Gibson 70s Explorer Electric Guitar

A Description of Gibson 70s Explorer Electric Guitar

The Gibson 70s Explorer, a reissue or recreation of the iconic angular solid-body electric guitar, encapsulates a specific period in Gibson’s design evolution and the broader cultural context of the 1970s. This analysis aims to provide a detailed, neutral, and objective examination of the instrument’s features, construction, and potential implications for its sonic and ergonomic properties.

I. Historical Context and Design Origins:

The Gibson 70s Explorer, initially conceived in the late 1950s alongside the Flying V, represented a radical departure from traditional guitar designs. Its futuristic, asymmetrical body shape was intended to project a modern and innovative image. However, its initial commercial reception was lukewarm, and production was discontinued shortly after its introduction.

The guitar experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, driven by the rise of hard rock and heavy metal music. Gibson responded by reintroducing the Gibson 70s Explorer, cementing its association with a raw, powerful sonic aesthetic. The Gibson 70s Explorer, therefore, is not merely a guitar but a cultural artifact, reflecting the sonic and visual demands of a specific musical era.

II. Body Construction and Materials:

The body of the Gibson 70s Explorer is constructed from solid mahogany. Mahogany, a dense and resonant hardwood, contributes to the instrument’s characteristic warmth, sustain, and pronounced midrange. The Explorer’s distinct angular body shape, while visually striking, also influences its sonic properties. The large, flat surfaces of the body can contribute to a focused and powerful tone, with a greater emphasis on lower frequencies.

The body finish is typically a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. This finish, while requiring a more meticulous application process compared to polyurethane finishes, is often favored for its perceived ability to allow the wood to resonate more freely. The specific color options available for the 70s Explorer may vary, reflecting the aesthetic trends and market demands of that period. The finish quality and consistency should be examined to assess the instrument’s overall build quality.

III. Neck Construction and Materials:

The neck of the Gibson 70s Explorer is also constructed from mahogany, maintaining consistency with the body material. The neck profile, a crucial ergonomic factor, is typically a medium to thick profile, reflecting the design preferences of the 1970s. The specific dimensions and shape of the neck profile should be examined to determine its impact on playability and comfort. The thicker neck profile may provide a substantial feel and enhanced sustain, but it may also be less comfortable for players with smaller hands.

The fingerboard is typically made from rosewood, though alternative materials like granadillo or richlite may have been used due to CITES regulations affecting rosewood availability. The fingerboard radius, the curvature of the fingerboard surface, is often 12 inches, providing a comfortable balance between chording and soloing. The frets are typically medium-jumbo size, offering a balance between playability and durability. The fret material, often a nickel-silver alloy, contributes to the instrument’s tonal characteristics and wear resistance.

The nut, the point where the strings pass from the fingerboard to the headstock, is often made from TekToid, a synthetic material designed to enhance sustain and tuning stability. The headstock, typically the standard Gibson Explorer design, features a distinct angular shape that complements the body’s aesthetic.

IV. Electronics and Hardware:

The electronics of the Gibson 70s Explorer play a crucial role in shaping its tonal character. The pickups are a critical component of the electronic system. Gibson typically utilizes humbucker pickups in its Explorer models, known for their warm, thick tone and ability to reduce unwanted noise.

The specific pickup models used in the 70s Explorer should be examined to determine their output level, tonal characteristics, and intended application. Common Gibson humbucker models include the 490R/498T combination, Burstbucker series, and Classic 57s. The 70s era often utilized higher output pickups, and reissues will reflect this trend.

The control layout typically consists of two volume and one tone control, along with a three-way toggle switch. This configuration, while simpler than the Les Paul’s four-knob layout, provides a wide range of tonal variations and blending possibilities. The potentiometers, the variable resistors controlling the volume and tone, should be examined for their taper and quality, as these factors can influence the precision and responsiveness of the controls.

The hardware, including the bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines, plays a crucial role in tuning stability, sustain, and overall performance. The bridge is typically a Tune-o-matic design, offering adjustable intonation and string height. The tailpiece, often a stopbar design, contributes to the instrument’s sustain and resonance. The tuning machines, typically Grover or similar models, provide precise and stable tuning.

V. Sonic Characteristics and Performance:

The sonic characteristics of the Gibson 70s Explorer are influenced by the interplay of its construction, materials, and electronics. The mahogany body and neck contribute to the instrument’s warm, resonant tone with a focused midrange and powerful low frequencies. The humbucker pickups provide a thick, powerful tone with ample sustain, suitable for hard rock, heavy metal, and other high-gain genres.

The instrument’s playability is influenced by its neck profile, fingerboard radius, and fret size. The specific neck profile should be examined to determine its suitability for different playing styles and hand sizes.

The fingerboard radius and fret size contribute to the instrument’s overall comfort and ease of play. The Explorer’s body shape, while visually striking, can also influence its ergonomic properties. The instrument’s large size and weight may be a factor for some players.

The instrument’s tuning stability and sustain are influenced by the quality of its hardware and construction. The Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and Grover tuning machines contribute to stable tuning and enhanced sustain. The solid construction and mahogany body contribute to the instrument’s overall resonance and sustain.

VI. Comparative Analysis and Market Positioning:

To fully understand the Gibson 70s Explorer, it is essential to compare it to other models within the Explorer lineup and its competitors. This comparative analysis should consider factors such as price, features, sonic characteristics, and target audience.

The 70s Explorer occupies a specific niche within the Explorer lineup, representing a specific period in the instrument’s history. Its design and features reflect the sonic and aesthetic demands of the 1970s, appealing to players seeking a raw, powerful tone and a visually striking instrument. Compared to its competitors, such as other solid-body electric guitars with humbuckers, the Gibson Explorer offers a distinct tonal character and design aesthetic that appeals to a specific segment of the market.

VII. Conclusion:

The Gibson 70s Explorer represents a specific iteration of the Explorer design, reflecting the sonic and aesthetic trends of the 1970s. Its mahogany body and neck, combined with humbucker pickups, contribute to a warm, resonant tone with a powerful low-end and ample sustain. The instrument’s distinct angular body shape and medium to thick neck profile contribute to its visual appeal and ergonomic properties.

Ultimately, the suitability of the gibson explorer 70s for a particular player depends on their individual preferences, playing style, and musical needs. A thorough examination of the instrument’s specifications, sonic characteristics, and ergonomic properties is essential for making an informed decision. The instrument’s historical significance and unique design may appeal to collectors and players seeking a distinctive and powerful electric guitar.