1979 Gibson Explorer
The 1979 Explorer — reissue-era mahogany Explorer embraced by rock and metal.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Thinking About Selling Your 1979 Gibson Explorer?
We buy directly from owners — no auction fees, no waiting. Get a fair offer based on current market data.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Indian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Natural, Sunburst, Black, White |
| Est. Production | 2,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups.
What Changed in 1979
Explorer production continuing. A staple of hard rock.
Collector's Notes
Reissue Explorers are excellent players. Verify original pickups and hardware.
How to Authenticate a 1979 Gibson Explorer
Check the impressed (stamped) serial number on the headstock back — verify within documented 1979 ranges. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1979 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.