Explorer Custom with Figured Maple Top
This Gibson Custom Select Explorer™ Custom features a flame maple top and a custom Cobra Burst finish. Gibson Custom Select offers unique instruments crafted in small batches by the skilled artisans at Gibson Custom. These guitars feature handpicked details, including exotic tonewoods, unique finishes, and customized hardware and electronics. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a figured maple top, a rare find on any Gibson Explorer, highlighted by a striking Cobra Burst finish. These two features combined retain the bones of the core model and add two defining characteristics that alter the guitar’s aesthetics dramatically. This special instrument was designed by Gibson’s experts with handpicked details that make these designs unique.
The Gibson Explorer was introduced in the late 50s alongside the Flying V™. These two models were completely different from all other electric guitars at the time and were not initially accepted by the market. Due to their extremely low production numbers, the original Korina Gibson Explorers are some of the most valuable vintage electric guitar models in history. Once the 1970s arrived, the Explorer returned to the Gibson lineup, and the model was embraced by hard rock players of the time. Known for its wild wedge-shaped body and its “hockey stick” headstock, the Explorer has been highly influential and popular ever since.
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom features a mahogany body with a maple top, multi-ply binding around the top, an ABR-1 bridge with a Stop Bar tailpiece, and a pair of humbucker™ pickups. Instead of an opaque finish over a plain maple top, this Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a flame maple top. To accommodate the size of the Explorer, the billet of flame maple must be much larger than what is normally sourced for models such as a Les Paul™. To showcase this huge piece of figured maple, the top was finished in Cobra Burst, which uses a base coat stain that helps accentuate the figuring in this beautiful piece of wood. Gold hardware is featured throughout the guitar, including on the pickup covers, bridge, tailpiece, tuning machines, strap buttons, and the screws that mount all the hardware to the guitar.
With its history dating back to the late 50s, the Explorer has seen many iterations throughout the decades. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom pushes the envelope even further with a massive piece of figured maple and a custom Cobra Burst finish. In combination with the multi-ply binding and mother-of-pearl block inlays, this Explorer will not be mistaken for any regular production-run guitar. Included with this guitar is a Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity and a hardshell case.
Highlights
- AAA flame maple top
- Cobra Burst finish
- Gold hardware
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Binding Multi-ply
Body Finish VOS Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Solid mahogany
Body Shape Explorer
Body Styles Explorer
Top AAA Figured Maple
Weight Relief None
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
End Of Board Width 56.89mm / 2.24in
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium-Jumbo
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Long Tenon
Neck Material Solid Mahogany
Nut Material Corian
Nut Width 42.85mm / 1.69in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup 498T
Controls 2 500K CTS Volume Pots, 1 500K CTS Tone Pot, Hand-Wired Harness
Neck Pickup 490R
Output Jack Switchcraft
Pickup Selector 3-Way Switchcraft
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Tune-O-Matic
Control Knobs Black Speed Knobs
finish Gold
Jack Plate Cover Gold-plated Brass
Mounting Rings Black M69
Pickguard Black Multi-Ply
Pickup Covers Gold-Plated
Strap Buttons Brass
Switch Tip Black
Switchwasher Black
Tailpiece Stop Bar
Truss Rod 2-way Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-Ply Black/White
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Grover Kidney
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Demo Shop Certificate of Authenticity and Gibson Limited Warranty
Model: DSMXPSL000000485
Case Hardshell Case
Headstock Serial Number: DS0299
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Gibson Custom Explorer Custom Figured Top, Cobra Burst
Gibson Custom Explorer Custom Figured Top, Cobra Burst
Lifetime Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shop and play with confidence knowing that your instrument is protected by our limited lifetime warranty. Learn more about warranties and exclusions here .
Case Included
Case Included
Your instrument ships with a factory-supplied hard- or soft-shell case for safe storage and transportation. Please refer to the product specifications for details.
Setup Included
Setup Included
Our craftory-trained technicians perform a final thorough inspection and detailed setup moments before your instrument is packed and shipped to you.
Three Free Months of the Gibson App

Three Free Months of the Gibson App
For a limited time only, receive a three-month subscription to the Gibson App for free with the purchase of this product. Click here to learn more about the Gibson App.
Explorer Custom with Figured Maple Top
This Gibson Custom Select Explorer™ Custom features a flame maple top and a custom Cobra Burst finish. Gibson Custom Select offers unique instruments crafted in small batches by the skilled artisans at Gibson Custom. These guitars feature handpicked details, including exotic tonewoods, unique finishes, and customized hardware and electronics. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a figured maple top, a rare find on any Gibson Explorer, highlighted by a striking Cobra Burst finish. These two features combined retain the bones of the core model and add two defining characteristics that alter the guitar’s aesthetics dramatically. This special instrument was designed by Gibson’s experts with handpicked details that make these designs unique.
The Gibson Explorer was introduced in the late 50s alongside the Flying V™. These two models were completely different from all other electric guitars at the time and were not initially accepted by the market. Due to their extremely low production numbers, the original Korina Gibson Explorers are some of the most valuable vintage electric guitar models in history. Once the 1970s arrived, the Explorer returned to the Gibson lineup, and the model was embraced by hard rock players of the time. Known for its wild wedge-shaped body and its “hockey stick” headstock, the Explorer has been highly influential and popular ever since.
The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom features a mahogany body with a maple top, multi-ply binding around the top, an ABR-1 bridge with a Stop Bar tailpiece, and a pair of humbucker™ pickups. Instead of an opaque finish over a plain maple top, this Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom features a flame maple top. To accommodate the size of the Explorer, the billet of flame maple must be much larger than what is normally sourced for models such as a Les Paul™. To showcase this huge piece of figured maple, the top was finished in Cobra Burst, which uses a base coat stain that helps accentuate the figuring in this beautiful piece of wood. Gold hardware is featured throughout the guitar, including on the pickup covers, bridge, tailpiece, tuning machines, strap buttons, and the screws that mount all the hardware to the guitar.
With its history dating back to the late 50s, the Explorer has seen many iterations throughout the decades. This Gibson Custom Select Explorer Custom pushes the envelope even further with a massive piece of figured maple and a custom Cobra Burst finish. In combination with the multi-ply binding and mother-of-pearl block inlays, this Explorer will not be mistaken for any regular production-run guitar. Included with this guitar is a Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity and a hardshell case.
Highlights
- AAA flame maple top
- Cobra Burst finish
- Gold hardware
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Binding Multi-ply
Body Finish VOS Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Solid mahogany
Body Shape Explorer
Body Styles Explorer
Top AAA Figured Maple
Weight Relief None
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
End Of Board Width 56.89mm / 2.24in
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium-Jumbo
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Long Tenon
Neck Material Solid Mahogany
Nut Material Corian
Nut Width 42.85mm / 1.69in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup 498T
Controls 2 500K CTS Volume Pots, 1 500K CTS Tone Pot, Hand-Wired Harness
Neck Pickup 490R
Output Jack Switchcraft
Pickup Selector 3-Way Switchcraft
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Tune-O-Matic
Control Knobs Black Speed Knobs
finish Gold
Jack Plate Cover Gold-plated Brass
Mounting Rings Black M69
Pickguard Black Multi-Ply
Pickup Covers Gold-Plated
Strap Buttons Brass
Switch Tip Black
Switchwasher Black
Tailpiece Stop Bar
Truss Rod 2-way Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-Ply Black/White
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Grover Kidney
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Demo Shop Certificate of Authenticity and Gibson Limited Warranty
Model: DSMXPSL000000485
Case Hardshell Case
Headstock Serial Number: DS0299
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046







