1976 Gibson Explorer
The 1976 Explorer reissue used genuine Korina — making it substantially more authentic than later mahogany versions. An excellent collectible that bridges the original 1958 design with modern playability.
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 (reissued with original Korina construction) |
| Neck Wood | Korina |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Natural Korina, Black |
| Est. Production | 700 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two T-top humbuckers. Good vintage humbuckers with clear, bright character.
What Changed in 1976
Gibson reissued the Explorer in 1976 using original Korina wood — a nod to the 1958 original that had become legendary. These are highly collectible as the first proper reissue of the original design.
Collector's Notes
Verify actual Korina construction (vs. later mahogany versions). Natural Korina finish is the most collectible. T-top humbuckers are correct for this era — good sounding pickups.
How to Authenticate a 1976 Gibson Explorer
Check the impressed (stamped) serial number on the headstock back — verify within documented 1976 ranges. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1976 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. By the early 1970s, Gibson was transitioning to thicker finishes. Check finish thickness and aging characteristics. Verify correct humbucker pickups for this production era. Mahogany body. Verify correct angular proportions and headstock shape. Original Grover Rotomatic should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.