Gibson Explorer

From Freepedia

The Gibson Explorer was first designed in 1958, then known as the Futura. It provided a unique style and different playing experience for guitarists. The Jackson guitar company (now a subsidiary of Fender) was once sued by Gibson for their line of Kelly guitars, which are very similar to the Explorer, although more lightweight, elegant and aggressive. One of the most famous Gibson Explorer or Explorer copy users of all time is The Edge of U2 fame. Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap (Christopher Guest) played an Explorer along with a mandolin in the song Stonehenge. The Explorer is often confused with the similar Firebird which has a slightly toned down design.

Some companies that produce Explorer-esque guitars are: Jackson, Gibson, ESP, and Hamer. There have been several variants produced by Gibson, including several smaller, more user friendly versions such as the Studio Explorer. An explorer was also produced in Gibson's "Goth" line, which feature some of Gibson's most reknowned guitars including the Explorer, Flying V, SG and Les Paul in Matte Black Finishes. Several variants are also produced by Epiphone, Gibsons lower cost, offshore operation. These include a model produced in Korina Wood and Epiphone's own "Goth" model. Other artists who have become associated with the signature shape of the Explorer include Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria, James Hetfield of Metallica, Ryan Peake of Nickelback, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and, perhaps most famously, The Edge of U2. The Edge recorded U2's debut album Boy nearly 25 years ago using only the Explorer he had purchased in New York. He tours with that same guitar today although his collection of axes has expanded to over 45 instruments. Eric Clapton, while known for his use of the SG (during his Cream and Bluesbreakers days) and the Fender Stratocaster, is also an owner of an original '58 Explorer, which he has been seen using on occasion.