1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition Natural Mahogany w/Case

Gibson decided to reintroduce the Explorer in 1976. After the initial, failed introduction in 1958, the model went on hiatus. In the mid-1970s Gibson realized that other companies were successfully building their own Explorer shaped guitars and I can only assume they decided to join the fray. These early production 1st-year models were made as “Limited Editions,” and the model was far more successful this second time. According to Gibson’s shipping totals, 1,835 guitars were shipped and were originally offered in 3 finishes. It is not known how many Explorers were labeled as “LIMITED EDITION” as Gibson’s shipping totals do not delineate between models. The earlier “LE” models tend to have a large feeling, chunky “C” shape neck, as this one does, and feature 1-piece mahogany neck construction.
Like the 1976 period Bicentennial instruments that followed, Gibson continued the Explorer beyond 1976 as well as the Firebird 76 and Thunderbird 76 models, they built and sold them all up to and including 1979.