guard , Maple neck, and Red Peg head. It was a great guitar...

[@doc_matter]

Imagine Derringer pulling out the P.A.Fs for Super Distortions! 😅😂

[@TheGuitarShow]

My thoughts too! ha

[@williampayne7678]

The Egge from U2 played a Gibson Explorer. And James Hatfield plays a Gibson Explorer as well. My Friend from friend from the Welsh hard Band Called ShovelFace they From Aberdare South Wales Valleys plays Epiphone Explorer.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Nice William - Ill keep an ear to the ground for them

[@andrewpappas9311]

Explorer players that immediately come to mind for me - James Hetfield (Metallica) - The Edge (U2) - Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) - Eric Clapton - Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) - Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks 🙏 🎸

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@TheGuitarShow Awesome video, I was surprised to see Neil Young on here since I didn’t know that he played an Explorer so that was cool to see. For some other videos in this series, how about continuing with the oddball shapes and do Flying Vs or Firebirds? That could also be cool, but great vid as always

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks I've already dont the reverse Firebird - but I have to do the non-reverse Firebird - which should be real fun! @@andrewpappas9311

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@TheGuitarShow So you have, I didn’t realize you’ve done that one already but non-reverse Firebirds are really cool as well

[@atomicwedgie8176]

The Edge, sooooooooo overrated.

[@arthurabbott4792]

What about Rickey Medlocke from Blackfoot (and Skynyrd in the 2000's)

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Entertaining episode!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Dr

[@JuddLofthouse]

I always wanted a explorer but just to pointy for me 😩congratulations I’ve just noticed your close to 50k subs 👌well deserved

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks very much Paul

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure bro

[@glenkepic3208]

Great!!! I played in a band called Explorer. a vid is here. Long Long time ago... As much a i loved and saw players that used them (LS, '77, Jabs, '82), I never liked playing one,,,Knock off (Epi and such) SG, LP, V, FB....always skipped the Explorer....joked recently it was like playing a coffee table. Nice vid, though!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Glen I think it’s like marmite you either love them or hate them ha !

[@glenkepic3208]

Thanks for the reply. Wish i had room for the good stuff, to be ready to roll,,The Exp is all that's missing@@TheGuitarShow

[@doc_matter]

What do you mean by, "the $10,000 les paul" at the 3:15 mark Could you elaborate? Im not familiar

[@TheGuitarShow]

I think Lee is either talking about the current value of Gibsons at that time, or that Clapton had just paid $10,000 for a burst.

[@WalterStoermer]

Love the Explorer! I have a left-handed model. For your next video? The Nashville Telecaster or the Jackson Star needs some love.

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@WalterStoermer I'll look into that, thanks

[@nunyabusiness5075]

I really like the Gary Moore interview from 2004. It's worth chasing down on youtube, Gary shows off how versatile an Explorer can be.

[@dougwatson-p5k]

I had 76 explorer I sold it I've never recovered from that it's really the only guitar I enjoyed playing

[@TheGuitarShow]

Never sell your Explorer - advice from Doug (and Goose agrees)!

[@georgeprice4212]

I doubt that Allen bought the Explorer in 1974. He would have been using it during the Second Helping and Nuthin’ Fancy tours. I think the first known use by Allen was the Gimme Back My Bullets tour in 1976, appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and their Knebworth show, one of many bands that day opening for The Rolling Stones bare this out. (Although, Allen still used a Firebird for “Free Bird” on TOGWT.)

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks for your comment and info George

[@lfader]

Clapton - Gary Moore -Allen Collins - Rick Neilson Mathias Jabs - Billy gibbons 🌟 EVH & Lynch( Ibanez Destroyer)

[@MojoHaiku]

I saw Edgar Winter with Rick Derringer in '74 and Rick was playing that Explorer; it was the first one I'd ever seen. BTW, Poco opened at that show.

[@grahamt33]

Ramon, can you do a similar video, but on the Flying V ?

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yes I promise! Next up is the SG

[@padbender2972]

really enjoyed that!

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Great job !!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks Mike!

[@lucyfuir6386]

I have a 93 custom shop in heritage cherry. I went in to Guitar Center to buy a second les Paul. There was a power outage and they weren't letting anyone in. I knew the manager Jody and I told her i what i wanted. She said do you have cash. I said yes. She said follow me and grabbed a flashlight. We were looking at the Les Paul's when she went past an explorer. I said wait a second back up. I took it down and I had to have it. It was 3 years old and had just been traded in. She wrote me a hand receipt on an old carbon copy pad. Told me she would put it in the computer later. 750 wth the case. When I was walking out some guys were like hey how did he buy something. I said I had cash. They said oh. Still got it.

[@dwainphillips]

Dave Hlubeck Molly Hatchet Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special also Explorer players

[@sarasarah1810]

Pete Willis...along with his Hamer.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks

[@sarasarah1810]

im sure most dont considerhim legendary but he is to me. nice ch btw.@@TheGuitarShow

[@chrisstark9524]

The best guitar player Def Leppard ever had and the reason I own an Explorer.

[@sarasarah1810]

@@chrisstark9524 Yea he was, and i as well have a few now, just a proper looking guitar.

[@bobchristopher5842]

One great guitarist you left out is Paul Warren. He had original Explorer and his band was called Explorer. He played guitar on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" at age 17, guitarist for Rare Earth, Rod Stewart and too many to mention. A blues player whos has owned a thousand old guitars in his career.

[@Johnsormani]

I own one of the 1976 ltd baseball neck explorers. All original , down to the tuners. Great guitar

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

Didn’t B.Jones play one ?

[@whyis45stillalive]

I’m glad you used Allen Collins, for the thumbnail.

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

Just looked at the video, his Explorer has eagles in the fret board, it's an awesome Guitar, I would love to know what year and specific model, maybe it's a custom shop piece... Thanks.....

[@deanbartone8187]

There’s two very important guitar players you forgot one is Jeff Carlisi, even though his was custom-made, but more importantly, Tommy Shaw, undoubtedly one of the Masters of the explorer

[@videomove]

missing johnny guitar watson who was also playing an explorer in the late 70s

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

Hey the lead guitarist of 38 Special. I believe his name was Jeff Caralisi, there was/is like 3 guitarists in the band at the time , listen to Hold on Loosely, watch the video, he played an old Explorer with the Eagle on it wood grain. Great video... Thanks..

[@buschovski1]

Junior Marvin....love him

[@gdavew63]

I saw KISS back in 1976, Destroyer tour. Ace Frehley used one then. I’ve seen photos over the years, most likely it was a 1976 model

[@williampayne7678]

Can you do Alex Lefeson from Rush

[@TheGuitarShow]

yes of course William I will cover him soon

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

With all the hype of "Greenie" I find it far more interesting that they own two '58 V's and Explorers! Come on Gibson, smell the money!!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yep! ha

[@victorycrosby4896]

Jonny winter made me a fan of the mini humbucker exployer.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Me too! Thanks

[@tonebender69]

You forgot Eddie! EVH used the Ibanez Destroyer (explorer copy) a lot on the early VH albums.

[@lucyfuir6386]

And James Hetfield had an Explorer copy at first as well

[@StuartAlderson]

What about the boys in AIRBOURNE, they’ve used Explorers from day one

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Stuart!

[@clivewinter8321]

Didn't mention about paul stanley of kiss using one in 1977 on their rock n roll Over tour

[@lucyfuir6386]

Was a copy

[@mikemb123]

You missed Johnny Winter.

[@piplee1439]

Allen paid 4 grand in 74?!???! Blimey 🤔

[@Lolo.13]

Rickey Medlocke?

[@Za7a7aZ]

Would be nice if you would do a Gibson V Legendary Gibson V PLayers special

[@maxvecna2913]

In the late '70s and early '80s Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult was playing Explorers during parts of their sets. I thought the guitar really fit his playing style better than anything he's played since.

[@fknorr1]

Rick Medlocke - Blackfoot and Lynryd Skynryd

[@joserdiazalmodovar1898]

You forgot Sammy Hagar, Joe Bonamassa,,

[@rickystokes891]

You forgot paul and Ace of kiss

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks for reminding me!

[@lucyfuir6386]

Neither of them played Explorers. Paul had a firebird for a short stint and owned a couple ibenez destroyers that Ace used when they played in Japan.

[@Ricardo-uo7ed]

Matthias jabs

[@chrisstark9524]

Pete Willis from Def Leppard. He was the guy that made me want an Explorer. Massively underrated player with a rather unique style for someone so young (a lot of his stuff is a pain in the arse to learn!), he was a huge contributor to their early stuff. Funny how they became a rubbish pop band after he left.

[@kc0lif]

jeff carisi 38 special has one.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks

[@bastianogr4960]

No Ricky Medlocke? 😮

[@meganostra6633]

Dude, Jeff Carlisi??

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks bro

[@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha4869]

19 originals were made. The most expensive guitars around today. Make an original burst seem like peanuts in terms of price. Hey have you ever seen the famous add of Clapton in music man magazine oops Goose just showed it. I have a theory based on claptons face in that picture. I think when they to,d him to cover up the bout with his sleeve that’s the minute he found out in was a mod not a prototype lol

[@TheGuitarShow]

Ha you are probably right - great theory though!

[@piplee1439]

This is a tongue in cheek comment but you did say legendary guitarists ? I know why and what you’re going to think but why include The Bevell from U2?

[@TheGuitarShow]

good point!

[@piplee1439]

🤣🤣🤣

[@piplee1439]

🍌as sharp as a banana 🤣🤣🤣

[@70g357]

When anyone asks Monday... What I did this weekend...? My reply will be .... Waiting on my 2023 Gibson Explorer....

[@TheGuitarShow]

so cool - cant beat an Ex!

[@space_andyy]

Ehem... Skwisgaar Skwigelf (Brendon Small)

[@АлександрМакаров-г9з]

And why does no one mention the outstanding and unique Matthias Jabs🙄!?!? He made Gibson Explorer much more famous than Hatfield,Collins, and other mediocre mid-level guitarists!!! Matthias showed how unique this guitar is in the hands of a true guitar virtuouso!!! I'm even ashamed of you!!!You mentioned all sorts of non-musicians,while forgetting Matthias!!!

[@KOBRA96-45]

Ain’t no way you called Hetfield, the master of down picking a mediocre mid level guitarist😂

[@Daron597]

@@KOBRA96-45 same with collins

[@АлександрМакаров-г9з]

@K.O.B.R.A All of them...Hatfield,Collins, and many others "greats and legendary" Matthias will easily blow off the podium with his brilliant style and a variety of different playing techniques!!! He is one of the greatest(and one of the MOST TECHNICAL),who really knows how to play the guitar,and not just posturing on stage!!! After all,if you take PURE SKILL,many and many already legendary guitarists are not much for him!!!

[@413TomaccoRoad]

Allen Collins and the Edge. Those are only 2 off the top of my head. Joe Bonamassa uses a Korina Explorer sometimes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpjLhWuOZ9B3aZIsi=dmQPCumGjbAc3ofI Oh yeah, Rick Nielson too.

[@413TomaccoRoad]

Rick Nielson traded with George...? George who?

[@ictengineer738]

George Gruhn, owner of Gruhn's Guitars in Nashville Tennessee.

[@PrettyboyAshtun]

dave ghorl is the reason i got mine

[@piplee1439]

Marleys Gibson ???? Anything on it ? Not Marleys ghost😂😂😂

[@TheGuitarShow]

I'm doing a video on Marley really soon

[@MAP448]

1st of all u jumped the gun, u don't quite have 50,000 subs. 2nd you completely skipped over Eddie. I'm not even an Eddie lover but I do know he played several explorers & even cut one up.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks I also have lost the Eddie guitar history video - due to copyright issues which Im trying to resolve - I will try to get that video back up

[@Lee-hq6tf]

Well, i wouldn't go so far as to say Neil Young played an explorer, so much as he held one, and caused it to make noise. He's about as good a guitar player, as he is a singer! Nick Jonas is Eddie van Halen, compared to him.