Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue Antique Natural

In the late 1950s, Gibson designed a trio of futuristic-looking new models that were intended to bring fresh, modern-looking designs to the product lineup. One of these was the Futura, which quickly morphed into the Explorer as we now know it. While the Explorer went on to become a true icon of the guitar world, it wasn’t instantly popular. Only 19 were shipped in 1958, its first year of production. Its subsequent popularity has made those late ’50s Explorers among the most desirable and most expensive vintage guitars in the world, and one that has been played by guitar legends such as Eric Clapton, Slash, Allen Collins, Rick Nielsen, and James Hetfield.

Radically “space age” in appearance when it was introduced in 1958, the Explorer was way ahead of its time and still looks fresh, modern, and unique today. This is a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless design, which continues to captivate guitarists and collectors worldwide.

Now, Gibson Custom is proud to introduce the 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue. It features all of the hallmarks of the original Explorers from 1958, with the only difference being that mahogany has been used instead of the original, rare Korina wood, but otherwise, all of the classic vintage Explorer features have been carefully recreated in this Historic Reissue model. Mahogany delivers a somewhat warmer sound than the slightly brighter Korina, making it a great choice for players who love the 1950s Explorer aesthetic but who are looking for a denser, all-mahogany tone for rock and metal. And since mahogany is more readily available than the scarcer Korina, this also makes this 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue the most accessible way to get Historic Explorer looks, features, and performance from Gibson Custom.

The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue features a mahogany body with the original Explorer shape made to the vintage specifications, a mahogany neck with a ’50s Vintage profile, and the original Explorer headstock design, complete with reissue Kluson single-ring tuners. The unbound Indian rosewood fretboard is equipped with 22 authentic medium jumbo frets and cellulose dot inlays.

The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue is powered by two Custombucker humbucker pickups that are hand-wired to two volume and one tone control with CTS potentiometers and a phone book capacitor. The Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and gold hardware are VOS-finished, giving it the look of a new-old-stock guitar from the late 1950s. A Lifton historic reissue brown and pink hardshell case is also included. Here’s your chance to own a ’50s spec Explorer, now available from Gibson Custom in its most accessible form yet.

Weight: 8lbs 14oz

General

Series:

Gibson Custom Shop Historic

Country of Manufacture:

Made in the USA

Product Color:

Antique Natural

Relic/Aging Level:

VOS (Vintage Original Spec)

Case Type:

Hardshell Case Included

Factory Setup:

E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E)

Body

Body Shape:

Explorer

Body Material:

2-Piece Mahogany

Body Finish:

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck

Neck Material:

Mahogany

Neck Finish:

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck Tint/Color:

Mahogany Stain

Neck Shape:

’50s Vintage

Fingerboard Material:

Indian Rosewood

Nut Material:

Nylon

Nut Width:

1.687″ (42.85mm)

Fingerboard Radius:

12″ (304.8mm)

Scale Length:

24.75″ (628.65mm)

Number of Frets:

22 Frets

Neck Joint:

Set Neck

Fingerboard Inlay:

Cellulose Dots

Inlay Shape:

Dots

Side Marker Inlay:

Dots

Headstock Inlay/Decal:

Gibson Mother of Pearl Logo

Neck Binding:

None

Electronics

Bridge Pickup:

Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)

Neck Pickup:

Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)

Controls and Switching:

3-Way Switchcraft; 2 Volume, 1 Tone

Hardware

Hardware Color:

Aged Gold

Bridge:

ABR-1 No-Wire

Tailpiece:

Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar

Tuning Machines:

Kluson Single Ring Reissue

Fret Wire:

Reissue Medium Jumbo

Saddle:

Metal

Pickguard:

White

Truss Rod Cover:

2-Ply Black Bell

Knobs:

True Historic Black Top hat w/Dial Pointer

Switch Cap:

Amber

All instruments are setup and inspected before shipping. We offer the option to upgrade to a Plek setup at a discounted rate when purchasing an instrument. To learn more about Plek, please message us, or call at: 740-522-0277.
Plek add-ons are non-refundable once completed. In the event of a return, a refund will be issued minus the cost of the Plek and any other add-on services.