Explorer guitars?

Question

i've heard they are uncomfortable, I'm looking into to getting one, anyone recomend any brand other than gibson?

Answer 1

The Explorer is quite uncomfortable; although I have never owned one, I have played on one, and some of my friends do own Explorers.

The problem with Ibanez is the tuning mechanism. After an hour or two of playing, the tuning is completely flat. I personally find this quite annoying, although to each his own. That's just my own experience with Ibanez.

Fenders are nice, but the back of the neck is a bit rough to my taste, and the fingerboard is rounded on all models, with makes barre chords a bit harder to play. Also, this makes certain strings uncomfortable to play on, particularly the B string.

I would recommend getting a Schecter. Whereas they have all the looks, if not better, than a Gibson, and they cost less due to the fact that they are not produced in the US (I think in Japan) they are a wonderful buy for the serious guitarist. Furthermore, they yield a beautiful sound, with very nice tone, although they are capable of handing a load of distortion as well. Extremely comfortable to play as well, and smooth neck and fingerboard.

Answer 2

A lot of the classic models, Fenders, Gibsons, Martins, are way overpriced for their actual value. Explorers have a blocky feeling neck, I agree. But to me the main drawback is they don't really sound that good. Sort of thin, particularly when miked.

I have about a dozen guitars. But of my newer guitars I have found that my Ibanez guitars sound the best and are holding up the best. I learned from a guitar craftsman that a few years ago, Ibanez had the good sense to buy warehouses full of decent wood. In fact my Ibanez acoustic, for as long as I have had it, is holding up much better than my Martins.

To me, what kind of guitar you buy is a personal thing. I listen for a good midrange tone. I like a neck that is not too wide, and has a slight curve, so the edge doesn't bite into the hand and the high and low strings are easily held down.

Lots of guitars have good treble, and many have a boomy bass, but few have a balanced over all sound. I pay particular attention to the fullness in the midrange.

I once had a Gibson ES-175, a single cutaway jazz guitar. I loved it, but the climate of Florida was terrible for it.

Currently my favorite guitar is my Ibanez Joe Satriani. All mahogany... oh yeah, rich and thick sounding.

Good luck in your quest. And happy strumming.

Answer 3

Yeah , Ibanez makes a good one, i don't know what other brands though, but ya know - the same shape is gonna still be what you heard as uncomfortable , but they aren't really. Of course Gibson is the original and best, but Gibson prices (for ANYTHING) are so ridiculous these days! You used to be able to get a Les Paul for around $749.00 , which is now double that , and you don't even get a pickgaurd anymore! , gee thanks Slash!

Answer 4

Fender... can't go wrong with a good old Strat! Well rounded for various types of play and you can probably geta good deal on one. Buy the actual Strat and not the Squire (it's decent, but not nearly as good).

Answer 5

ibanez, I love mine