Gibson Custom 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue Electric Guitar - Antique Natural

The Gibson Custom 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue resurrects one of the most radical electric guitar designs of the 1950s. Originally conceived as the Futura, the Explorer’s angular, space-age shape was far ahead of its time, and only a handful of models were shipped in its first year. Now, Gibson Custom brings the 1958 Mahogany Explorer to life with impeccable historical accuracy. Crafted with a two-piece mahogany body and matching ’50s Vintage neck, this reissue delivers the warmth, sustain and lightweight playability of the original. An unbound rosewood fingerboard further contributes to the guitar’s classic looks and effortless feel, while two unpotted CustomBucker Alnico 3 pickups wired with 500k CTS pots provide PAF-inspired sweetness and clarity. Gold VOS hardware—including an ABR-1 no-wire bridge, lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece and Kluson reissue tuners—ensure that this stunning reissue is rock-solid and stage-ready for today’s players.

Two-Piece Mahogany Body: Timeless Tone and Iconic Design

The Explorer’s striking angular body is faithfully reproduced in solid mahogany, providing a dense, resonant foundation with a rich midrange, smooth low-end and articulate highs. The two-piece construction highlights the natural woodgrain of the mahogany while providing impressive stability and sustain. Its distinctive shape, radical in 1958, remains visually commanding today, while the Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and Gibson Custom VOS finish create the impression of a vintage instrument freshly unearthed from the late ’50s. The body not only delivers commanding stage presence but also supports dynamic response, allowing the Explorer to retain clarity whether used for heavy rock riffing or nuanced clean passages.

’50s Vintage Mahogany Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard

The mahogany neck is carved to Gibson's ’50s Vintage profile, offering a substantial, endlessly playable feel. The unbound Indian rosewood fingerboard features a short 24.75" scale and 22 medium-jumbo frets that support smooth bends, precise vibrato and full chordal expression. Cellulose dot inlays offer classic visual cues, while the nylon nut ensures consistent tuning and string spacing. The neck’s mass and shape enhance resonance transfer from body to player, creating a connected feel that responds dynamically to picking intensity. Whether shredding leads or anchoring the rhythm, this timeless neck and fingerboard combination is built for both speed and accuracy.

Unpotted CustomBucker Pickups: Vintage Warmth and Dynamic Response

The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue is equipped with a pair of unpotted CustomBucker Alnico 3 humbuckers, delivering the open, airy response of original late-50s PAFs. Their dynamic touch sensitivity, sweet highs and rounded lows allow for both aggressive riffing and expressive solo work. Handwired to two volume controls and one tone control with CTS vintage-taper pots and a "phone book" capacitor, the electronics provide smooth, intuitive control over gain, tonal color and articulation. Players can seamlessly transition from warm, clean passages to saturated, harmonically rich tones, making the Explorer as versatile as it is historically faithful.

Period-Correct Hardware With Elegant Gold VOS Finish

The hardware selection on the Explorer Reissue emphasizes authentic performance and vintage character. A Historic Reissue ABR-1 no-wire bridge ensures precise intonation and natural string resonance, while the lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece maximizes sustain. Kluson single-ring reissue tuners provide smooth, reliable tuning with a classic look, complemented by gold VOS plating for visual authenticity. Every element—from bridge to tuners—is designed to maintain stable performance while respecting the 1958 Explorer’s original aesthetic. The combination of solid construction and period-correct appointments makes this guitar a dependable, stage-ready instrument with true vintage vibe and modern-day reliability.

The 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue: Iconic Tone Meets Modern Accessibility

The Gibson Custom 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue delivers a rare opportunity to own a piece of electric guitar history. Its solid mahogany body and neck, unbound rosewood fingerboard and unpotted CustomBucker pickups provide the warm, responsive tone that made the original so influential. Period-accurate gold VOS hardware—including an ABR-1 bridge, aluminum stopbar tailpiece and Kluson tuners—complete the classic look. Finished in Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and accompanied by a Lifton historic reissue brown and pink hardshell case, the Explorer Reissue combines collectible appeal with modern playability, offering guitarists a rare chance to wield one of Gibson’s most iconic designs in the present day.