1959 Gibson Explorer
The 1959 Explorer — original Korina-bodied Modernistic design, one of fewer than 25 ever made. Among the most valuable guitars in existence.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Korina (African Limba) |
| Neck Wood | Korina |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Natural Korina |
| Est. Production | 3 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbucking pickups.
What Changed in 1959
Only 3 Explorers made in 1959. Combined with 1958, fewer than 25 original Korina Explorers exist worldwide.
Collector's Notes
Original Korina Explorers are the rarest production Gibsons. Fewer than 25 exist. Authentication is absolutely critical.
How to Authenticate a 1959 Gibson Explorer
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1959 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Original PAF humbuckers with gold-plated covers — authentication by a recognized expert is mandatory at these values. Korina body — fewer than 50 originals known. Multiple expert authentications mandatory. Provenance essential. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.