2008 Gibson Reverse Explorer

Ah 2008 - the year it all sort of went wrong. But in the earlier part of the year, it was carefree times. 'Rickrolling' was the number one Google search, (It's a much more boring 'Youtube' now), and Sarah Palin was the most bizarre politician we thought could end up in office...

Over in Nashville, someone at Gibson got super high and decided the world needed 12,000 special edition guitars, 10 models  over 12 months. Such beauties as the Shred X, Holy V and Longhorn Double Cut were released.

And then this - the Gibson Reverse Explorer. On the face of it, why not? With a mahogany solid body with a mahogany neck, featuring a hybrid profile that blends in the 50's rounded contour with the 60's slim-taper one. The rosewood fingerboard comes with a vintage, 22-frets construction and a classic 24.75” scale length. Electronics are a 57 Classic neck and 57 Classic Plus for the bridge topped off with the standard tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece.

The guitar plays really nicely and is every bit what you would expect from a quality Gibson of this price. There is no gimmick here - honestly. Sure, the sole finish option of Antique Walnut, matched with some carbon fibre neck inlays and scratch plate, and the brown finish of the pickup covers may raise an eyebrow, and the Moderne-esque headstock and logo (both designed by none other than Ted McCarty back in the 50's), is very functional and the Steinberger gearless machine heads are superb but hey, guitars are a statement. Make one with this.

Condition - great. No lumps or bumps, and only a few surface marks. 

The original case is included - in nice condition too.