Free shipping on orders over $100

Speak to an expert:605.348.6737

Mon–Fri, 9AM–6PM MT

Sat 9AM–5PM MT

Gibson

Gibson Custom Shop Explorer Custom Electric Guitar - Gloss Ebony with Hardshell Case

Hurry, only 1 item left in stock!

$5,799.00

Secure Checkout

Pickup available at 2520 W Main St

Usually ready in 24 hours

14-day returns

Changed your mind? Return it undamaged within 14 days.

Fully insured shipping

Ships from Rapid City, SD. Free on orders over $100.

11,000+ five-star reviews on Reverb

Trusted by players nationwide since 1963.

Ships same or next day

Order confirmed fast. Tracking sent immediately.


-YOU ARE VIEWING PHOTOS OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR BEING SOLD!

This brand new 8 lb 8 oz will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy. Check out our shop policies for more details.

The Gibson Custom Shop Explorer takes one of Gibson’s most recognizable designs and gives it an unmistakably upscale treatment without losing the bold character that made it an icon. A solid mahogany body delivers the familiar warmth, punch, and sustain players expect from an Explorer, while the gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish and multi-ply binding bring a striking sense of refinement. Gold hardware, gold-plated pickup covers, and mother-of-pearl block inlays add to its distinctive presence, creating a guitar that feels every bit as commanding visually as it does in the hands.

A solid mahogany Medium C neck with a long-tenon joint gives the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer a substantial, comfortable feel, complemented by a solid ebony fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets. Its 24.75-inch scale keeps bends smooth and familiar, while the Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece provide a solid, dependable foundation. The combination makes this Explorer feel ready for everything from driving rhythm work to expressive lead playing, with the playability and attention to detail expected of a Custom Shop instrument.

The 490R neck and 498T bridge humbuckers deliver a versatile Gibson voice, balancing warm, rounded tones with the bite and output needed to cut through a mix. Independent volume controls, a master tone control, and a three-way toggle make it easy to move between thick neck tones, aggressive bridge sounds, and blended textures. Finished with gold-plated Grover tuners and carefully coordinated appointments throughout, the Gibson Custom Shop Explorer is a bold expression of Gibson craftsmanship, built for players who want iconic design with an elevated level of detail. Available now at Haggerty's Music.

Features / Specs

Highlights

  • Series: Custom Shop
  • Orientation: Right-Handed
  • Color: Ebony

 

Body

  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Body Shape: Explorer
  • Body Style: Solid

 

Neck

  • Headstock Type: Explorer
  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: Medium C
  • Neck Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Neck Depth: 0.873” at 1st Fret, 1.017” at 12th Fret
  • Neck Construction: Set Neck
  • Fingerboard Radius: 12"
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Position Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
  • Side Dots: Black
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Truss Rod Style: Two-Way Adjustable
  • Truss Rod Nut: Standard
  • Nut Material: Corian
  • Nut Width: 1.69"
  • Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
  • Scale Length: 24.75"

 

Hardware

  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
  • Bridge Cover/Tail Piece: Stop Bar
  • Bridge Mounting: Black M69 Rings
  • Pickguard: Multi-Ply Black
  • Pickup Covers: Gold
  • Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
  • Switch Tip: Black
  • Hardware Finish: Gold
  • Tuning Machines: Grover Kidney
  • String Trees: None
  • Strings: .010 - .046
  • Tremolo Arm: None
  • Neck Plate: Long Tenon
  • Strap Buttons: Two Standard
  • Output Jack: 1/4" Bottom

 

Electronics

  • Pickup Configuration: HH
  • Neck Pickup: 490R
  • Bridge Pickup: 498T
  • Controls: Two Volume, Master Tone
  • Switching: 3-Way Toggle
  • Auxiliary Switching: None

 

Miscellaneous

  • Accessories: Tools, Certificate of Authenticity
  • Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Serial Number: CS601319
  • Manufacture Date: 2026
CS601319

Customer reviews

11,000+ Five-Star Reviews On Reverb

What players say after the guitar arrives

“The guitar was well packed and is set up to my liking! I would definitely do business with this company again!”

Gerald K. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Gibson ES-330

“This is a beautiful guitar…appreciate the free setup and quick ship! Would purchase from this seller again…THANKS!”

Guitar D. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Yamaha RSS02T

“Thank you too for a wonderful experience and an amazing guitar. I appreciate the quick shipment and great customer service.”

Eddie R. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Epiphone 1957 SJ-200

“Very fast shipping, arrived in perfect condition, extremely well set up, no adjustments needed at all! Plays and looks great, exactly as advertised.”

Duncan K. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
PRS SE CE 24

“Fast shipping, and great communication from the seller. Pedal arrived quickly and was packaged really well. Would not hesitate to buy again.”

Mark G. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
JHS The Clover Preamp

Very well packed! Would be happy to do business again! Thanks!

Mark B. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Stevens Steel Lap Steel Bar

“Another masterpiece from Taylor. Great service and communication from Haggerty’s crew. Thanks!!!”

James S. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Taylor Custom Shop C14ce

“Beautiful guitar, easy txn! Thank you so much! Looking forward to playing this guitar far into the future.”

Josh H. – May 31st, 2026Reverb
Powers Electric A-Type FF42

“Fast shipping, great pedal. Buy with confidence these guys are great to work with!”

Carter M. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
Ibanez TS-9

“Great shop! Awesome price, super fast shipping, and great packaging of an awesome new pedal! Thanks!”

Craig C. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
JHS 3 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you set up every guitar before it ships?

Yes. Every guitar that leaves our store has been professionally inspected, set up, and signed off by the technician who worked on it. You will find a signed checklist inside the box when your order arrives.

How accurate are your condition descriptions?

We treat condition grading as a contractual promise, not an approximation. When we list something as excellent, that reflects a specific, consistent standard we apply across every instrument. We encourage you to call us before purchasing if you want a detailed in-hand description of any specific guitar.

Can I call and speak to someone about a guitar before I buy?

Yes, and we encourage it. Our team are working musicians, not order-takers. Call us at 605-348-6737 and ask about any instrument in our inventory. We will physically pull it off the wall and describe it to you in detail.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 14-day return policy if you change your mind and the item is returned undamaged. You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Financing options are available at checkout. Monthly payment options are designed to make high-ticket purchases more accessible without requiring full payment upfront.

How do you ship instruments?

Every instrument ships fully insured from our store in Rapid City, South Dakota. We offer free shipping on all website orders over $100. Guitars are packaged to survive transit, properly cased, braced, and protected.

Are you an authorized dealer?

Yes. We are an authorized dealer for Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, and many other brands. We are currently the number one independent Taylor Guitars dealer in the world, an award we have received two years running for 2024 and 2025. We are also a Top 10 premium dealer for Martin, Gibson, and Fender.

Do you sell on Reverb and Amazon as well as your own site?

Yes. We are one of the top 15 resellers globally on Reverb, where we have accumulated over 11,000 five-star reviews. We are also one of the only independent premium dealers in the world authorized to sell Taylor and Martin on Amazon.

How long have you been in business?

Haggerty's Music has been open since 1963. Our store is located at 515 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, South Dakota.

Do you offer instrument repair?

Yes. Our certified technicians handle everything from routine setups to full restorations across fretted, orchestral, and band instruments. Our team holds certifications from Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, and other leading brands. Learn more HERE.

What brands do you carry?

Our core guitar brands include Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Suhr, Eastman, Gretsch, Luxxtone, Novo, Jackson, Charvel, Legator, and Yamaha among others. These are also the most searched brands on our site, so each has a dedicated collection page.

Do you offer music lessons?

Yes. We offer music lessons. You can find out more HERE.