Gibson Custom Explorer Custom Ebony CS601354

Serial: CS601354
Weight: 8 lbs 11.3 oz

The Gibson Custom Explorer Custom Ebony combines the unmistakable angular design of the original Explorer with the refined appointments and craftsmanship of Gibson's Custom Shop. Featuring a solid mahogany body, solid mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, and gold hardware, this Custom Shop model brings Les Paul Custom-inspired elegance to one of Gibson's most distinctive electric guitar designs. Multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl block inlays, and a gloss Ebony finish give the Explorer Custom a sophisticated appearance, while a pair of Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers delivers the powerful, versatile sound that has made Gibson guitars a staple of rock music.

The solid mahogany body retains the dramatic Explorer silhouette, with its angular contours and extended body wings creating an unmistakable stage presence. Unlike weight-relieved designs, the Explorer Custom features a solid body with no weight relief, providing a substantial feel and the natural sustain associated with traditional mahogany construction. Multi-ply binding outlines the body, adding a refined contrast against the deep Ebony finish. Gold-plated hardware complements the gloss finish and binding, giving the instrument the distinctive appearance associated with Gibson's Custom models.

The solid mahogany neck features a comfortable Medium C-Shape profile, offering a substantial yet accessible grip for both rhythm and lead playing. A solid ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, responsive playing surface with a focused attack and clear note definition. Twenty-two frets and a 24.75" scale length maintain the familiar Gibson playing feel, while the 1.687" nut width provides comfortable string spacing. Mother-of-pearl block inlays add a traditional Custom Shop detail, contrasting against the dark ebony fingerboard and reinforcing the instrument's upscale appearance. A Corian nut completes the neck's playing appointments.

The Explorer Custom is equipped with a Gibson 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. The 490R delivers a warm, rounded response with articulate highs, making it well suited to expressive leads, clean passages, and full-bodied rhythm tones. The hotter 498T bridge pickup provides increased output, pronounced midrange, and a focused attack that works particularly well with overdriven amplifiers. Together, these pickups offer a versatile range of classic Gibson sounds, from smooth neck-position tones to aggressive bridge-position crunch. The hand-wired electronics feature two 500K CTS volume potentiometers and one 500K CTS tone potentiometer, providing direct control over the instrument's output and tonal response.

Gold-plated hardware completes the Explorer Custom's traditional Gibson configuration. A Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece provide a stable string anchor with individual intonation adjustment, while Grover Kidney tuning machines offer smooth, precise tuning performance. Black speed knobs maintain a clean appearance against the Ebony finish, and the combination of gold hardware, multi-ply binding, and mother-of-pearl inlays gives the instrument its distinctive Custom Shop character. Built with Gibson Custom's attention to craftsmanship and detail, the Explorer Custom Ebony offers a compelling combination of iconic styling, traditional mahogany construction, and versatile humbucking electronics. A Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case is included for protection and transportation.

Highlights

• Solid mahogany Explorer body with gloss Ebony finish and elegant multi-ply binding

• Solid mahogany neck with Medium C-Shape profile and solid ebony fingerboard

• Mother-of-pearl block inlays, 22 frets, and traditional 24.75" Gibson scale length

• Gibson 490R neck and 498T bridge humbuckers with hand-wired CTS electronics

• Gold-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge, Stop Bar tailpiece, Grover Kidney tuners, and included Custom Shop hardshell case

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Explorer

• Body Style: Solidbody Electric Guitar

• Body Material: Solid Mahogany

• Weight Relief: None

• Body Binding: Multi-Ply

• Body Finish: Gloss

• Finish Color: Ebony

Neck

• Neck Material: Solid Mahogany

• Neck Profile: Medium C-Shape

• Fingerboard Material: Solid Ebony

• Fingerboard Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Blocks

• Number of Frets: 22

• Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65 mm)

• Nut Width: 1.687" (42.85 mm)

• Nut Material: Corian

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

• Tailpiece: Stop Bar

• Tuning Machines: Grover Kidney

• Hardware Finish: Gold

• Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Gibson 490R Humbucker

• Bridge Pickup: Gibson 498T Humbucker

• Pickup Configuration: HH

• Pickup Type: Passive Humbucking

• Volume Controls: 2 x 500K CTS Potentiometers

• Tone Control: 1 x 500K CTS Potentiometer

• Wiring: Hand-Wired Harness

Miscellaneous

• Brand: Gibson

• Series: Gibson Custom

• Model: Explorer Custom

• Finish: Ebony

• Serial Number: CS601354

• Number of Strings: 6

• Body Material: Solid Mahogany

• Neck Material: Solid Mahogany

• Fingerboard Material: Solid Ebony

• Scale Length: 24.75"

• Included Case: Gibson Custom Shop Hardshell Case

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

Tone Shop Guitars is an independent Gibson dealer with locations in Addison, Southlake and Fort Worth, Texas. We offer free nationwide shipping on new instruments and multiple financing options.