Reverse Explorer
The new limited edition Reverse Explorer—Gibson USA’s Guitar of the Month for September 2008—is a guitar ready for the 21st century. Last year’s Reverse Flying V triggered an unprecedented response from both players and collectors. Now, Gibson USA turns the guitar world upside down again by introducing the new limited edition Reverse Explorer. Once again, the engineers at Gibson USA have flipped the body of one their most iconic guitars, and—once again—the result is stunning. The Reverse Explorer’s mahogany body is now inverted so that the small horn is on the upper bass-side bout extending upward, while the larger horn is now positioned on the lower treble-side bout, pointing downward. Highlighting the unique body outline is a carbon fiber-like pickguard shaped like a lightning bolt, extending the entire length of the body. The neck is a hybrid between Gibson’s standard ’50s rounded contour and its ’60s slim-taper profile, topped by a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with carbon fiber-like inlays at the fifth and 12th fret. The new Reverse Explorer also sports the rare, art deco-style Gibson logo—found among old drawings belonging to Gibson President Ted McCarty. The headstock is a McCarty era-inspired shape, equipped with Steinberger Gearless Tuners for unparalleled tuning accuracy. In the neck position is Gibson’s ’57 Classic, with a ’57 Classic Plus in the bridge. The pole pieces for both pickups are concealed by pickup covers that are copper-plated and powder-coated, designed just for the Reverse Explorer. The rest of the guitar’s hardware is gold-plated. The new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA comes only in an Antique Walnut finish, and comes housed in a custom Guitar of the Month case. Like all Guitars of the Month, production is limited to just 1,000 guitars.
Finishes
Hot Points
The Gibson Logo
The new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA sports an art-deco style logo designed by legendary Gibson President Ted McCarty during the mid-1950s. The logo was found amid some old drawings that were recently recovered, and convey McCarty’s vision for a more futuristic design that ultimately resulted in guitars such as the original Explorer and Flying V. Whether this logo, or the unmistakable classic, the name “Gibson” represents more than a century of originality and excellence. There is simply no equal.The new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA sports an art-deco style logo designed by legendary Gibson President Ted McCarty during the mid-1950s. The logo was found amid some old drawings that were recently recovered, and convey McCarty’s vision for a more futuristic design that ultimately resulted in guitars such as the original Explorer and Flying V. Whether this logo, or the unmistakable classic, the name “Gibson” represents more than a century of originality and excellence. There is simply no equal.
McCarty-Inspired Headstock with Steinberger Gearless Tuners
The headstock on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is a design inspired by the late former Gibson President Ted McCarty. It was used briefly on the short-lived Moderne—a Gibson experimental guitar of mid-1950s that saw very limited production. It is reproduced today exactly as it was then, along with the art-deco style logo recently uncovered among some old drawings from McCarty. The headstock is equipped with a set of Steinberger Gearless Tuners, which prevent string slippage by securing the strings with locking knobs and deliver an incredible 40:1 tuning ratio for accuracy and smooth tuning action.The headstock on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is a design inspired by the late former Gibson President Ted McCarty. It was used briefly on the short-lived Moderne—a Gibson experimental guitar of mid-1950s that saw very limited production. It is reproduced today exactly as it was then, along with the art-deco style logo recently uncovered among some old drawings from McCarty. The headstock is equipped with a set of Steinberger Gearless Tuners, which prevent string slippage by securing the strings with locking knobs and deliver an incredible 40:1 tuning ratio for accuracy and smooth tuning action.
Adjustable Truss Rod
A Gibson innovation that revolutionized the guitar, the adjustable truss rod—which moves a neck forward and back—makes it possible for guitars to be set up using a variety of string gauges and string heights, which can accommodate any style of playing. Before this ground-breaking discovery in the early 1920s, the truss rod was used only to strengthen and stabilize the neck. It has become a fundamental part of the guitar, and another example of Gibson’s commitment to developing the instrument.A Gibson innovation that revolutionized the guitar, the adjustable truss rod—which moves a neck forward and back—makes it possible for guitars to be set up using a variety of string gauges and string heights, which can accommodate any style of playing. Before this ground-breaking discovery in the early 1920s, the truss rod was used only to strengthen and stabilize the neck. It has become a fundamental part of the guitar, and another example of Gibson’s commitment to developing the instrument.
The Explorer Neck Profile
The neck profile on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is a combination of Gibson’s traditional ’50s rounded profile and a ’60s slim-taper profile—two of the most popular necks in Gibson history. As with all Gibson necks, it is machined in Gibson’s rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. Once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest—including the final sanding—is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of each profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.The neck profile on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is a combination of Gibson’s traditional ’50s rounded profile and a ’60s slim-taper profile—two of the most popular necks in Gibson history. As with all Gibson necks, it is machined in Gibson’s rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. Once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest—including the final sanding—is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of each profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.
22-Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
Rosewood is one of the world’s most resonant woods, which is why Gibson has used it ever since the company’s beginnings in the 1890s. It has graced the fingerboards of the world’s finest stringed instruments. Gibson’s fingerboards are constructed from the highest grade rosewood on the planet, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson’s team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories. The resilience of this dense and durable wood makes each fingerboard extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates “dead” or “choked out” notes, common occurrences on fingerboards with lesser radiuses.Rosewood is one of the world’s most resonant woods, which is why Gibson has used it ever since the company’s beginnings in the 1890s. It has graced the fingerboards of the world’s finest stringed instruments. Gibson’s fingerboards are constructed from the highest grade rosewood on the planet, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson’s team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories. The resilience of this dense and durable wood makes each fingerboard extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates “dead” or “choked out” notes, common occurrences on fingerboards with lesser radiuses.
Nickel and Silver Alloy Fret Wire
Gibson’s fret wire is known for its long life and superior wear, which is achieved by using a combination nickel and silver alloy especially designed for this purpose. Gibson’s traditional “medium/jumbo” fret wire is first shaped by hand, then cut to an exact 12-inch radius. After hand pressing it into the fingerboard, a machine press finishes the job to eliminate any gap between the bottom of the fret wire and the fingerboard.Gibson’s fret wire is known for its long life and superior wear, which is achieved by using a combination nickel and silver alloy especially designed for this purpose. Gibson’s traditional “medium/jumbo” fret wire is first shaped by hand, then cut to an exact 12-inch radius. After hand pressing it into the fingerboard, a machine press finishes the job to eliminate any gap between the bottom of the fret wire and the fingerboard.
Carbon Fiber-like Inlays and Pickguard
On the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA, the classic inlays have given way to the very simple, understated carbon fiber-like inlays at the fifth and twelfth frets. The pickguard is made of the same material, in the shape of a lightning bolt, extending from one end of the body to the other. Each inlay is inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn’t require the use of fillers.On the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA, the classic inlays have given way to the very simple, understated carbon fiber-like inlays at the fifth and twelfth frets. The pickguard is made of the same material, in the shape of a lightning bolt, extending from one end of the body to the other. Each inlay is inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn’t require the use of fillers.
Set-Neck Construction
Like many of Gibson’s classic guitars, the neck and body on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA are joined by using glue, in a process known as “set-neck construction.” This method ensures the elimination of air space in the neck cavity, and maximum or “wood-to-wood” contact between the neck and body, allowing them to function as a single unit. The result is better tone, better sustain, and no loose or misaligned necks.Like many of Gibson’s classic guitars, the neck and body on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA are joined by using glue, in a process known as “set-neck construction.” This method ensures the elimination of air space in the neck cavity, and maximum or “wood-to-wood” contact between the neck and body, allowing them to function as a single unit. The result is better tone, better sustain, and no loose or misaligned necks.
Solid Mahogany Reverse Explorer Body
The original Explorer body is already a striking example of Gibson ingenuity, but the body of the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is even more creative. Turned upside down, the new Reverse Explorer is as striking as ever, and the body is still as balanced and comfortable to play as the original. The mahogany itself goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson’s woods, in addition to the same drying method to ensure a level of “equilibrium,” where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods’ machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson Reverse Explorer will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.The original Explorer body is already a striking example of Gibson ingenuity, but the body of the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is even more creative. Turned upside down, the new Reverse Explorer is as striking as ever, and the body is still as balanced and comfortable to play as the original. The mahogany itself goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson’s woods, in addition to the same drying method to ensure a level of “equilibrium,” where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods’ machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson Reverse Explorer will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.
’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus Pickups
The ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus pickups are the result of Gibson’s drive to capture and recreate the subtle variations of the legendary PAF humbuckers of the late 1950s and early 1960s. This renowned characteristic makes them the perfect choice for the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA. Introduced in 1992, the ’57 Classic provides warm, full tone with a balanced response, packing that classic Gibson PAF humbucker crunch. The ’57 Classic Plus is the perfect bridge-position companion to the ’57 Classic, inspired by those original PAFs that received a few extra turns of wire. Both are made by Gibson to the exact same specs as the original PAFs, including Alnico II magnets, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, maple spacers, and vintage-style, two-conductor braided wiring. Instead of enamel-coated wiring, Gibson added poly-coated wiring—which improves consistency by eliminating thin or thick spots on the wire—and wax potting, which removes all internal air space and any chance of microphonic feedback. In the Reverse Explorer, the pickups’ pole pieces are concealed by covers that are copper-plated and powder-coated, giving them a tougher surface that stands up better to the wear and tear of everyday playing. The ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus pickups are the result of Gibson’s drive to capture and recreate the subtle variations of the legendary PAF humbuckers of the late 1950s and early 1960s. This renowned characteristic makes them the perfect choice for the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA. Introduced in 1992, the ’57 Classic provides warm, full tone with a balanced response, packing that classic Gibson PAF humbucker crunch. The ’57 Classic Plus is the perfect bridge-position companion to the ’57 Classic, inspired by those original PAFs that received a few extra turns of wire. Both are made by Gibson to the exact same specs as the original PAFs, including Alnico II magnets, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, maple spacers, and vintage-style, two-conductor braided wiring. Instead of enamel-coated wiring, Gibson added poly-coated wiring—which improves consistency by eliminating thin or thick spots on the wire—and wax potting, which removes all internal air space and any chance of microphonic feedback. In the Reverse Explorer, the pickups’ pole pieces are concealed by covers that are copper-plated and powder-coated, giving them a tougher surface that stands up better to the wear and tear of everyday playing.
Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stopbar Tailpiece
The Tune-o-matic bridge was the brainchild of legendary Gibson president Ted McCarty in 1954. At the time, it was a true revelation in intonation, and set a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. This pioneering piece of hardware provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain. It is combined with a separate “stopbar” tailpiece, essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge. To this day, the Tune-o-matic remains the industry standard. It is the epitome of form and function in electric guitar bridge design, and is one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed.The Tune-o-matic bridge was the brainchild of legendary Gibson president Ted McCarty in 1954. At the time, it was a true revelation in intonation, and set a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. This pioneering piece of hardware provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain. It is combined with a separate “stopbar” tailpiece, essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge. To this day, the Tune-o-matic remains the industry standard. It is the epitome of form and function in electric guitar bridge design, and is one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed.
Antique Walnut and Nitrocellulose Finish
The Antique Walnut finish on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is as rare as it is beautiful. Applying this unusual finish is one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process. First goes the actual Walnut finish, then several evenly applied coats of nitrocellulose lacquer—all of which requires extensive man hours, and an exorbitant amount of drying time. The process results in a guitar that vibrates naturally, allowing for purer tone. The finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can’t do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not “seal” wood in an airtight shell—as a poly finish does—and allows the wood to breathe and age properly.The Antique Walnut finish on the new Reverse Explorer from Gibson USA is as rare as it is beautiful. Applying this unusual finish is one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process. First goes the actual Walnut finish, then several evenly applied coats of nitrocellulose lacquer—all of which requires extensive man hours, and an exorbitant amount of drying time. The process results in a guitar that vibrates naturally, allowing for purer tone. The finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can’t do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not “seal” wood in an airtight shell—as a poly finish does—and allows the wood to breathe and age properly.
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