Gibson USA and Custom Range Expansion

Rockers began to embrace the Explorer's futuristic shape and powerful sound by the 1970s, but during the hard rockin’ 80s, the model came into its own and was adopted by some of the greatest players of the decade.

Gibson ES-339 Honey Burst - Gibson ES-339 Figured Dark Purple Burst - ES-335 Satin Smokehouse Satin

The Gibson ES-335 DOT is the cornerstone of the Gibson ES line-up. From its inaugural appearance in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 immediately set an unmatched standard. The pearloid dot inlay rosewood fingerboard on a hand-rolled Rounded "C" mahogany neck remind players where it all started.

The Gibson ES-339 was developed from this legendary model, and retains the same semi-hollowbody design with a solid maple centreblock providing increased sustain and improved feedback resistance compared to fully hollowbodied designs. The Gibson ES-339 is a modern classic designed for those seeking the tone and look of an ES-335, but in a slightly smaller, lighter instrument.

Gibson 1958 Mahogany Flying V Reissue - 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue

Gibson Custom is proud to introduce the 1958 Mahogany Explorer & Flying V Reissue. It features all of the hallmarks of the original models, with the only difference being that mahogany has been used instead of the original, rare Korina wood, but otherwise, all of the classic vintage features have been carefully recreated in these Historic Reissues. Mahogany delivers a somewhat warmer sound than the slightly brighter Korina, making it a great choice for players who love the Explorer & Flying V aesthetic but who are looking for a denser, all-mahogany tone for rock and metal.

1957 Mahogany Moderne-Reissue - 1957 Mahogany Futura Reissue

The Futura closely resembles the modern Explorer, but had a somewhat different, more angular body shape and a split V headstock design that was used on only a handful of the earliest Explorers before they transitioned to the scimitar-shaped headstock that the model is known for today.

Radically “space age” in appearance when it was patented in 1957, like the Explorer and Flying V, the Moderne was way ahead of its time and still looks fresh, modern, and unique today. Now, Gibson Custom is making this fabled guitar available to more players than ever with the introduction of the 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue.

These models feature all of the hallmarks of the originals, based on records and the patent application drawing in the Gibson archives, with the only difference being that mahogany has been substituted for the original, rare Korina wood.

To learn more about the Gibson USA and Custom expansion please click here