Explorer advice

[Rico]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie looking for as much advice as possible. I bought an Epiphone Explorer in 2003. It was in a very bad state and I originally intended to fix it up into something special. When I say it is in bad condition, I mean it is seriously beat up. It is now 2010 and I have not touched it for 7 years. I have now decided it is time to do something with it and this is where I need some help.

 

The serial number is on a sticker on the back of the headstock and reads: SL70510180

 

I can't find out the true identity of this guitar using any databases I have found online. Could anyone give me a ball park figure for how much it would cost to get the guitar fixed up by a professional. That is supposing it isn't too beat up to be functional.

 

Anyone with any suggestions or advice please speak up, you are all bound to know more than me on this topic so anything would be greatly appreciated. Rico

 

Photos:

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/865/img00208201008021713.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1857/img00209201008021713.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/3440/img00210201008021714.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2716/img00211201008021714.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2880/img00212201008021714.jpg

[Hungrycat]

I think it's a late 80's Epi "Slasher" model.

[vmanmurph]

You are the proud owner of a late 80's early 90's Epiphone Explorer. This guitar was thought of more as a beginner instrument. By looking at your pictures the tuners seem fine. I see that one of the end caps is off of the tuner. I don't think that will matter much as long as tuner moves freely. If it is stuck, you will need to replace it. The guitar also needs a front pickup which shouldn't be hard to find. Finally the bridge looks like it is in good shape and all the saddles are there. I would suggest taking each Allen screw out (one at a time) and squirt some wd-40 in to loosen up the corrosion that has formed. As a side note the holes in the top of the bridge were from the tremolo fine tuners. This particular model tremolo didn't work very well as a double locking system, so I wouldn't even try to get the tremolo function working. It should work fine as a fixed bridge. Finally the toggle switch needs a cap. I think you could spend about $50 and get this guitar happening again.

Frank

[audiomitch]

The chips in the finish you might be able to fill in with nail polish or auto touch-up paint.

 

There are a lot of places to get a new pickup, here's a link to a place that may have what you need:

 

GFS Crunchy Pat High Output Humbucker Zebra

 

Have you any experience in setting up a guitar? The repairs are one thing, setting it up is another. There are a lot of tutorials on the internet.

 

Good luck!

[RobinTheHood]

You guys are soooooo close. Its a pre 1989 model. The "by Gibson" was dropped off in 1989. I'd guess by the 7 in the serial that its probably a 1987, but not positive.

 

This is not a Slasher model. It would have the E-series wing logo if it was. This is not necessarily a beginner model as stated. Its just a typical Explorer of the time. Obviously, being an Epiphone it can certainly qualify as a beginner guitar, though.

 

As for the tremolo, it does look to be in good shape. It is a Bennder tremolo that Epiphone used during that time period. With the right sized drill bit and a little measuring, the post holes can easily be widened to retrofit a Floyd Rose if you ever decide you want to go that route.

 

She sure is in rough shape, but totally salvagable. I think you might find that you will easily fall in love with the necks of the guitars in this time period. They were top-notch.

 

Keep us posted.