Gibson Explorer Price Guide
The Gibson Explorer was one of two radical 'Modernist' designs introduced in 1958, alongside the Flying V. Its angular, asymmetrical body in Korina wood was years ahead of its time — so ahead that it was discontinued after just two years. The original 1958-1959 Korina Explorers are among the rarest and most valuable electric guitars ever made, with fewer than 40 believed to survive.
Produced: 1958–present
📖 Buyer's Guide
Authentication is absolutely critical for 1958-1959 Korina Explorers — at these price levels, fakes exist. Genuine examples have Korina (African limba) bodies with a specific grain pattern. The original Explorer body shape was slightly different from later reissues. 1976+ mahogany reissues are plentiful but represent a completely separate market.
Value by Year
| Year | Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | $500,000–$1,200,000 | $350,000–$500,000 | $200,000–$350,000 | Full Details → |
| 1959 | $280,000–$400,000 | $160,000–$280,000 | $80,000–$160,000 | Full Details → |
| 1975 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1976 | $5,000–$10,000 | $3,200–$5,000 | $2,000–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1977 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1978 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1979 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |