What style is my Explorer

[Explorer1010]

Hey guys,

 

Picked up a Black Explorer, love it, but I don't like to have a completely stock axe, so I think I need to change the pickguard (as well as take a router to it and repaint, but I don't have the stones to do it yet).

 

Anyways I bought a sharp concepts pickguard, and they told it me would fit....but didn't. The serial number is 005591445, with a seperate stamping on the back of the headstock that says "Made in USA 2009. The serail number reader says made in 2009, Feb 24th, Production Number 145

 

Any idea what style I have? 70's, 58, X-plorer. I ask because my previous Sharp pickguard didn't fit, and I don't feel like making one/buying another one that won't fit.

 

Thanks for the help

[Explorer1010]

Had a thought, I might have bought a X-plorer pickguard from sharp, would that explain the mishap?

[TattooedCarrot]

Its jsut a regular explorer, the X-plorer was just a stupid marketing ploy where Gibson tried renaming the guitar, but the guitar didn't change. If its painted black with a pickguard, then ots a 76 style, which is the current production model. I'm familiar with Sharp Concepts from way back (not in a good way either). Sounds like you're going for a Hetfield fanboy look, I suggest visiting the ESP forums where such mods, and experience with Sharp Concepts is well known. I'd venture to say the problem is with the pickguard that they made, not the guitar.

 

http://bbs.espguitars.com/index.php

 

(go to the general forums section at the bottom and post your situation - see you there)

[Laaz]

The pickguard was changed sometime in 2009. One of the monting holes has been relocated. Post a photo of your guitar.

[MojoRedFoot]

That's weird. I did the same. Only 1 screw did not line up so I left it out. SC now has Epi and a different one for Gibson. I believe you should be able to send your PG over to the guy and he will make sure it fits. Contact him and tell him.

[Laaz]

dazbootman on ebay has the correct pickguard for the 90-early 09's which is the 76 re-issue. The center mounting screw on the top edge next to the toggle switch is the screw that was relocated.

[Explorer1010]

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

What threw me for a loop was I pulled my current pickguard off my Explorer, and it was a totally different shape, not just the mounting holes. Thats what led me to believe I purchased the wrong style.

 

I'll post pics of it if anyone wants it, cause hell will freeze over before I use sharp concepts again, they still owe me a truss rod cover, and I bought it over 5 months ago.

 

And BOOOOO to a Hetfield look, I can't stand him.

[Hydra26]

they moved a mounting hole? anyone know why? my exp's are pre 09

[civicstar98]

i like james hetfield reguardless of what he plays its larrs i cant stand