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Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: FrankieTbird on February 09, 2017, 07:57:40 AM

Title: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 09, 2017, 07:57:40 AM


http://www.ebay.com/itm/192093558162

This thing looks pretty badass. Doesn't seem to be much interest in it?  No love for these?

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 09, 2017, 08:03:00 AM
Maybe bc the price is insane.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 09, 2017, 09:52:08 AM
Maybe bc the price is insane.

Too much?  Seems like it should be worth close to that?  Reissue Thunderbirds occasionally sell for nearly that much.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 09, 2017, 10:12:01 AM
No love for these indeed. An unremarkable sounding piece of equipment with deceiving looks. Any other Explorer bass out there (Ibanez, Hamer, Epiphone, the Gibson reissue from a few years ago) sounds better. The 80ies Gibson Explorer basses are let down by medium scale (sloppy E-string, dull harmonics) and Grabber pups from the early 70ies which (never sonic marvels in the first place) by then were well beyond their BBD.

It is telling that although this was a classic Gibson shape and Explorer look basses became all the rage in Glam Metal daze none of these were played by any pro bassist I would recollect while at the same time TBirds were plentiful with the Hair Metal crowd. So don't change your moniker into FrankiE-xpl just yet!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 09, 2017, 11:23:08 AM
Too much?  Seems like it should be worth close to that?  Reissue Thunderbirds occasionally sell for nearly that much.

Because of what Uwe said, I don't think they're worth that much, yes; certainly never seen one sell for more than a grand before (not that I keep close tabs.... and remembering that asking prices don't count).

Last one sold on ebay (dif fin; pups replaced with TBird pups, which should be an improvement, but may have hurt the value here a tad) went for 700 (the asks are all over the place from 1-2k - nonje of them selling): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Explorer-Bass-in-VS-with-Thunderbird-Pick-Ups-Rare-No-Reserve-/162297374493?hash=item25c9ad671d:g:L8YAAOSwiDFYOcdi

There was also the piezo "graphic" version sold recently, but it was a best offer (on an ask of 1.9k) so we don't know the final price and it's technically a different animal.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Dave W on February 09, 2017, 01:16:47 PM
Last three from domestic sellers (not counting the piezo one) sold for $625, $700 and $889/Best Offer Accepted, but when you sort them by price plus shipping, the $889 one shows up between the other two, so that seller obviously came down quite a bit.  I think it's safe to say $700 is about right in today's market.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Highlander on February 09, 2017, 03:37:23 PM
I believe that this type of Epiphone korina explorer (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Korina-Explorer-4-String-Bass-Natural-NA-Made-in-Korea/272425670959?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41405%26meid%3Da7a50ca9eade4284a70b343e7f07e1fb%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D192093558162) is the better instrument, so I've heard from some learned types here... and about 1/2 the price...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 10, 2017, 04:51:51 AM
Definitely less than a thousand bucks or anywhere near. Piezo and the stripey fin ones fetch a little more, but not much. Counter-intuitively, the piezo version sounds a lot more lively and assertive than the Grabber pup one. Still, both a Grabber and a Victory Standard are much better instruments (the Explorer mixes parts from both, but they are both long scale and have maple or alder bodies).

I can't see these ever going up in value in a relevant way. They are just not very well sounding basses, have no name player attached to them and lack the mystiqe of the the early 80ies Flying V basses which are sonically nothing to write home about either, but trade much higher probably due to the higher craftsmanship and the Flying V legend. Those 80ies Explorers reek cheap in contrast. Gibson did much, much better with the "reissue" (in fact a completely different bass with the same body shape) from a few years ago. If you're in love with the Explorer look - and I can understand anyone who is -, then buy one of those.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: gearHed289 on February 10, 2017, 08:24:22 AM
In my experience, you'd be better off with a Hamer Blitz. Great necks, long scale, good balance. P/J isn't ideal, but not the worst thing in the world. Epis have super chunky necks. I liked the recent Gibson version, but the tone was a little dull compared to my LP and FBird.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 10, 2017, 08:33:45 AM


I can't see these ever going up in value in a relevant way. They are just not very well sounding basses, have no name player attached to them and lack the mystiqe of the the early 80ies Flying V basses which are sonically nothing to write home about either, but trade much higher probably due to the higher craftsmanship and the Flying V legend.

The Vs , while not having any proper 'name' players attached to them, do have some lesser but still known players (nichier stuff - punk etc).  Often the
re's a band schtick of having Vs on both sides of the stage.  They're not the only ones, but Jay Reatard comes to mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5acj06vsno
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 10, 2017, 10:07:38 AM

Thanks guys, very good info.  So these are medium-scale?  What is that, 32"?

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 10, 2017, 10:26:42 AM
Yes, give or take.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 10, 2017, 11:44:02 AM

I kinda like the 32" scale, I guess those pickups would have to go though.  Probably be sweet with a couple Thunderbuckers in there.  Why mess with it though?  Probably best to stick with the Thunderbirds (and that is not a bad thing). 
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: slinkp on February 10, 2017, 04:04:19 PM
Wasn't there a humbucker version of the Hamer? Like in the first couple videos off of Pyromania?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: 66Atlas on February 10, 2017, 04:26:32 PM
Dean made a killer explorer bass with Dimarzio humbuckers in the early 80s. I lusted after one but ended up getting an ML instead...I still kick myself for not getting the explorer.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: gearHed289 on February 11, 2017, 10:29:03 AM
I think there are dual humbucker Blitz basses, but not as common. The guy in Leppard had a nicer one, more like a Standard with binding and maple top.

I'm gonna have to look up that Dean. I only remember the ML and Cadillac.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: chromium on February 11, 2017, 12:26:14 PM
The explorer-shaped Dean was called the "Z".  There was just recently one on Ebay - looks like it sold.  Little bit of a clownburst, but still pretty dang cool!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1983-Dean-Z-bass-made-in-the-USA-/292013571362?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=O3FBNOkbJ%252BD0UjZ47QjOi%252Fx6U9c%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3vAAAOSwUKxYjiIZ/s-l1600.jpg)


Think I've only seen one other old Z bass with the "BFH" (big-effin-headstock) like the ML.  The handful of others I've seen had the tiny shrimp fork head, which doesn't look as nice to me.

The MLs are great, but unbelievably huge!  I got an '82 off of CL last year, thanks to Andy here (who was kind enough to let me have at it - price was a steal).  Build quality is very good, but not quite at the same perfectionist level of the custom order Hamers.

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/Dean/Dean-7sm.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/Dean/Dean-7sm.jpg.html)


As for other explorers, the Hamer Blitzes are really good basses... Their predecessor, the Standard, was custom order, and there aren't many of those floating around (maybe 50 or so). I've seen a variety of scale lengths and pickup configs on 'em - P/J, J/J, dual hums, triple hums, and Gibson Tbird and mini hums on the earliest ones.

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/Standard/-lightning-x-2.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/Standard/-lightning-x-2.jpg.html)

Adopted both of these from members here.  The one on the left is an '81, and black one is a '90.  Nice chunky D-carve maho neck on the former, and the latter has a maple neck w/profile much like a Tbird.

Flame for days on that '81!

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/Standard/body-fnt---.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/Standard/body-fnt---.jpg.html)

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/Standard/DSCF0011.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/Standard/DSCF0011.jpg.html)

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/Standard/body--r-.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/Standard/body--r-.jpg.html)

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/Standard/head-rr--.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/Standard/head-rr--.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 11, 2017, 02:09:06 PM


Nice axes.  Did they ever make a single-pickup Hamer Blitz?  And what is the neck width on those at the nut?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: slinkp on February 11, 2017, 02:35:48 PM
Oh right, now I remember yours! Beautiful. If I had funds to collect basses, I'd be after one of those Blitz models for sure. Are those X2N pickups or something similar?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Highlander on February 11, 2017, 04:27:04 PM
Dean Z series sub $200 and no bids... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DEAN-Z-SERIES-4-STRING-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-SUPER/272549402854?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41405%26meid%3Dff3b20e2063347d0bd24b9b562849d9a%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D292013571362)

Wrong side of the pond for me...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 11, 2017, 05:22:39 PM
PJ pups tho.  Probably why (LOL).
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: chromium on February 12, 2017, 12:35:30 AM
Nice axes.  Did they ever make a single-pickup Hamer Blitz?  And what is the neck width on those at the nut?

I think the Blitz necks are around 1 5/8 at the nut (but I'm guesstimating from memory). Similar to the Cruise basses.  More of a shallow D profile as I recall.

Necks on my Standards are different than the Blitz.  Early one is 1 11/16 at the nut w/ a thick D profile, and the black one is 1 1/2 with more of a late model Thunderbird profile. 

So far, I've only seen one single pickup config on an early Standard bass (a P pickup).

Oh right, now I remember yours! Beautiful. If I had funds to collect basses, I'd be after one of those Blitz models for sure. Are those X2N pickups or something similar?

Yes - those are X2N guitar pickups... and the Dean ML has Model Gs (similar spec as X2Ns, but with 4 pole pieces instead of blades).  That black '90 had EMG-HBs originally, but I swapped those out for the X2N and Model G combo.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: slinkp on February 12, 2017, 09:59:06 AM
Chromium - what are the switches on that flame '81? Do I see an LED too?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: chromium on February 12, 2017, 06:25:02 PM
Chromium - what are the switches on that flame '81? Do I see an LED too?

That's for an optional preamp they used in the early basses. One switch is a 2-pos power toggle that also engages the flashing LED when on (powered by its own 3V battery clip :)), and the other is a 3-pos tone switch.

I've read that the preamp was made by Rex Bogue, but I also have a loose one in NOS DiMarzio packaging w/installation instructions (DiMarzio part number AE-1100). Maybe they bought up his stock and marketed them? Not sure, as I could never find any info... Great sounding preamp, though. Wish I could see what's under the hood, but they are unfortunately epoxy potted.

Here's a pic of one in my B12S:

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/hamer/DSCF0013-1.jpg) (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/0chromium0/media/forums/hamer/DSCF0013-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: dadagoboi on February 13, 2017, 06:00:58 AM
How about this Epi?

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/2013%20ExplorerBird/P1100694_zpsppgksigz.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/2013%20ExplorerBird/P1100694_zpsppgksigz.jpg.html)

I bought it in 2013 for 'research' when I was developing the ExplorerBird. 

Neck is 1-5/8" with a round profile, trussrod works well. I leveled the frets and gave it a setup.  Body is korina under the paint...cat skull not included!

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/2013%20ExplorerBird/P1020491_zps09c88594.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/2013%20ExplorerBird/P1020491_zps09c88594.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Chris P. on February 13, 2017, 08:11:55 AM
How much for the cat skull?

=^.,.^=
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 13, 2017, 08:16:19 AM
The only drawbacks of the Epi are the mediocre pups (all mids, little else) and the cheesy looking bridge (which does what it needs to do though, no need to change it of you can live with the look). Everything else is fine. On mine I doubt whether the wood is classic korina (way too dent-prone and soft for that), but it sounds great, all blurry and lively. My luthier once said it was some kind of limba, cheap, but with surprising acoustic qualities. The neck is beefy, but not uncomfortable - and it adds to the full sound. I get complinents for my Epi Explorer (equipped with Gibson TB Plus guitar humbucker size pups) whenever I play it. And that is even though most people are in two minds about the Explorer shape look (they're all wrong!). I've heard "this looks like a heavy metal axe alright, but it sounds great" countless times.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00218-20100708-1806.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00215-20100708-1734.jpg)

It even sounds a little better (more lively and expressive, probably due to the non-maple neck) than the Gibson Explorer of a couple of years ago (Mike Lull pups at the recommendation of Fräulein Rommel, it took me a while to get used to them, but I like them now), sorry for the glare:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG-20131030-00803_zps98fe5c72.jpg)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: chromium on February 13, 2017, 10:18:53 AM
What's the neck width on the cat skull?  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: dadagoboi on February 13, 2017, 11:48:06 AM
The only drawbacks of the Epi are the mediocre pups

Yeah, same as on bolt on Epi Thunderbird.  A pair of Chinabuckers  would hep.

How much for the cat skull?

=^.,.^=

Not for sale, I'm waiting until I have two for a knob set.

What's the neck width on the cat skull?  :mrgreen:

Inches or mm?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: amptech on February 13, 2017, 11:43:43 PM
On mine I doubt whether the wood is classic korina (way too dent-prone and soft for that), but it sounds great, all blurry and lively. My luthier once said it was some kind of limba, cheap, but with surprising acoustic qualities.


I know it has been up countless times; but I have always thought that korina is just a trade name to describe the finish, while limba is the name of the wood.

There seems to be lots of discussions on the net regarding 'fake vs. real' korina - especially on epi guitars/basses. Everything from them being chipboard with fake mahogany veneer to real limba as used by Gibson. The comment from those who appeared somewhat serious (experienced luthiers) went in the direction of saying it is the same limba as used by Gibson - but less attractive/smaller pieces glued together.

I read through lots of silly korina threads, doing some research before building my '58 Explorer bass tribute (an ongoing project) .
I bought a late 90's/early 2000's korina Explorer guitar cheap. Apparently limba veneer over other wood, the neck and body seemingly being made from the same kind of wood. After removing the neck, I found  solid limba (apparently). I had to remove laquer from one of the pickup cavities - somehow the laquer on epis seems to hide the grain . To my eye, now, I can see that this is a 4 piece solid korina/limba body.

Now, the neck seemed to be made from the same stuff - but it had some kind of veneer on the headstock. Seemed strange - first I took the black plastic off the head, then there was a thin veneer underneath that looked like the body wood. They might have done that for structural purposes. Removing laquer from the neck, it's clearly another kind of wood. Dent prone as Uwe says, and Maple-ish looking.

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 14, 2017, 03:26:11 AM
Wood origin and combination on Epis is alway a wonderous thing. Maybe I just got lucky with mine. I'd buy another bass with the same wood in a heartbeat (though the after market spalted maple top addition has of course changed the original sound somewhat and given it more attack and focus).

I note you said maple-ish looking as opposed to maple-ish, but is there such a thing as soft, i.e. dent-prone maple? I always thought it was a very hard and stiff wood, hence its popular use for necks etc.

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: dadagoboi on February 14, 2017, 07:07:18 AM
...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 14, 2017, 07:32:59 AM
?  :o
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: dadagoboi on February 14, 2017, 07:40:42 AM
!!!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: godofthunder on February 14, 2017, 08:20:33 AM
  On any number of occasions I have passed on the 80's Gibson Explorer, looks aside it is unremarkable in almost every way, though I do like the Shaller bridge. The Hamer Standard is probably my holy grail if Explorer shaped basses followed by a Explorerbird. The Hamer Blitz on today's market is a real bargain, top notch construction and components and easily one of the best sounding basses I own.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: slinkp on February 14, 2017, 11:24:02 AM
Then there's this...
(http://www.12stringbass.net/quad30x.jpg)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 14, 2017, 11:54:50 AM
Why is he wearing a Tommy Bolin T-shirt?

(https://darkerthanblue.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/tommy2.jpg?w=450)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 14, 2017, 11:55:24 AM
!!!

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e3/f6/f0/e3f6f030b747c6f8918e39a465783caf.gif)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 14, 2017, 12:18:32 PM

 It seems like so long ago that I had one, I kind of wish that I'd kept it........
Only shot I have of it.

 (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Oldies007-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: godofthunder on February 14, 2017, 03:13:49 PM
  Geeze looks like you are playing a EB3. Thing looks tiny on you!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 14, 2017, 04:41:32 PM
That looks like a medium scale Gibson from the 80ies - with one magnetic pup?  :o
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 14, 2017, 05:17:04 PM


 I wish I still fit that skirt  :-[

That looks like a medium scale Gibson from the 80ies - with one magnetic pup?  :o


 Yeah, like 32 inch, that pup was strange, had two rows of small exposed poles and a micro switch. 
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: amptech on February 14, 2017, 11:06:54 PM

 I wish I still fit that skirt  :-[
 

 Yeah, like 32 inch, that pup was strange, had two rows of small exposed poles and a micro switch.

I didn't know Gibson made one pickup explorers in the 80's.
I would have guessed a customized shadow - as it looks smaller too. Great picture:)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 15, 2017, 11:15:08 AM

 I wish I still fit that skirt  :-[
 

 Yeah, like 32 inch, that pup was strange, had two rows of small exposed poles and a micro switch.

Large flower patterns look good on you, Mark.

So it was really a Gibbie? Then my guess is a customized Piezo Shadow version too - I've never seen a one pup version. The fin looks like that horribly garish (not going well with your rather understated garments at all, I dare say) "Ferrari Red" they used at the time, so that is probably original.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 15, 2017, 11:35:31 AM

 It was from Florida, the finish was a bit checked as I recall - won it on fleabay for $305.00. If someone had modified it, they did a very good job as it looked very stock. That red was not a good red on me either, too yellow!  ;D
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Pilgrim on February 15, 2017, 12:09:11 PM
It was from Florida, the finish was a bit checked as I recall - won it on fleabay for $305.00. If someone had modified it, they did a very good job as it looked very stock. That red was not a good red on me either, too yellow!  ;D

Can't have the instrument clashing with your carefully chosen wardrobe and makeup!!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on February 15, 2017, 12:38:44 PM
It seems like so long ago that I had one, I kind of wish that I'd kept it........
Only shot I have of it.

 (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Oldies007-1.jpg)

Holy moly, you look gorgeously undead in that shot.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 15, 2017, 01:28:49 PM


 Thank you Jake!  ;)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: chromium on February 15, 2017, 08:35:10 PM
First time I've seen that one!  Cool bass- I like the single pickup...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Highlander on February 16, 2017, 05:07:58 PM
Thing looks tiny on you!

She's a tall girl... you should know that by now...  :mrgreen:

... the finish was a bit checked as I recall ... If someone had modified it, they did a very good job as it looked very stock...

Ooh... now you done it... alerted him to something he does not have in Ze Kollective... :vader:
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 17, 2017, 04:36:04 AM
Not another 80ies Explorer, groan, I'm ample with the two I have. Never has what is essentially a fine shape (both visually and ergonomically) been rendered a greater disservice.

The only thing mine was good for was a noteworthy deadpan by the guitarist when I first took it to a rehearsal. He eyed it for a second (being more the Epiphone Casino/Brit Pop type) and said: "And who are you now, James Hetfield?"  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: 66Atlas on February 20, 2017, 05:15:06 PM
Was this it Mark? I remembered watching the ad a few years ago, not sure if this was before or after your ownership.

https://reverb.com/item/31348-gibson-explorer-86-ferrari-red
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: 66Atlas on February 20, 2017, 05:19:01 PM
Here's one that might temp Uwe  ;D

http://www.nationwideguitars.com/1985gibsonexplorerbassgr.html
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 20, 2017, 06:48:51 PM
Was this it Mark? I remembered watching the ad a few years ago, not sure if this was before or after your ownership.

https://reverb.com/item/31348-gibson-explorer-86-ferrari-red

 Yep! That's it.
Tonally, what can I say, I wanted it to sound like a Thunderbird and be all pointy cool - it just couldn't do it.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Chris P. on February 21, 2017, 03:00:40 AM
I once bought a cream coloured Fernandes Explorer. It was an online sale, so I only saw pics. Great bass, but 32" too, so it was smaller than I thought. The proportions were good, but all in all  too small on my 1.90m (6.3) and beer belly. I sold it after two weeks to a girl who loved it.

Luckily there's this one :D If it hangs in front of you, you can't tune it, so you have to shoot it from the hip, BB King style.


(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5060/5482443443_8cce82fa41_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9msXqX)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 21, 2017, 06:41:28 AM
Here's one that might temp Uwe  ;D

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/sunburstlp/1980s/1985%20Gibson%20Explorer%20Bass%20Green/1985GibsonExplorerBassGreen025.jpg)


Wow!!! That green is both grisly-gruesome and gorgeous. If it wasn't such a crap bass I might indeed stray from the path of the righteous ...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 21, 2017, 06:43:38 AM
I once bought a cream coloured Fernandes Explorer. It was an online sale, so I only saw pics. Great bass, but 32" too, so it was smaller than I thought. The proportions were good, but all in all  too small on my 1.90m (6.3) and beer belly. I sold it after two weeks to a girl who loved it.

Luckily there's this one :D If it hangs in front of you, you can't tune it, so you have to shoot it from the hip, BB King style.


(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5060/5482443443_8cce82fa41_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9msXqX)

I assume this is a 38" scale then? Sure looks it.

Men always overcompensate.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Chris P. on February 21, 2017, 10:18:20 AM
 :mrgreen:

Yes I do, but it is a 34" :)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: slinkp on February 21, 2017, 10:59:45 AM

Luckily there's this one :D

Pretty! What is it? It has a distinct Entwistle flavor; the body and wood remind me of his 70s/80s Alembic Exploiters, and the pickups and headstock remind me of the dual-P version of the Buzzard.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Dave W on February 21, 2017, 11:34:36 AM
Looks like a Wankwick to me.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Chris P. on February 21, 2017, 02:35:27 PM
What Dave says. A Warwick Stryker.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 23, 2017, 08:30:20 AM
Credit where credit's due: Along wiff ze Vämpyre, this is no doubt one of ze bäst-lööking Wärwick Bässe ever.

Now if only Herr Dekker didn't look so perfectly indie rock ...  Showing up with that "Wacken-wick Zerstörer" bass at his gigs is bound to raise some nervous looks among other participants. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Chris P. on February 23, 2017, 08:44:33 AM
A lot of my friends hated me for bringing that bass and not playing the Thunderbird or, in that period, a P. I guess that was one of the reasons I did play it;)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 23, 2017, 09:55:24 AM
Against the grain!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: ilan on February 23, 2017, 12:46:49 PM
It seems like so long ago that I had one, I kind of wish that I'd kept it........
Only shot I have of it.

 (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Oldies007-1.jpg)

That bass is so pretty I almost failed to notice the gorgeous babe in the pic
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Highlander on February 23, 2017, 02:37:10 PM
You shameless hussy... ;)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on February 23, 2017, 03:10:34 PM
But you two have the same hair, Ilan! Sameness attracts rather than opposites?  :mrgreen:

(http://img.tatler.co.uk.s3.amazonaws.com/1080x720/a_c/Bianca-Jagger-and-Mick-Jagger--tatler-14apr15_rex_b_1080x720.jpg)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on February 23, 2017, 05:30:05 PM


 I was junkie skinny........Dang!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: ilan on March 05, 2017, 10:32:41 AM
But you two have the same hair, Ilan!
Never had bangs, never will!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 06, 2017, 08:15:33 AM
Now what's wrong with bangs I cry?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/000215_4006122q4b52ygo49fe5o3.jpg?1488813172506&1488813172653&1488813178842&1488813179522&1488813187650&1488813190977&1488813201357&1488813201642)

"On a guy? Everything." my wife says today, it's her feigned excuse for ignoring me in my youth.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 08, 2017, 12:44:16 PM
Bought it.

http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Ltd-Ed-Korina-Explorer-Bass.aspx

(http://images.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Ltd-Ed-Korina-Explorer-Bass/ExplrBassKOLtEd_Splash.jpg)

Recommended. It's surprisingly light (lighter than the previous Epi Explorers), looks better in real life than on the picture, great fret job and what's in those traditionally looking Epi humbucker casings is not what you heard on the Epi TBs and Explorers of yore, they have actually audibly changed the pup design: Where there used to be mostly mushy mids and little else, you now have transparent mids that leave treble and even presence as well as bass ample room to breathe, yet have just the right amount of ferocious mid-growl. I was really pleasantly surprised. Not that I expected crap, but under the merciless scrutiny of a Glockenklang amp in the sound booth, the bass held up astonishingly well and sounded more remarkable than the Gibson EB 5er 2017 T which I bought as well.

Really nothing to complain about for the money, so nurture that Lynyrd Skynyrd beast lurking within you ...

(http://mcquain.com/lespaul/Favorites/Southern%20Rock/Skynyrd/Allen%20(21).jpg)

(http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/2014+Stagecoach+California+Country+Music+Festival+hl_WiYFyraNl.jpg)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on March 08, 2017, 06:42:32 PM

 I think it's a great looking bass, I'm tempted! 
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: OldManC on March 08, 2017, 07:40:28 PM
Bought it.

(http://images.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Ltd-Ed-Korina-Explorer-Bass/ExplrBassKOLtEd_Splash.jpg)


Very nice!
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: gearHed289 on March 09, 2017, 08:29:41 AM
Great, Rob's book has got me GAS-sing for Gibsons (LP BFG!), and now this glowing review. I need to play more gigs...
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 09, 2017, 11:08:50 AM
I'm generally not a great fan of natural look bass fins, but a natural korina Explorer has always been the exception.  Maybe because when Explorer guitars became more visible in the mid-seventies for the first time (only very few were produced in the late 50ies - much fewer than, say, Flying Vs which also stemmed from Ted McCarty's initially failed "Modernistic Guitar" series), the natural ones were the most prevalent - with the natural wood look and the radical shape making an unusual, yet iconic combination. Allen Collins (who had a penchant for asymetric guitars, he also played a Firebird) of Lynyrd Skynyrd was really the first guy I took notice of who played an Explorer guitar.

(http://68.media.tumblr.com/10b5a7b73765750a33831551545df726/tumblr_novpec5s2H1sx9dl2o1_500.jpg)

On bass, it was Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash with his black Hamer Explorer a little later. Given how incessantly WA toured the States (even taking up residence there) in the mid-seventies, their paths must have crossed with Lynyrd Skynyrd quite a few times and I wouldn't be surprised if Martin saw Allen's Explorer and decided to have one made for him as a bass.

(http://orange75.pagesperso-orange.fr/Orange_75/Martin%20Turner.JPG)
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: ilan on March 10, 2017, 06:17:40 AM
So what's the verdict on the strap passing over the top back horn?
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2017, 08:09:15 AM
File under: "Historic Aberration" (-----> see also: Confederate Flag).  :mrgreen:

I don't know what's with Explorer guitars but there is no necessity to do this with an Explorer bass, it hangeth exceedingly well.

And then there were always guitarists with ties to a certain favorite band of mine (and stemming from States not quite as rebel as Florida, namely Iowa - though he spent most of his life in Boulder, Colorado, whose Civil War loyalties weren't quite so clear I am told ...  ;D ) that knew how to strap an Explorer properly!

(http://www.tbolin.com/assets/images/gallery/dohve_tb_lacrosse_092676_04.jpg)

(http://themusicsover.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tommy_bolin.jpg)

(http://www.tommybolin-official.com/Resources/bolinexploreryell.gif)

Bolin was also an early Explorer player, how could I of all people have forgotten mentioning him?  :-[

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: TBird1958 on March 10, 2017, 08:09:26 AM
Bought it.

http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Ltd-Ed-Korina-Explorer-Bass.aspx

(http://images.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Ltd-Ed-Korina-Explorer-Bass/ExplrBassKOLtEd_Splash.jpg)

Recommended. It's surprisingly light (lighter than the previous Epi Explorers), looks better in real life than on the picture, great fret job and what's in those traditionally looking Epi humbucker casings is not what you heard on the Epi TBs and Explorers of yore, they have actually audibly changed the pup design: Where there used to be mostly mushy mids and little else, you now have transparent mids that leave treble and even presence as well as bass ample room to breathe, yet have just the right amount of ferocious mid-growl. I was really pleasantly surprised. Not that I expected crap, but under the merciless scrutiny of a Glockenklang amp in the sound booth, the bass held up astonishingly well and sounded more remarkable than the Gibson EB 5er 2017 T which I bought as well.


For kicks I looked on both Sweetwater and MF yesterday and found no cool pointiness. What does this lovely go for?

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: gearHed289 on March 10, 2017, 08:15:48 AM
Looks like $550 at AMS. I only skimmed through, but I didn't see a case mentioned.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-EPI-EBEX-LIST (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-EPI-EBEX-LIST)

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2017, 08:20:25 AM
I paid EUR 450 for mine, I'd expect it around the same in US Dollars. It's a ltd. ed., so it might be selling out quickly, but your neighbors to the north still have it:

https://www.long-mcquade.com/75162/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Epiphone/Korina-Explorer-Bass-Ltd.htm

Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2017, 08:24:01 AM
Case here:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-EPI-940EXBCS-LIST

Only recommended for spacious utility cars (Subaru et al).

Btw: The thing to look out for is the black scratch plate on these new Ltd Ed Korina Explorers. The old Epi Explorers came in a natural korina variation too (though the wood wasn't), but that had a white pick guard.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: Granny Gremlin on March 10, 2017, 10:36:05 AM
I paid EUR 450 for mine, I'd expect it around the same in US Dollars. It's a ltd. ed., so it might be selling out quickly, but your neighbors to the north still have it:

https://www.long-mcquade.com/75162/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Epiphone/Korina-Explorer-Bass-Ltd.htm

I am available to grab and ship for any of my brothers in need, just so you know  :vader:

FYI 769CAD + sales tax = 885.50 = US$658
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: ilan on March 10, 2017, 12:31:28 PM
but there is no necessity to do this with an Explorer bass, it hangeth exceedingly well.
When I had an Arbor branded Explorer copy, There was no neck dive but it "moved" differently than F-type basses. Like a seesaw with a longer board.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2017, 01:14:05 PM
I'm with JAE: It's a great shape for me. I don't find a P-Bass more comfortable than other basses, it's just what everybody is used to. As a pick player, the Explorer let's me rest my arm, yet at the same time I can anchor or move it with my arm - I like that manoeuvrability -, all very convenient and never getting in the way of my playing. But then I have been playing TBürdse and Explorers for so long, it comes natural to me.

I guess I'm weird, I also think that a Flying V is the most comfortable bass sitting down if you use the "Spanish position". Try doing that with a P and playing for an hour in the high register. I find my right elbow has to stick out too much if I play a P in a standard seated position for long.

No one will ever convert me to "F-type basses", Ilan, I'm a lost cause. That said, I find the J shape much preferable to the P and more comfortable too. The P is a slab of wood just hanging there for me.
Title: Re: Explorer bass on ePay
Post by: westen44 on March 11, 2017, 04:04:44 AM
If I hadn't already bought two new basses for 2017 that Explorer would be very tempting.  As for P basses, I've never liked them at all and never identified with their appeal.  I was never much of an F-type bass person, but J basses do have a certain charm to them.