Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson Explorer in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. From the limited and highly sought after reintroduction of the Explorer model in the latter half of the ‘70s, this example features mahogany construction, a slender neck profile carve, and a pair of “Tarback” humbuckers.

The “Tarback” pickups, designed by legendary pickup guru Bill Lawrence, have a different magnet structure and fewer winds than the T Tops produced in the same era. They’re a lively, sparkling pickup pair, a perfect match with the solid mahogany construction, coupled with the black epoxy that gave these humbuckers their name and ensures great feedback rejection by suppressing microphonics (particularly effective with high gain). The bridge pickup has a notable midrange aggression, with great cut and treble smoothness, and neck humbucker is thick and warm, with a punchy, woody chop. Weighing 8lbs 9oz, this Explorer has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, easy-playing action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Slender C, measuring .785” 1st fret, .975” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlay
• Frets: Medium jumbo, refret, pristine
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (replacement)
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single-line strip (vintage-spec, modern)
• Serialization: 00-prefix sticker dates to ‘76

Body Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Pickups: “Tarback” humbucker x2
• Controls: Volume x2, Tone, Three-way pickup selector
• Harness: Modern CTS pots and ceramic tone cap
• Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, Stopbar
• Plastics: Gold speed knobs, one-ply pickguard

The gloss Natural nitro lacquer finish shows modest buckle rash central to the back, light pick scuffing along the strum path on top, and various small dings at the lower bout, most prominent along the perimeter (concentrated at the body points). The smooth nitro gloss on the neck profile is flawless save for one small ding on the bass-side shoulder at fret 7 that is not distracting to the palm while fretting.

A modern Gibson USA hardshell case is included.