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76 explorer

Van Leppard

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Joined
Jan 17, 2010
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2
In case anyone is interested for comparision sakes, my 1981 Gibson Explorer neck measurements are:

1st fret 7th fret 12th fret
0.812 / 0.935 / 1.000
 

keef

Active member
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
5,006
Thanks Van, and welcome!

Calling Drybone, calling Drybone...
 

DRYBONE

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Apr 28, 2006
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145
I know, spent yesterday shoveling 2+ feet of snow. I'll get the calipers out today and post my numbers.


Stupid me, it's the super bowl. I'll get to it Monday.
 
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sglp63

Active member
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
529
Been meaning to post these measurements for my non-LE ’76 Explorer for a while:

1st fret: 0.805” (20.4mm)
7th fret: 0.909” (23.1mm)
12th fret: 1.005” (25.5mm)

That seems somewhat narrower than most at the first fret )no signs of the neck having been shaved down though). FWIW, the measurements are not far off those of my ’78 LP Custom (0.856”, 0.936” and 1.041” respectively).

As the pickups were replaced with early ’70s T-Tops by the previous owner, I can’t say which PUs were originally fitted (probably tarbacks?).


DSC_5063_199.jpg
 

DRYBONE

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Apr 28, 2006
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145
OK, I bought a cheap caliper and here are the numbers. My metric may not be up to date so help me out with the decimals.

1st fret--2cm deep, 4.3cm wide
7th fret--2.4cm deep, 4.9 cm wide
12th fret-- 2.5cm deep, 5.2 cm wide.

Someone do the coversions and let me know :salude
 

sglp63

Active member
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
529
1 inch is 25.4mm, so that would make the measurements 0.787", 0.945" and 0.984" respectively. BTW if you google metric conversion, you'll find automatic calculators.
 

keef

Active member
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
5,006
I added two serial nos of 1977 Explorers, but have no neck data on these. I also noticed two other '77s in natural finish.

Anyone ever seen a red or white 1976? The quest continues...
 

Jignant

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Joined
Mar 28, 2003
Messages
452
So is it safe to say that red was not a color option untill 1977? Is there any percieved added value to owning a 76 as opposed to 77? Does anyone make a vintage prewired electronics upgrade for explorers? So many questions...
 

keef

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Jan 27, 2002
Messages
5,006
Added three more '76 LE's - here's the summary to date (25 1976 Explorers listed):

18 Limited Editions, 7 non LE's; (so '76 non LE's are really rarer!)
finishes: natural (16) or black (4) (rest unknown)
neck size: medium/full to huge, but no apparent difference between LE's and non LE's.

So there's some myth debunking for ya.
 
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DRYBONE

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Apr 28, 2006
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145
I'll be at the Philly show this weekend, will let you know if I find anything.
 

Jignant

Member
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Mar 28, 2003
Messages
452
What were the production years for the first reissues? 1976 and 1977 or were they produced longer?

Weren't there explorers made in the early 80s ad if so, were they considered
1st gen reissues? Not the Explorer II...:hmm
 

keef

Active member
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Jan 27, 2002
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The first reissues were at least made through 1979. The EII came in 1979. Around 1981 the 'regular' Explorer was again marketed (at least in white, natural and black finishes) - I guess it remained available for a couple of years, also after the upscale Korina versions were introduced in 1983. Then came a slew of 'hair band' models, and the '76 RI appeared around 1989, followed by the Historic in the early nineties.

The 1976-79 run is by all means not 'limited' as far as production figures go. The Gibson ledgers list more than 3,600 Explorers (not including the E2) in this period, and also mention two white ones in 1975, and 67 in 1976. So they must be out there.
 

buyusfear

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
2,951
James Hetfield of Metallica made a Limited Edition '76 one of his go to axes for their 2003 era touring period.
AKA "Rusty" because of it's brass oxidized pickgaurd, it is one of my favourite explorers. Love the satin finish, and lines of this guitar. Many people assumed the guitar to be a Gothic explorer; however, I learned that the guitar was sold to Hetfield, purchased by his tech, through Carlino guitars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8funDQxAGw

rustywowjam65.jpg


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james4.jpg


rustyjames705rk7-1.jpg


rustyMVC-005F.jpg


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rustyMVC-004F.jpg


rustyMVC-003F.jpg


rustyMVC-002F.jpg


rustyMVC-001F.jpg
 

Robin B

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Joined
Oct 26, 2003
Messages
111
mine is a 76 LE Sn/0023264x huge neck came with tar backs Ive owned it since 1980
 
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