Explorer Basses

[Max Vartanian]

Ive never looked into it until now and i deeply regret that. Have you guys seen some of the Explorer basses out on the market? Some of them are absolutely fantastic.

 

[Fresh Eddie]

I passed on an Alembec Exploiter for $850 in the '90s. No one ever accused me of being smart!

 

[funkymonk13]

Any one here own one? I'm wondering how it plays sitting down. I remember playing a guitar version and I thought it was cool but the wing took a little getting used to; it felt like an arm rest. I wonder if on bass it could work for resting your elbow while playing finger style

 

[AltGrendel]

Wouldn't mind one with an clear finish on an ash body.

Kinda like the original ones.

 

[J Gold]

I own one of the GC Limited Run Explorers from 2012, in tobacco sunburst. I upgraded the pickups with SGD humbuckers, and put on a Hipshot Supertone Bridge (had to glue the bridge pins into the wood because they were lifting). I'm not a fan of the soft nitro finish, but I deal with it.

It's pretty crazy to play it sitting down. I actually wear it pretty high and it feels fine.
I love the bass...the mahogany body makes it light for it's size..but the hard shell case is HUGE!!!!!

 

[scourgeofgod]

Dean makes some explorer type basses, maybe check them out too.

Also check out the explorer club.
The Explorer Bass Club | TalkBass.com

 

[CrUiSeR]

Don't like the look of the LTD, don't ever recall
playing the Gibson, but I dug the epiphone I tried in the not so distant past.

 

[Hues]

Was thinking about this just a couple of days ago....I put money down on a beautiful blonde Aria copy back in highschool, but it slipped through my fingers.

Of course, now I'm jonesing for one.

 

[NecroticImbecil]

Had an 80's Gibson, but it had been mutilated and I eventually had to put it down and harvest its viable organs for transplant. Sounded great, nice thin medium scale neck. Moved rear strap button up a bit and it balanced fine. Body was thick to the point of awkwardness though. Also had an Aria Pro II ZZB, the 24 fret model. Looked pretty 80's, 2 tone paint. Balanced fine, played ok, sounded lame. Changing pickups didn't help it much.

Currently have an 80's Exploiter, neck is thicker than I like but it sounds killer. Balances quite well.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

If you haven't actually played one - you really should first. I found them to be almost as difficult to sit/hold as a flying-V bass. NOT fun to play. So don't let how they look in a photo get you too fired up.

If you play a few and are okay with the strange ergonomics of the "Explorer" thing - then go forth and have fun!

 

[godofthunder59]

I think Explorer basses are pretty ergonomic,they usually hang nice. Me in early '77 with my '76 Ibanez Destroyer. Still have the bass and two Hamer Blitz basses.

 

[Max Vartanian]

I think Explorer basses are pretty ergonomic,they usually hang nice. Me in early '77 with my '76 Ibanez Destroyer. Still have the bass and two Hamer Blitz basses.View attachment 647486 View attachment 647487

Damn, thtats really cool! i usually play standing up so it would all be ok.

 

[Zooberwerx]

If you haven't actually played one - you really should first. I found them to be almost as difficult to sit/hold as a flying-V bass. NOT fun to play. So don't let how they look in a photo get you too fired up.

If you play a few and are okay with the strange ergonomics of the "Explorer" thing - then go forth and have fun!

They look cool as all get-out but the inherent imbalance may be problematic.

Riis

 

[pcake]

a buddy of mine used to have a think a hamer explorer, and i used to play it sitting down all the time. the waist made a handy thumb rest

 

[SlugShellBass]

I passed on an Alembec Exploiter for $850 in the '90s. No one ever accused me of being smart!

Reading that literally made my heart stop for a moment. The pain of a missed purchase

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

They look cool as all get-out but the inherent imbalance may be problematic.

Riis

this.

 

[godofthunder59]

No inherent balance problem imho.

 

[TBird1958]

I've had two, an '80's Gibson which was a 32" scale and an RS Guitarworks ExpiBird (like one of JAE's) both were very easy to play and definitely balanced well.

 

[Nocturnal]

I have a 1982 Hamer Blitz and it hangs/balances fine. I don't find it uncomfortable standing or sitting. They look like big basses but when it's strapped on your body they don't feel as big as they look. That's been my experience but as SanDiegoHarry points out, it may not be a fit for everyone. Testing before you buy is always a good idea if you can find one.

 

[bholder]

I'd like a reverse Explorer bass, actually.