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Gibson X-Plorer New Century £1230
The Gibson classic gets a blinding upgrade for the current millennium.
Simon Bradley, Tue 23 Oct 2007, 12:11 pm UTC
The Explorer has to be one of Gibson's best-loved shapes, and this 2006 New Century option is far removed from the more subdued korina guitars of the late fifties.
Aimed fairly and squarely at the modern metal player, the range also includes a Les Paul, SG and Flying V. The unique point here is that all the New Centuries feature a full-body mirrored faceplate.
The mirror is set flush to the solid mahogany body with a 3mm indent into the wood and the remainder of a standard Explorer's fixtures and fittings somehow look that much cooler as a result.
Pickups are both Gibson humbuckers - namely a Super Ceramic 500T in the bridge and a 496R Hot Ceramic in the neck. Both are open-coiled and we can't help thinking that polished chrome covers would have been just the job considering the livery here.
That classic hockey stick headstock is recognisable the world over, and Gibson has utilised its 1960s thin taper feel to this mahogany neck. A mirrored 'bell' truss rod cover and custom mirror dot inlays complete the picture.
Sounds
The X-Plorer is easy to play sitting down. However, to rock you must be on your feet and, although the guitar is undeniably weighty, it's perfectly balanced and plays wonderfully.
The sounds are ideal for all rock and metal styles, with the classic mahogany push given just the right abrasive edge by the ceramic pickups.
Verdict
Explorers have much more to offer than just a massive rock tone, so you should try one out if you get a chance.
MusicRadar rating:
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
The excellent modern vibe and crushing tone.
Cons
That weight may be too much for some.
Verdict
Explorers have much more to offer than just a massive rock tone, so you should try one out if you get a chance.
Review Policy
All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
Where to buy
Buy similar products from Andertons Music Company
Buy similar products from Thomann
Buy similar products from Wood Brass
Specification
X-Plorer New Century
- Price:
- £1230
- Available Controls:
- 2 x Volume, 3 Position Switch, Tone
- Bridge:
- Tune-o-matic
- Case Included:
- true
- Country of Origin:
- USA
- Fingerboard Material:
- Ebony
- Guitar Body Material:
- Mahogany
- Hardware:
- Chrome
- Inlays:
- Mirror Dot
- Neck Joint Location (Fret):
- 19
- Neck Material:
- Mahogany
- Neck Profile:
- '60s-style
- No of Strings:
- 6
- No. of Frets:
- 22
- Pickguard:
- true
- Pickguard Material:
- Mirror
- Pickups:
- 496R Ceramic Humbucker (Neck), 500T Ceramic Humbucker (Bridge)
- Scale Length (mm) (mm):
- 629
- Tailpiece:
- Stopbar