This outlandish axe carries with it a metal stigma, and while it's undoubtedly at home flailing underneath spandex and a perm, it has a great deal more to offer. That huge expanse of slab korina (or mahogany depending on the model) makes for a highly resonant, sustainful beast with plenty of chunk and bite.

It's hard to believe that it debuted in 1958 in original korina format, and it remains as compelling in its current 'X-Plorer' ('76 Reissue) mahogany-based guise. Makes you want to get sweatbands and shout a lot.

FULL REVIEW: Gibson X-Plorer New Century

Price: from £899

Mid-price choice: Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer (£329) (BUY: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music)

Budget buy: just buy the Epi!