A
A lefty explorer for under 300 bucks? Where else can that happen?
HB has managed something incredible with this one. The explorer has been my favorite body style in the guitar world for a long time, and trying to find one has been a difficult task to say the least, me being southpaw and all.
I bought this thinking I didn't have a lot to lose, since it's so affordable. I'll give you a breakdown on why this is one of the greatest bang-for-your-buck instruments out there.
Construction:
Very solid work, the gloss is just beautiful. This isn't just another black guitar slapped on the conveyor for some kid, it's meant to be shown off.
Pickups:
Remarkably clear sounding, quite vibrant.
Bridge/Tailpiece:
Classy finish, doesn't feel cheap at all.
Neck/Fretboard:
Here is my only real grievance. There was a lone scratch on the fifth fret on the fretboard. Otherwise, the inlays and frets are in beautiful condition.
Pickguard:
I love the 3-ply construction of the pickguard. It makes a real difference to the look of this guitar up close.
Headstock:
Digging the use of the Firebird headstock on this instrument.
Overall, this guitar is a miracle for a lefty in my predicament. Give HB your blessing and you will be impressed.
I bought this thinking I didn't have a lot to lose, since it's so affordable. I'll give you a breakdown on why this is one of the greatest bang-for-your-buck instruments out there.
Construction:
Very solid work, the gloss is just beautiful. This isn't just another black guitar slapped on the conveyor for some kid, it's meant to be shown off.
Pickups:
Remarkably clear sounding, quite vibrant.
Bridge/Tailpiece:
Classy finish, doesn't feel cheap at all.
Neck/Fretboard:
Here is my only real grievance. There was a lone scratch on the fifth fret on the fretboard. Otherwise, the inlays and frets are in beautiful condition.
Pickguard:
I love the 3-ply construction of the pickguard. It makes a real difference to the look of this guitar up close.
Headstock:
Digging the use of the Firebird headstock on this instrument.
Overall, this guitar is a miracle for a lefty in my predicament. Give HB your blessing and you will be impressed.
23
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LP
Totally Awesome, Totally Satisfied
The guitar's workmanship is comparable to some of my high-end guitars that are about eight times more expensive. Thomann's customer service is also second to none. The guitar arrived in about four days from the time Thomann received the guitar from the manufacturer. I reside in Roseville, CA, USA. It arrived on the morning of December 24, 2021. Thank you Thomann for the excellent customer service and the drop-dead gorgeous guitar. I will be a repeat customer.
5
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GL
An excellent musical instrument
I have been playing music for over 23 years, albeit with some hiatus here and there. I am very satisfied with this instrument, I can play it while sitting, be it by placing it on a classical manner or on top of one of my legs. There are only two things that I disliked.
The instrument has 3 knobs, one for tone, and the other two individually control each pickup. To me, that feels very odd, it's very different to the three electrical guitars I've had beforehand.
I feel like the varnish was rushed near the neck of the guitar, around the 20th fret, but it's something that can be overlooked. on the 22nd fret, I feel like the finishing touches weren't properly done, as the coloration of the edge of the fret feels odd - more sanding was necessary, alongside varnish.
Besides the electrical part, these are things that I can solve myself, as I've done some carpentry and worked as a luthier assistant back in 2020.
The sonority of this instrument feels really good and overall, its build feels very satisfactory.
I am very pleased with this purchase.
The instrument has 3 knobs, one for tone, and the other two individually control each pickup. To me, that feels very odd, it's very different to the three electrical guitars I've had beforehand.
I feel like the varnish was rushed near the neck of the guitar, around the 20th fret, but it's something that can be overlooked. on the 22nd fret, I feel like the finishing touches weren't properly done, as the coloration of the edge of the fret feels odd - more sanding was necessary, alongside varnish.
Besides the electrical part, these are things that I can solve myself, as I've done some carpentry and worked as a luthier assistant back in 2020.
The sonority of this instrument feels really good and overall, its build feels very satisfactory.
I am very pleased with this purchase.
0
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L
A rather original "Heavy" or "Unusual Shape" guitar
I like the looks. I think it looks more balanced than Chibson Explorers, with that additional "surface excitement" grafted onto the bottom lower bout.
Nice chunky neck, reminiscent of a vintage baseball Gibson unit.
Cermaic humbuckers are loud and clear with plenty of treble content.
The routing in the electronics cavity was a bit uneven. I had to use extra gaskets to shim one of the pots. The wood was cut a bit thin in that area but I was able to get a satisfactory result.
One day, I'm gonna perform some bluesy artsy folk with this instrument to generate a chuckle or two from my audience.
Nice chunky neck, reminiscent of a vintage baseball Gibson unit.
Cermaic humbuckers are loud and clear with plenty of treble content.
The routing in the electronics cavity was a bit uneven. I had to use extra gaskets to shim one of the pots. The wood was cut a bit thin in that area but I was able to get a satisfactory result.
One day, I'm gonna perform some bluesy artsy folk with this instrument to generate a chuckle or two from my audience.
3
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G
Amazing!
The finish and playability are amazing for the money. Pickups surprisingly good too!
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W
Looks great, sounds great, feels great. Weight distribution is very good, real eye catching design.
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M
Extremely impressed!
I would like to use the ole saying, “ I didn’t have time to write a short letter so I wrote a long one instead” but I’m going to sum this guitar up… It is very well made and exceeded my expectations! My Harley Benton acoustic is also amazing. That’s why I am ordering a classical acoustic and 4 string bass!
1
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s
Can't be more happy and satisfied!
Greatly impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of this beautiful guitar. Feels great, looks amazing and sounds impressive. Took some time to have it in my hands, I guess because is a lefty, but definitely was worth the wait!
1
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Y
Left handed Explorer?!
For under $200?!?! Be still my beating heart!
The pickups are OK, bridge pickup sounds very muddy, but for $1600 less than what Gibson is charging us leftys, I'll live with it. Besides, as a mod platform the possibilities are endless with this guitar.
Body work is fantastic as usual for HB, no sharp fret edges or blemishes anywhere.
Overall 100% satisfied
The pickups are OK, bridge pickup sounds very muddy, but for $1600 less than what Gibson is charging us leftys, I'll live with it. Besides, as a mod platform the possibilities are endless with this guitar.
Body work is fantastic as usual for HB, no sharp fret edges or blemishes anywhere.
Overall 100% satisfied
1
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Jv
An Affordable Left Handed Explorer shape
It’s a beautiful looking guitar. Light weight. Looks sharp. However let me start with saying the nut isn’t even holding the strings because it wasn’t filed enough. That’s ridiculous. It’s stock pickups are some of the worst stock pickups I’ve ever heard. That being said. The neck feels great. The guitar feels good to play. It sounds horrible tho, and the twangy ness is of essence of a telecaster. The guitar is 130$ I can’t complain to harshly. I plan on putting a new bridge/tuners/ and pickups in this and I’m hoping I’ll have a decent guitar 300$ later….
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