Unboxing GIBSON EXPLORER CUSTOM (2024) | From Dream Guitar to Biggest Disappointment Ever! (part 1)

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Demand a replacement and make sure thomanns checks it out before shipping it!

[@neworderofsanity]

Already shiped back with money return

[@jimyounger9490]

Even if Gibson contacts you and gives a new , properly set up , numbers matching guitar , it’s too late. This is absolutely unacceptable. You are so right in this case. I actually can’t believe what I’m seeing. Yes , Gibson , what the fuck are you doing ??

[@neworderofsanity]

Love your comment, thank you! Already sent back and refunded

[@IndyRockStar]

This sucks what happen to this guy, but it is an exception. Not the rule.

[@paullee3660]

@@IndyRockStar all three of my Gibsons have been perfect. It’s just trendy on the internet to bash Gibson.

[@martinclayton7260]

Beautiful guitar.

[@jimyounger9490]

@@paullee3660 didn’t you watch the video. Obviously not. I too comment before watching. But this guy got a bad guitar. We all love Gibson.

[@ryant3600]

Send it back for replacement. No excuse for that.. Also Thomann QC obviously screwed the pooch on this too.

[@neworderofsanity]

Totally agree, I've already shipped it back with refund

[@DeadMansHand1977]

Thomann doesnt have a QC. I have send also a guitar back because of QC problems. Package was original sealed...

[@tuco8734]

Wow, that’s crazy . Gibson was producing sub standard guitars not long back . They hired Curleigh to come in and fix things , and he did . Now they are back to screwing up again after Curleigh left . It’s not just this guitar , I’m hearing other buyers reporting various problems that should not exist . Don’t know in heck this guitar made it through inspection without that bridge being noticed. As a buyer that’s one of the things I always look at is the hardware before purchasing . So I would think that professionals at Gibson would also check the same things for their inspection, how disappointing that is.

[@neworderofsanity]

I also scratch my head on how it made it through inspection. Or maybe they purposely changing papers to try to sell them on regular price? I don't konow but it's strange at least..

[@TheDarkStigmataVA]

This is why I converted to Fender. I had a flying V that had some really ugly paint work around the neck. Bought a Jim Root Signature Fender Jazzmaster, and I never looked back.

[@neworderofsanity]

I honestly think abot Jim signatures, have to check them out

[@ichicolla]

aside from the certificate stuff, those issues are easy and unexpensive to fix, even tho, for the price i´ll ask for a replacement or a refound, totaly unacceptable, there´s no way details like that slip away for that price

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you, totally agree!

[@rikitikitimbo]

It looks like the holes for the bridge were drilled at the wrong angle. I don't know how you could fix that.

[@PeteMonzingo-ff8ls]

Return for full amount back!! No excuse for poor Custom Shop inspections!!!

[@neworderofsanity]

Already returned with full refund! :)

[@Stardust_Promotion]

Don't sweat it. Gibson is awesome about refunds and exchanges. Even if you are a little past the return date. Apply for exchange on Gibson site with an e-mail, they respond next day. The bridge will be OK. This angle happens on ABR1s after time. Nashville style is supposed to fix it, but sometimes little things slip. Custom shop is more 'hands on made" than the regular Gibson. As for the wrong paperwork, that is odd! But they will unquestioningly refund or exchange and then this one will get discounted in the Demo shop. Owner of 9 Gibson's and some have been easily returned.

[@neworderofsanity]

Already sent back with the cash refund.

[@markfrye4723]

Gibson bought it back and sold it through the mod shop!

[@neworderofsanity]

Oh man, they sold it the second time really? Do you have some screen or remember the price and description?

[@eddiejr540]

I’m not defending Gibson but those bridge holes are drilled by CNC…I can’t see how they could be drilled at such a wrong angle…those post holes loosen over time and then lean forward…I wonder if someone else has been messing with the bridge before you got it…I’m scratching my head here…good luck my man!!

[@neworderofsanity]

I don't know how they did that, really! Already returned it!

[@CarsGuitarsAudio]

Made in America is no longer a sign of any Quality ........ America sorta collapsed in the last 4 years .... Im IN NYC So Gibson actually costs more here than what you would pay from Thomman Ive tried to order and they will not ship PRS or Gibson to me So i Pay the American rip off prices ... I hope they remedy your issues .. Sad to say but Epiphone has better quality now .. I own Gibsons and I do admit theres something special about them plus the smell of that fresh paint gets me every time ......good luck

[@neworderofsanity]

I love sound of Gibsons but at this particular point I do not accept lack of quality and sent it back with refund

[@jasonaustin2388]

I'd rather play my Esp/LTD guitars. They are much better quality and at everyday affordable prices for any musician with a budget.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

That bridge issue is easily fixed. While a flaw, it needs to be fully pressed into place. There was a gap, then the side with tension got pulled further into the hole. Likely there were multiple of these guitars lying next to each other, and the documents between 2 got mixed up. Understandable concern, with all the Chibsons out there. Don't let Thomann off the hookfor this - thus isn't a Harley Benton, and they obviously never inspected a premium, low volume product before sending it on to you. Hope you get the issues resolved or swap it out for an up to snuff example, because that's a way cool piece.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for the comment, at that point I didn't even wanted to swap it out, I've just returned the guitar with full refund

[@funkster007]

@@neworderofsanity Good for you, mate. I would've done the same thing. For that money, don't settle for less than perfection.

[@xMaoxoaMx]

The only Gibson i own is a 2020 SG Special in Pelham Blue. Back then i went to 2 Stores to check it out, but both guitars had flaws i couldnt accept for 1400€. A few months later i found a B-Stock on Ebay for 1000€, which had finish cracks on the neck and body joint. But at least it was clarified as B-Stock. I would lose my mind if i ordered a CS Model and got what you got. Glad it worked out for you with the return.

[@neworderofsanity]

Everyone who has respect for his own work would not accept that for this price tag. I like that you found out what you were looking for! Keep rocking!

[@paullee3660]

Looks like someone pulled a fast one and Thomann resold it. I expect someone with a dodgy “second” bought another one from Thomann and switched them around and sent the bad one back to Thomann. Thomann should’ve checked it properly before reselling it instead of hoping the buyer wouldn’t notice.

[@neworderofsanity]

I agree that they should check it out before sending to client, but the Gibson box have been untouched inside, so it possible they might might switched in fabric

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Boy this was disappointing to see. Sorry it didn't work out. I've never seen bridge studs installed sideways like that. I would have assumed they would have used a drill press and gotten it perfectly straight. That or they somehow crossthreaded the insert in wrong?? Who knows but for what these things cost, 100% unacceptable. Hopefully you find another one that was built better that you can enjoy. I recently got the red Lizzy Hale Explorer and it's absolutely phenomenal and my favorite guitar I've ever owned and so much fun on stage. My only real gripe with it is that it's just a big and awkward instrument on stage and the case is like the size of a bedroom door.

[@neworderofsanity]

I don't know how they did that, really but as you said, I couldn't accept that. I know the sizes of cases, because I had 2 other (older) Gibson Explorers! You can see them on my channel!

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Have you found a good gig bag? I know Gibson make one but I’m wondering if it’s my only option. I’d prefer something a bit smaller in form factor to haul to shows as the case fills up my whole back seat of my car.

[@neworderofsanity]

@@FastRedPonyCar I use the original cases but I know your pain 😅

[@infinidominion]

The bridge looks like its supposed to be inline with the plane of the neck, its square with the neck and pickups

[@neworderofsanity]

It should be at right angles to the body, to avoid leaning forward

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I have a 2023 Murphy lab lightt Aged R9 And it is flawless! Not e single issue! At the price these sell for it better be pefect!!! Owned 5 les pauls before this one and none of them had any issues? Either I'm really lucky or you guys are really unlucky? 😁

[@neworderofsanity]

It happens, in Gibsons maybe just more often 😂

[@auntjenifer7774]

Yours, the bad one got switched with the goods one😅

[@neworderofsanity]

I thought about it in first place when I discovered the TOM bridge and had in mind the wrong papers 😂

[@headspace8338]

Totally agree!

[@hkguitar1984]

9:09 The strings are touching/resting on the body of the Nashville Bridge. More than likely this was caused when the loose fitting bridge post bushing lifted and rocked forward towards the neck. The slight change in angle (bridge and bridge post bushing rocking forwards towards the neck) has caused the bridge body to contact the strings. Either the stop bar needs to be adjusted upwards, the bridge post bushings need to be repaired (poor installation, hole too large), or both. Man oh Man, my condolences to you, such a fantastic looking guitar. If you covered this fault later in the video I do apologize.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for good words, guitar has been send back and refunded. I think that this kind of huge flaws just cannot appear in hi end instruments. Unfortunately no quality, no deal!

[@jnicholson]

I guess it’s nowadays more luck to have a Gibson without any QC issues. I have a 2 year old flying V on which air bubbles started to appear under the lacquer at around 1,5 yrs. I guess there has been an issue with the mahogany drying process. Also there were a lot tooling marks on the fretboard and it was rather dry to begin with. I didn’t mind that much as it didn’t affect playability and the V sounds excellent. However, those are also issues you should not face with a 2k prices instrument. I highly suggest people to look what kind of custom guitars local luthiers are making. I ordered a flamed maple burst V with SS frets, carbon rod reinforced neck, floyd, oil finished neck etc which cost 4k and is spectacular. You can never get such quality for the price from gibson (even for these ”custom shop” standard models you pay a lot more).

[@neworderofsanity]

So true and kinda sad

[@leonaudacity5313]

I have a LP classic, sounds and feels great but there are some QC issues. I expected a lot more from the Gibson name tbh.

[@neworderofsanity]

I agree 100%, that's why I made the video and speak louder about the problem

[@ericsyre9418]

Gibson deserves to see its business suffer major losses. Their quality control is terrible and your case is sadly not the only one. There are loads of manufacturers doing better instruments for half the price.

[@neworderofsanity]

That's exactly why I published the video anyway! I love sound of Gibsons but this QC issues are almost legendary today, what a shame!

[@IndyRockStar]

that sucks man. I own several Gibson Custom Shop guitars. That is a Thomann mistake not Gibson. The bridge looks like Thomann tried to set it up and didn't do it right. Sorry that happened to you. It looks like Thomann may have sold you a demo or floor model. Hope it works out for you.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for the comment! I already asked that question, if it's a B stock or used but got reply that guitar was brand new when shipped and had never been unpacked. And I belive that, Gibson packing was untouched. Also the TOM bridge cannot be be properly set up, the hole has been drilled under the angle, so whole bridge is under the angle... so that might be not possible to fix. The guitar already has been returned with full refund.

[@war2thegrave]

The suckers whose skill doesn't match their credit card statements will tell you that it's always someone eles' fault for Gibson™ quality problems. If they can not blame you, they will try to blame the retailer because they are afraid that the gigantic number of Gibson™ quality issues becoming public is devaluing their 'investments' that they can barely play.

[@auntjenifer7774]

​@@war2thegrave😂 Gibson tm 😮

[@kjs-72]

I have a Gibson sg gothic emg. When I got it brand new I had to do some soldering on the pots to connect it properly. There were other little problems with it i didnt expect. I could have got two new prs for the same price. There are too many other brands with much better quality control...and cheaper prices.

[@neworderofsanity]

Yeah, small things you can fix by yourself or on small cost with the luthier - ok may happen, but the bridge here is more serious issue and I wouldn't consider resolving this on my own

[@the-creech4790]

I just don't understand Gibson these day's? I have 11 of them that I have purchased since 1997 through 2020. They have all been solid defect free guitar's.That Explorer was gorgeous! Except for the bridge

[@neworderofsanity]

Maybe just because they had better QC back then or better workers and luthiers, hard to say but my old ones are pretty damn good guitars

[@the-creech4790]

@@neworderofsanity Maybe we were just lucky?

[@hkguitar1984]

As far as the serial number mix up, the Seller probably had a couple of these Explorers and they grabbed the wrong case with the wrong paperwork & Certificates. Blame the Seller for the serial number mix up.

[@neworderofsanity]

Yeah maybe, but I care less for that, the bigger problem was the bridge and that was the real f up

[@gustirock]

Sorry man that Thomann fucked it up for you. They (Thomann) did the same with my Explorer in Natural look wich should have included a hardcase but instead I got að soft case and a wrong certificate and a photo of a black cheaper Explorer wich probably went in the case. When trying to sort it out they were not very helpful and just offered me a refund on the case. I will never again buy that expensive guitar without trying it first :)

[@neworderofsanity]

Certificate is one thing, but I've been more mad at the TOM Bridge and that's the factory for sure. Please subscribe for part 2, I will upload it also

[@gustirock]

@@neworderofsanity absolutely that’s horrible and should be Gibson’s fault hope you’ll get it sort out 🤘🏻

[@user-ct6ov3wk5o]

My God buddy I would be totally pissed as well my friend! Just destroyed any good feelings about it! Hopefully you can send it back. Did you check out the Fender Meteora? Something similar to a explorer. You can probably get 3 of them for the price of the Gibson. Take care good luck 👍

[@neworderofsanity]

I've already sent it back! And thinking about fenders meteora/telecaster/jazzmaster Jim Root models, would like to try them out

[@testcyp767]

So sorry man. Your disappointment was obvious. I have a 2023 Les Paul R9 with uneven binding in spots. I will say though, that the playability and tone are unmatched. Sorry you had to go through this.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for good words and support in this situation!

[@SBanas]

I've got few Gibsons, but all of them were demos, used or modified. Mainly because if I'd buy a brand new those issues would drive me crazy and mad. For 5,5k this truly is unacceptable.

[@neworderofsanity]

I've been buing guitars mainly from used market but I wanted to check out a new one at some point, so I've checked 😂

[@davidlawson7786]

Bummer drag about the Explorer, Gibson is a trusted brand and is supposed to be the pinnacle of electric guitars on a professional level. I don’t believe this anymore. I love Les Pauls and Explorers too but I wouldn’t buy one these days. I have a Jim Root telecaster and am very happy with it. For $5500.00 you shouldn’t see any problems in my opinion. If I were you, I would send that guitar back and maybe think about another brand? ESP,Kiesel, Ibanez, Fender, Heritage, or almost any Japanese guitar brand these days are all good brands. I’m sorry for your experience with Thomann/Gibson. Cheers from Chicago

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for the comment! I already sent it back and got refund. Actually I think lately about Fender Jimm Root Tele or Jazzmaster! I tkink I'll give them a try!

[@slimkr6120]

It's really not acceptable from Gibson. When you buy a Gibson you have to go to the store. I ordered from a store the Gibson les Paul grenny. I will check point by point all aspects of the guitar before paying. I will be you I will ask for the refund immediately. Then I will go to the dealers to test it and check the guitar.

[@neworderofsanity]

Already sent back and refunded, no quality, no deal

[@auntjenifer7774]

​@neworderofsanity Dean usa will build you That guitars for $5000

[@user-bu2ct8le5x]

i have always fantastic experience with gibson .

[@neworderofsanity]

Good for you, they mostly sound great. I heard many times that they has serious issues, but I've always been a Gibson guy. But after that story... I'll keep my old Gibsons but also think twice about buyng new ones.. That's why the old ones holding price 😂

[@antv4408]

You kept saying that you couldn't believe Gibson would let this out of the factory. I can. Gibson quality checks have not been good for a long time. I would personally buy used if I wanted Gibson, but I understand this was a dream guitar. Bummer

[@neworderofsanity]

Yeah I own and used to own a few used Gibsons, but this time I wanted the new one

[@Penberth1]

I'll never buy a new Gibson ever again personally, exactly because of shit like this. Gibson have simply stopped caring now, a 'brand' for those who want the look. The Explorer Custom is one of. my favourite looking guitars - I had one custom built with korina from a 50s stash, all other spec of my choice. Absolutely wipes the floor with Gibson and cheaper too. Glad you got a refund - do yourself a favour and don't risk Gibson again, lot of higher quality for less spend out there.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you, worth mentioning the custom build as an alternative!

[@jonathanm9879]

Sorry for the disappointment, but guitarists have been warning others for decades about the famous Gibson quality issues. I see them listed for 4000 euro's. For that price I would be looking far away elsewhere.

[@neworderofsanity]

I like to try out and check new ones also, but tis time it was simply a bummer

[@Darth.Shredder]

I know it doesn't matter now, but a couple of things to consider in the future... The most obvious thing is Thomman may have had more than one of these and put the guitar in the wrong case, hence, you got the certificate and checklist for another Explorer Custom. Can't blame Gibson for that. Regarding the tunamatic bridge... it looks like the action was set very high (it usually is from the factory and/or retailers). When the bridge is that high from the studs, the pressure of the strings can cause it to tilt forward. Once you lower the action and set it up, it will likely straighten out but I believe because of the neck pitch it's rarely perfectly straight. I'm not making excuses and by no means am I a Gibson fanboy... I've had good and bad experiences with them over the years but IMO this guitar isn't the nightmare many are claiming it to be. It's more common for there to be finish problems or cracks near the nut, sloppy binding, etc..

[@neworderofsanity]

Yeah but when buying hi-end instrument I won't scratch my head and wondering if if helps or not, it may, an may be not. Here I've been sure that the holes are drilled up in wrong angle and it would be not so simple to repair so I diddn't want to do anything with that. Results of potential repair has been unpredicted so no quality, no deal.

[@Darth.Shredder]

@@neworderofsanity It doesn't matter if you spend $500 or $5000 on a guitar... when you shop online and it travels any distance you're going to have to do some kind of setup especially if the store didn't do one after they received it from the factory. Lowering the action isn't a "repair". A tilting bridge doesn't mean the holes were drilled on an angle. Better to "scratch your head" than go through the hassle of returning a guitar that only needed 10 minutes of your time.

[@neworderofsanity]

@Darth.Shredder Did you understand my comment or just trolling? I'm buing guitars online from 20 years and done setups. I've made drop on E string and done some basic setup of neck, didn't help. I even spoke with my luthier also and any bigger changes in that situation would not help.

[@Darth.Shredder]

@@neworderofsanity Trolling? lol I tried to give you useful advice for the future and point out that Thomman could have mistakenly sent you the case for another guitar instead of assuming that Gibson wrote the wrong serial number on the certificate. In your video the action was almost high enough to put your fingers under the strings. When did you lower the action? Before or after you shot the video? If you're so experienced why do you even have a luthier? If you're capable of doing a proper setup yourself why didn't you bring it to your luthier before sending it back?

[@neworderofsanity]

@@Darth.Shredder I'm not so much experienced in serious works but can do the basics. I consult and hand over more serious tasks. And I didn't want to touch the bridge cause it wasn't really so high (be aware its zoomed, check out how low the stopbar is and TOM also), I just straightened little the neck and palyability was ok and secondly, I play in Drop C. On these factory standard loose strings (usually tuned to E standard) I tuned it to D standard and then done the drop on thicker string to Drop C so all the strings were little loose, just wanted to check it out before I would buy a new set of strings and do full proper setup. And on few days on that loose strings, this bridge looked exactly the same. So please do not write that I didn't bother to spent 10 minutes to do the setup.

[@Metalcop5150]

In all honesty, I would have kept it, and demanded a large, partial refund. That bridge insert could easily be pushed back into place. The strings just needed to be slacked a bit and it would push in with pressure from your thumb. As far as the documentation mess up? There's another guitar out there, that got your paperwork. This could also easily be fixed by Gibson, and/or your dealer. Agreed that Gibson should have caught the mistakes, and then Thomann should have checked the guitar before shipping. Sweetwater in the US never would have let this guitar out of their facility like this. Are you planning on buying another one?

[@neworderofsanity]

No guarantee it would be ok after that. Agree that Thomann could do the check before shipping also.. I have no plans of buing that exact model in near future

[@900dr34u]

Great looking guitar! Are those stock frets? Thank you in advance.

[@neworderofsanity]

This is a brand new guitar so yes

[@jimjim7008]

Never buy expensive guitar online. I would buy it from a local Gibson dealer and have an hour to myself to inspect play and compared. Good luck and thanks for sharing

[@neworderofsanity]

@@jimjim7008 What you saing? Why not? You can ALWAYS return it. My local stores doesn't have customs. If you order one you have to wait 5 months to produce it and you cannot return it, because they made an order especially for you.. In this case I would be screw up.. Buing in internet gives me a guarantee I can always return it and I've made a return of the guitar the first in my whole 20 year journey with tones of guitars. Statisticly it just have to happen one day :)

[@jimjim7008]

@@neworderofsanity I live in the US so we have endless supply of new and used Gibsons. From my experience Gibsons are hit and miss new and old. I tried thousands of guitars. Last year I stopped at a guitar shop and tried a regular brand new 2023 Gibson Les Paul custom and it was the best thing I've ever played and bought it on the spot. Played better than any norlin era, 80s, 90s, 00s made great Gibson. This one in particular was absolute magic. Is surely a keeper and I love it. Gibsons are best guitars no doubt but some unfortunately are disastrous. Did you return it and ordered another Gibson explorer custom? You will eventually find the one. Good luck

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Not everybody lives near a guitar shop and or ones that have custom shop guitars. Ordering online isnt bad as long as you buy from a legit place that covers all returns, replacements and refunds.

[@RayBecker]

What a disgrace. Gibson has turned to shit over the last 20 years. I can hear the disappointment in your voice. You worked your ass off to buy that guitar and what you've got there would not even compete with a Chibson. I'm really sorry that you had to experience this crap from a once proud American company. Remember this people; you vote with your wallet. What a shame. What really gets me is that they don't care. They have to know that their quality is shit but I guess as long as the CEO is making his millions, he don't give a rats ass. I own a 2001 Les Paul Studio Wine Red w/Gold and I'll never buy another Gibson ever again.

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you for your good words! That's why I made a public video, I've been hesitant at first but later on I wanted to make others to know and rise awareness of the QC problems in Gibson

[@apstech4618]

Shoulda bought a Chibson LOL!

[@timcole421]

I am a gear snob, I love high end stuff. Currently own vintage fender, taylor usa builder's edition, modulus, spector, etc and I have owned about every high end brand there is at some point including several Gibson USA. I LOVE explorers and the E's and V's are absolutely the best looking models with the custom package. But 5500 for THIS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Despite being a snob I decided to try a schecter E-1 FRS.....and it smokes this thing or any other gibson I have ever owned in every way. And it was 800 used with a hardshell

[@neworderofsanity]

I speak about it in a video and I tell why but despite that I love the original look and shape, I own a few other Gibson Explorers and I though about owning Custom one from years

[@mr.eringie]

I feel soryy for that bruv, just return it to thomann get a refund!

[@neworderofsanity]

Thanks, already refunded!

[@jimjim7008]

Gibson is hit and miss. Always been like this and you should know that and never be surprised. I wouldn't buy an expensive guitar online. Always go to your local Gibson dealer and have at least an hour to yourself to inspect, play and compare before spending your hard work money. Return and keep trying and you'll find your perfect explorer. Good luck and thanks for sharing

[@neworderofsanity]

@@jimjim7008 I do not agree with buing in net, already replied in your other comment. Net-guarantee you can return it, dealers mostly do not have a customs available in stores and they have to make a special order you cannot return, in this case I would be screw up!

[@johniedarko7457]

Bought a Chibson custom explorer for 290 euros and did a nice setup and put new tuners for an additional 120 euros. One of the best guitars I have, even though it is probably the cheapest one...

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

Me, too. With new pickups and a setup, it's one of my best playing and sounding guitars. All for about $220 USD.

[@johniedarko7457]

@@BoogyWoogyCreep I didn't even change the pickups. I just potted them (they were unpotted) and they sound absolutely fantastic. Very clear and articulate. The electronics even though they are of the cheap kind, they worked (and still work) flawlessly, so didn't replace them. If/when they go bad, I'll just replace them then. To be fair, the guitar needs a new scratchplate, since the one it came with is not cut very well and has a very small gap where the plastic meets the neck humbucker, but I will replace it eventually. I ordered mine with no serial number, no made in USA BS etc. Oh and btw, it has one of the most stable necks I've ever played (along with the one on my Eric Johnson strat). I had left it on a stand for about 5 months with temps and humidity changes and when I picked it up it was perfectly in tune! I also ordered mine with the neck volute which I think is why it is so stable.

[@chesterkilmister]

Hi, do you have link from seller ? bcz i can't trust on many sellers

[@neworderofsanity]

I would like to check out one of these

[@johniedarko7457]

@@chesterkilmister Hi, if you are referring to me,I just spent a lot of time on Aliexpress and found a seller with good (more than 90%) feedback with the most sales. Then I communicated with them and when I was convinced that they were trustworthy, I placed the order. In fact, the seller offered to first built the guitar for me, send me pictures when it was ready and only afterwards did I have to place the order. That's what happened. He built the guitar (I ordered mine in off-white cream color like the Hetfield ESP one, along with a matching headstock) and when was ready (in a couple of weeks), he contacted me, sent me pictures and after inspecting the pictures, I placed the order and payed for it. So, I'd say just find a seller with good reputation (good reviews - the more the better) and enough sales and then contact them directly, tell them what you want and see how it goes from there. Good communication is usually a good sign for these purchases. Finally, be aware of what you will receive. There WILL be differences between an original and the Chibson, like in my case, since I wanted a matching headstock color (cream), you can easily tell that mine is not a genuine Gibson (afaik all original explorers have a black headstock). Also, mine has a neck volute, no serial number and made in USA etc and the pickups were unpotted. Another thing to pay attention to, is the dimensions of the model. For example, in my case, I had found many explorers that had the slightly thinner body and longer horn that the Epiphone prophecy series had, so be careful with things like that, Unfortunately I cannot provide a link to a seller, cause many of them just stop selling after a few years. or change the name of their shop etc. But if you do a good research before buying, I think you'll be fine.

[@mikekraz6193]

wow!!

[@neworderofsanity]

yeep, it is what it is

[@Panic42000]

What does it matter? Gibson has a return policy. Just return it for another one instead of crying about it. I’ve bought 4 custom shop Gibsons and had zero issues. Also Gibson doesn’t make the cases.

[@neworderofsanity]

This supposed to be fun unbox video, just became what it became. But I wanted to public it anyway, Gibson QC issues is not a small problem. Many people expected a lot more from the Gibson brand and it's important to speak louder about the problem. I hope Gibson will make better QC in the future when it became more noticable by manufacturer.

[@tbdog99]

This is awful. Good news is you can get your money back. Maybe you can contact Gibson directly, and GIBSON can air ship you a new guitar directly to Poland at a discount (20% sounds good) with a guarantee it will be inspected and perfect when you receive it? No excuse for what you received, but somehow, can you make GIBSON accountable for this?

[@neworderofsanity]

At that point I've been so dissapointed that I just sent it back with full refund

[@tbdog99]

@@neworderofsanity Just glad you got your money back. There are lots of great guitars out there!

[@slimkr6120]

I will check point by point all aspects of the guitar before paying. I will be you I will ask for the refund immediately. Then I will go to the dealers to test it and check the guitar.

[@neworderofsanity]

Already returned and refunded, Thomann gives you 30 days for return

[@reverendg5937]

So sorry for your disappointment. I'd buy ya a beer and let you play my vintage Ibanez Destroyer. I no longer buy new Gibsons. I only purchase 2nd hand. This is exactly why!!!!

[@neworderofsanity]

Thank you! Destroyers are cool! I most of the time buy from a used market but wanted to own something fesh! So I'm fresh enough now 😀

[@wce74wce15]

jericho explorer slays it.

[@neworderofsanity]

I've seen them but didn't tryed out yet, maybe I should give it a try

[@auntjenifer7774]

If i were u I'd check out Dean Usa or the Deans select series.

[@neworderofsanity]

Alredy own ML Select, you can see it on my channel, It's a great guitar that I enjoy but sonically still do not sound as huge as my other gibson explorers

[@ricswensen4755]

Dude_ i Get it_ Thats Stings_!! It Happens_ & Yes it has happened to Me_ Svrl times... but jst return it & let them replace it_ & when you Finally get a Good 1 , it Will be Gtr Perfection & you'll Never look back_ i have felt the Same way & Almost jst Canceled but it was Well worth the Extra wait & time And Heartache_ cos its A Fantastic Gtr_ & Another Gtr wont Ever Quench That Thirst_ & You Wanted it Bad enough to drop That Much coin on a Gtr_ its Worth it Bro_!! 😂

[@neworderofsanity]

Sorry I don't want a headeache for 5300 Euro :) no quality no deal, not my problem

[@wce74wce15]

wow its got gold washers n nuts

[@neworderofsanity]

Yes indeed, it's shiny and looks like candy

[@BBQROCKSTAR178]

Chibson??

[@neworderofsanity]

Nope, unfortunately oiriginal USA model

[@christophertaylor5403]

That's why I don't buy that brand no more.

[@neworderofsanity]

The old ones are ok, jus becase bad ones has already been returned 😂

[@bryanclarke1927]

Gibson lost up their own arse again as is Thomann. Not good enough

[@neworderofsanity]

In that situation just exactly as you said

[@nicholasbstone]

I think that people who say they bought a Gibson recently and had zero problems, probably just don't know any better. I bet their guitars have all sorts of issues too, they either just can't tell or they don't want to admit it to themselves.

[@neworderofsanity]

I think the same, sometimes when the small things occor, doesn't matter, but people might not know about the serious ones also

[@mateuszgorski9705]

Wow…The bridge killed me!!! I wanted to order an explorer 70s reissue but I will not 😅

[@neworderofsanity]

Without checking it before buing, I would not recommend but on the other hand, if you like gambling Thomann gives you full refund in 30 days, even with no reason you can send it back with full refund - worth to know.

[@mateuszgorski9705]

@@neworderofsanity yes, i know that but even though I would be really pissed off :( I have 3 Gibson from 2003, 2005 and 2008 and they are quite awesome

[@jimyounger9490]

@@neworderofsanityare you kidding me?? DO NOT GO BACK TO THOMANN. They wouldn’t get another dime from me. They suck !!

[@neworderofsanity]

Yeah, that can piss off anybody, but it's good to hold old gibsons and be really carefull with new ones

[@robertspreitzer8126]

That’s bullshit….BUY A DEAN!!!!!

[@robgarnett3767]

Contact Gibson they will send you a brand new one! I guarantee it will have no mistakes!

[@neworderofsanity]

At that point I've been so dissapointed that I just sent it back with refund

[@The09221955]

Pickups are to high

[@neworderofsanity]

I like pickups being too high. I didn't touched these and liked them

[@StealthMockingbird]

Typical Gibson.

[@neworderofsanity]

Not always, but still

[@genedemarcojr3991]

U deserve it

[@neworderofsanity]

U are an Idiot

[@TIGERGUTS]

Only a Gibson is good enough. Absolute rubbish brand. I don't know why people keep buying Gibsons. Overpriced American crap

[@war2thegrave]

It's not an american company anymore. It's an international company now.

[@neworderofsanity]

Really?

[@Brondi6000]

Look for the hair in the egg…come on man..

[@neworderofsanity]

My luthier also recommended to send it back but go ahead, all B stocks in regular price are yours

[@Brondi6000]

i wouldn't do that if i were you. no guitar is perfect.

[@neworderofsanity]

True, no guitar is perfect but this is serious issue, not cosmetic thing. Hard to fix with no guarantee for the future intonation problems. For me it's simple, NO QUALITY NO DEAL!

[@gregoaks4413]

Bozo !

[@neworderofsanity]

You bozo !

[@chaosandorderstudio]

That's what you deserve for buying a Gibson

[@neworderofsanity]

You deserve not knowing how Gibsons can sound like

[@SB-pk6ul]

You are still lucky because you bought it from thomann. Just return it !!

[@neworderofsanity]

Luckly I've already did! with full refund

[@guitarbombdotcom]

Thomann are good art outing out issues, and it looks like all the faults really lies with Gibson here.

[@neworderofsanity]

I definitely agree