Legendary Gibson Explorer Players

We look at The Legends of the Gibson Explorer
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[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@weeds56]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@dwainphillips]

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

[@telecasterjim1]

Ricky Medlocke played many over the years.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@lfader]

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

[@linheitzig9227]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@hesekie1]

A great, wide-ranging list

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed

[@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

[@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

[@5150show]

Fantastic show , fantastic channel, fantastic guy !

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed bro

[@Johnsormani]

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

[@whyis45stillalive]

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

[@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

[@arthurabbott4792]

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

[@doc_matter]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

My thoughts too! ha

[@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..

[@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

[@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

[@PrettyboyAshtun]

dave ghorl is the reason i got mine

[@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

[@james.8442]

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

[@joserdiazalmodovar1898]

You forgot Sammy Hagar, Joe Bonamassa,,

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Entertaining episode!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Dr

[@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

[@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

[@victorycrosby4896]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

Me too! Thanks

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

Didn’t B.Jones play one ?

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure bro

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Great job !!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks Mike!

[@StuartAlderson]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Stuart!

[@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!

[@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.

[@piplee1439]

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

[@mikemb123]

You missed Johnny Winter.

[@clivewinter8321]

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

[@grahamt33]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yes I promise! Next up is the SG

[@Za7a7aZ]

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

[@rickystokes891]

You forgot paul and Ace of kiss

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks for reminding me!

[@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

[@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!

[@williampayne7678]

Can you do Alex Lefeson from Rush

[@TheGuitarShow]

yes of course William I will cover him soon

[@Lolo.13]

Rickey Medlocke?

[@meganostra6633]

Dude, Jeff Carlisi??

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks bro

[@buschovski1]

Junior Marvin....love him

[@Ricardo-uo7ed]

Matthias jabs

[@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.

[@bastianogr4960]

No Ricky Medlocke? 😮

[@user-df2od4cz3b]

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

[@user-df2od4cz3b]

@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!!!

[@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.....

[@kc0lif]

jeff carisi 38 special has one.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks

[@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?

[@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 🤣🤣🤣

[@piplee1439]

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

[@TheGuitarShow]

I'm doing a video on Marley really soon

[@space_andyy]

Ehem... Skwisgaar Skwigelf (Brendon Small)

[@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.

[@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