Sheepdog1969

Yes, I understand that I obviously have done, and continue to do, lots of research on my '83 Explorer. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was buying when I picked it up new in '85 for my first electric, nor was I familiar with the Gibson brand. For decades, experienced and knowledgeable guitarists would complement me on it, (especially on how it played), and most would tell me "facts" about it. Sadly, most of the "facts" they provided were contradictory, (with each other), assumptive, false, and/or unable to be confirmed. Questions asked of Gibson either went unanswered or were vague and not model specific. At a minimum, I simply wanted to get an idea of my guitar's value for insurance purposes. Until last year, I had no idea that 1983 was such an important year for Explorers, specifically regarding the Heritage and Custom Shop Editions. It became obvious that only bits and pieces of accurate information could be found in individual web posts/articles, and finding the volume of "buried/obscure" web sources needed to compile an accurate idea of '83 Explorer specs was/is nearly impossible. (As I stated above, this lack of data has spawned prolific "sales fraud"). I, and a few others, are currently compiling provable data/specs in order to create a single web location containing as much correct information on the '83 Explorer lines as possible. If 1983 Explorer Heritages and/or Custom Shop Editions are not your thing, then this info is obviously not for you.

Obviously, I have never left a tuner attached to my guitar beyond the time needed to tune it. As stated in the SNARK manual, said tuner is NEVER recommended to EVER be "clipped on" to any "nitro" finished guitar ever, regardless of how long it is used. Per the SNARK ST-2 tuner instructions; "SNARK advises NOT to use its tuner with any instrument having these types of finishes: Nitrocellulose Lacquer or Gibson guitars, unless you accept the risk of dents to the headstock." (SNARK ST2 SUPERTIGHT). My original comment merely detailed what said tuner could do to "nitro" finished instruments, as specifically indicated in the manual. (who would leave a clip on tuner attached to their instrument beyond the time required to tune it? I mean really?)

On a somewhat similar Gibson "nitro" finish issue; I recently purchased a SNARK "clip on" tuner that "clips on" to the headstock of a guitar and uses vibrations from each string, (that resonate through the guitar), to determine pitch. The instructions literally warn users NOT to clip the tuner to any Gibson guitar as it will damage the "nitro" finish. (Gibson owners need to use the mic setting, instead of the vibration setting, to tune their Gibson without the tuner making contact with the finish.) This warning from SNARK applies to all guitars with "nitro" finishes

I remember learning the tough lesson about wearing jeans with "rivets" while playing, (especially standing up), and how they trash the back of your guitar. Experienced players tend to have negative associations with jeans and guitars because of this issue, (and yes, some jeans may not have "rivets", but my Levis do.) Seeing a guitar clad in denim, (cringe worthy), makes me think that the marketing executive who came up with this idea probably is not an experienced guitar player. Maybe it's just me, but now I'm wondering if the rivets in this denim guitar would damage the player? LOL (A guitar created to get revenge for all of the great finishes damaged by players wearing jeans with rivets.)

Thanks. I just "replied to" sparquelito" with a sound field question. I would love your take/knowledge about said.

Thanks! Can't wait for my new amp to come in so I can try this out. I assume that this is not like "splitting" the guitar output signal, (creating two identical channels), but actually creating two channels that allow the Chorus to "phase/modulate" the effect (chorus) between the two channels, (back and forth, or otherwise). Obviously not a complete level sweep/pan between the two, but more like slight channel differences/variances (based on the peddle settings), that make each channel "unique", thus creating a "stereo sound field". Am I correct in understanding this?

Nice collection! You know a real guitar guy when his collection includes two nearly identical "rare" guitars; one with a "hard tail" and the other with a trem.!

I have a Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 with two outputs, that claims to be "stereo" when out A and out B are connected to two independent amps. (I assume other Chorus peddles from other makers, as well as other effect peddles, have this option.) In a few days I will be receiving a new amp that is just a larger and more powerful version of my practice amp, and it will provide me the ability to run said "Stereo" Chorus through 2 nearly identical amps (save for the speaker size and amps). Since each of my amps were quite different, (until my new purchase), I never thought trying to "pair" two of them to try out the "stereo" option would produce realistic results. Wonder if I should bother trying this out when my new amp arrives? I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this out.

1. Your right arm will naturally rest on the "large" upper rear of the Explorer body, which lets your right-hand kind of float over the strings, minimizing support pressure on the right-hand middle, ring, and pinky finger while using a pick. Finger plucking is just as easy due to this "arm rest". 2. Yes, a quality Explorer is heavy, (thus the great tone), and a quality w-i-d-e strap (think bass strap), is a must. (Note: some Explorer's have poorly located, and far too small, strap connectors at the "neck" which allow the strap to disconnect due to their weird placement angle and the weight of the guitar.) And Yes, the Explorer's length takes a bit to get used to. (give yourself LOTS of room when you play) 3. Ultimately, it's tough to beat the playability, versatility, and unique tone quality the Explorer delivers, particularly ones without trems. (listen to Tom at 1:14 on this vid)

For anyone wondering how to easily differentiate 1983 "Standard" Explorers from the CSE & Heritage lines; "Standard" Explorers have "painted on" Gibson logos on the headstock, (versus inlaid Pearl.).

Had a high school physics teacher tell us that there are 3 sure fire ways to get the attention of any class of students. 1. Play a film backwards (reel to reel back then) 2. Blow something up 3. Maim the teacher (he then said 2 and 3 usually go together)

Bob: Have you seen Stevie Wonder's new house? Tom: No Bob: Neither has he.

Did you hear about the dyslexic zombie? He only wanted to eat Brians.

A spokesperson for the Polish government recently held a press conference and stated that they had decided to provide military assistance to the Ukrainians in their fight against Russian forces. After audible gasps from the room full of reporters, he continued his statement, indicating that they had just purchased 1,500 septic tanks, and as soon as they learn how to drive them, they would be joining the fight.

During the decades that I have spent trying to research info about my '83 Custom Shop Edition Explorer that is NOT a Heritage, (thankfully finding many answers here), I have been shocked to find out how difficult it is to get accurate and complete original specifications for the '83 Heritages, save for at least one or two knowledgeable soul who's info I have been relying on. This info void has predictably led to far too many sale listings, many from reputable businesses, falsely claiming the guitar they are selling is a 1983 Gibson Explorer Heritage, (and thus listing said at around $10k). Since there were only 100 of the '83 Explorer Heritages made, combined with the amazing tone, versatility, desirability of '83 Korina Explorers, and the just plain cool factor of a quality built Explorer, this lack of spec data is fueling deception/fraud in the marketplace. Nearly every page that pulls up from Goggle/Bing/etc. search about '83 Explorers, (and for Gibson Explorers in general), contains at least one for sale listing for a 1983 Gibson Explorer Korina Heritage. Unbelievably, many listings claim to be selling a "1983 Gibson Explorer Custom Shop Edition Korina Heritage". These listings mostly include detailed pics of lovely gold hardware adorned Explorers, including pics of the back of the headstock showing the Custom Shop Edition Logo and the "year correct" 8 digit pressed serial number. For those who are understandably afflicted by the information void about '83 Heritages, these listings (and the 5 digit price tag) may seem accurate. (It is important to note that an '83 Explorer need NOT be a Heritage to demand a 5 digit price tag, and many of the inaccurate listings mentioned are very fine guitars well worth 5 digit prices. Actually, if values of desirable '83 Explorers are increased by rarity, then non-Heritage, 1983 Gibson Custom Shop Edition Korina Explorers in Ivory with hard tails, black pick guards, and gold "speed knobs" may be more valuable than any '83 Heritage, simply based on production numbers.) Based on what I have learned to date, I will list below the specifications, (easily identifiable traits/markings ) that distinguish the two desirable '83 Explorer lines from each other, and from the "standard" Explorers. Asterisked data is based on only a single source and may be incorrect, (updates/corrections from experts on said would be much appreciated). For those who will undoubtable try to claim that the Gibson "Custom Shop" did not formerly exist in 1983, Custom Shop Edition logo's/markings (two color "inked" logo) are NOT the same thing and PROVEABLY/UNDENIABLY exist as a major '83 Explorer line identifier! 1983 Gibson Explorer Heritage 1. All 100 are "Natural finish" Korina 2. None have Gold hardware 3. All had Silver/Nickel tone metal hardware, including covered *Humbuckers ( need info on the exact name of this pickup.) and "Tulip" style tuning pegs. 4. * The tuning mechanism is the "50's style", (w/said "tulip" knobs), but the actual "name" of the tuners escapes me. 5. All had the inlaid Pearl Gibson Logo on the headstock. 6. * The inlaid Pearl Gibson Logo on the headstock may be in the Font/shape/style of the Original Explorer issue/'50's Gibson logo, that differs from the Font/shape/style of Gibson headstock logos on all other '83 Explorers (which is the "current" Gibson logo). 7. None have a "Custom Shop Edition" "inked" logo on the back of the headstock. 8. None have "pressed" 8 digit serial numbers. 9. All have black "inked" 5 digit serial numbers on the back of the headstock, below the tuners, in this format: 1 0XXX, (a one, then a space and then 4 digits starting with a zero), with the last three digits ranging from 001 through 100 10. * The Made in the USA" marking on the back of the headstock may also be "inked", not pressed, but this detail needs to be confirmed. 11. All have "in line" volume/tone knobs and a 3 position pickup selector on the "horn". As detailed above, there is no such thing as a "1983 Gibson Explorer Custom Shop Edition Korina Heritage". Any Original '83 Explorer with Gold Hardware cannot be a Heritage, despite every '83 Explorer "Heritage" I've seen for sale having Gold Hardware. Caveat Emptor (Buyer beware) 1983 Gibson Custom Shop Edition (less than 100 made. * 94-96 total) 1. All had Gold hardware. 2. All had "pressed" 8 digit serial numbers and "Made in the USA" markings on the back of the headstock. 3. All had "inked" black and gold "Custom Shop Edition" logos below the tuning pegs on the back of the headstock and above the pressed serial numbers. 4. All had inline tone/volume knobs and the 3 position pickup selector on the "horn" 5 All had an inlaid Pearl Gibson logo on the headstock with the current Gibson logo font/shape/style 6. None had "tulip" style tuning pegs 7. * I think the tuners on CSE '83 Explorers were Kluson or Grover Rotomatics or "Milk bottles" but I need help on what they are specifically called. 8. * All were Korina (99.9% sure on this) 9. * Approximately 1/2 were "natural finish", and the rest were black, red or "blonde/Ivory", with the latter being the lesser made variation 10. * "Covered humbuckers" (gold) seem to be what was original, but I can only attest to what mine came with when purchased new in 1985. Any better/ more accurate data would be appreciated, including the actual name of said. As the data above indicates, '83 Custom Shop Editions (as a whole), are more rare than '83 Heritages, despite '83 Heritages being seen as "more desirable", and often valued at $10k-$25K, or maybe more. When '83 CSE Explorers are broken down into sub groups comprised of the handful of original factory variations (finish, pickguard color, hard tail/soft tail, and/or other possible hardware options originally offered), the "less than 100" 1983 Custom Shop Edition Gibson Explorers each become far more rare. If you have more info about these specific '83 Explorer types, especially if you can provide good and provable source citations, your help would be appreciated.

Based on the Serial number only, it seems that you have a 1983 Heritage Explorer. Only 100 were made. The inked serial number indicates that it is 100 of 100, and was the last 1983 Heritage Explorer made. The '83 Heritages had unique serial numbers that started with a 1, then a space, then a zero followed by three numbers starting at 001 to 100. They also had the "tulip" tuning knobs. The Heritage Explorers were all Korina wood. Please note that '83 Heritage Explorers did NOT come with gold hardware and did NOT come with "ivory" tulip tuning knobs, (Silver/Nickel metal tulip knobs that matched the Silver/Nickel hardware adorned all Heritages) Based on your pictures, something seems fishy. The stamped Made in the USA marking, combined with the inked serial number, raises a red flag as well, if my memory is correct. Research "83 Heritage Explorers, as the specific build details are available. (The inlaid pearl Gibson logo on your headstock may be different than the '83 Heritage Explorers as well)

Some people buy exceptional guitars based on how the guitar plays. Others see them as art, and hang them on a wall rather than playing them. If my instruments ever leave my family, after I die, they better go to musicians, not art collectors! Thanks for confirming this for me!

I thought as much Honestly, I never sell property, guns, or instruments. I just wanted to make sure that my choice to play it, as I do, wasn't selfish or foolish. (It plays to well to just sit in a case.)

You know you're getting old when you nit pick jokes on online forums, pointing out technical inaccuracies and/or references that don't coincide with your own life experiences. (mic drop)

When you still call recording a show on DVR, "Taping it." When you remember trying to watch "scrambled" HBO channels late night, without the HBO box, hoping to see a naked lady When you remember how the curly extra long, kitchen wall phone handset cord could literally be lethal. When you know what a "metal tipped lawn jart" is, and actually played with them. When your grade school teachers all had "paddles" hanging in their classrooms, and they routinely used them. When leaded gasoline was called "Regular", and unleaded was "ethel". When nearly all of your grade school fiends had .22 rifles, bricks of ammo, and carried them openly to the woods to "plink" without ever shooting anyone. When the only four cylinder car on the road was a V8 with four dead cylinders.

I have a 1987 Gibson SG that is signed by Robby Krieger of The Doors. It's providence is documented, so there is no concern of the signature or the guitar being counterfeit. Robby is a R&R Hall of Fame member, is credited for writing many of The Doors greatest hits, and is known Worldwide. I simply wonder how one can estimate the "value" of a guitar signed by such an artist? https://imgur.com/WLcAqBl https://imgur.com/suleckY

https://imgur.com/gallery/3tL4ZRa

Correction to my post above Aug 31st: NOT "soap bar" pickups. Apparently "covered humbuckers". https://imgur.com/gallery/3tL4ZRa

The Pear Inlaid Gibson logo on the head likely indicates that it is a "Custom Shop Edition" Explorer, especially if the "pressed" serial number starts with an 8 and the 5th number is a 3. '83 CSE Explorers also had Gold hardware, 3 inline p/u volume (2) and tone (1) knobs/pots, pearl fretboard inlays, Rosewood fret boards, and the 3 position selector switch on the "horn". Here is a pic/link of my 1983 Custom Shop Edition Explorer. It is all original and I bought it new from Guitar Center in Arlington Heights, IL in 1984. I am the first and only owner, so I can guarantee that it is entirely "factory". Check my other posts for the info I have gathered on '83 Explorers and the questions I still have. https://imgur.com/gallery/3tL4ZRa