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Monday March 17th, 2003

Gibson USA's X-plorer Studio brings new colors to scaled-down body

Gibson USA's new X-plorer Studio brings a wider variety of finishes and a new level of affordability to guitarists who have embraced the slightly scaled-down body size that Gibson introduced with the X-plorer Pro at Summer NAMM 2002. The X-plorer Studio's body is 90 percent of the classic Gibson Explorer, which makes for a more balanced, ergonomic fit with the player.

Mattias Jabs, lead guitarist for German rock band the Scorpions, is known for playing Gibson Explorers, and he was one of the first to try out the new size. "You grab a guitar, and you either like it or you don't," Jabs explained during a visit to the Gibson USA factory last summer. "This one is sympathetic to my playing; it rings well and it sounds good."

The X-plorer Pro, which differs from the Studio by way of a maple top cap and more elaborate ornamentation, won Guitar Player magazine's Editors' Pick Award. "When you're wearing the Pro, this reduction in size is most felt - and most welcome - in the smaller 'wing' that resides under your strumming arm," wrote reviewer Jude Gold in GP's February 2003 issue.

The X-plorer Studio comes in an array of new metallic finishes including Studio Blue, Studio Copper, Studio Green, Studio Red and Studio Yellow. The model will also available with an FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) swamp ash body and satin finish to augment the natural wood beauty.

Check out the X-plorer Studio here. For more information call 1.800.4GIBSON anytime or send us an email.