ESP explorer school 101 (know your explorer)

[Pushead]

This was originally posted by EXPCustom, but since he geeked out after a deal with Fordman, he won't be here to repost it.

From EXPCustom:

I explained the body shapes but I will explain them again so because it got deleted. The MX250II means:
Metallica
Xplorer
250,000yen retail
II humbuckers
The bigger rounder body style was know as the EX not to be confused with the EXP or the neck heavy new Ex you can buy now.
The toggle switch on the EEt Fuk explorer was closer to the knobs it was the first revision it had a unique two screw truss rod cover that mounted flush with the nut, also it has a "step where the neck joins the body like a Gibson explorer and the input jack is round and concaved into the body,
the next revision the input jack was changed to a four screw variety and the truss rod went to the 2 screw Gibson style no longer flush with the nut but everything else stayed the same including the step in the neck.

This was one of the first hetfield explorers in the old EX body shape with no serial number and the step in the neck like all of Hetfields white ones.

http://home.comcast.net/~mrdjen/exps_015.jpg


The next revision was a major one. They no longer used the step in the neck and it was flush set like the MX250s and KLs. Kept the Gibson style truss rod cover went back to the round input jack with no extrior screws and the control route was changed that is why the toggle switch is in a different location but the body remained round. Also the tune o matic bridge remained the same on all these models with a silver coat hangar type wire that went around the edges and under the saddles(will post pics later)

All these revision occured from 87 to 89 the reason for these I assume was legal as well as what Hetfield wanted.
Esp did make explorers before its contract with Hetfield but they looked more like the Gibson explorers with pickguards I would love to get my hands on one of these.
The custom shop logos never apeared on the back of these headstocks and well into most of all the Mx250 including Hetfield's personal explorers.

MX250 revisions Update (9/12/05)

These were realesed in Japan with set necks ebony boards and full mahgony necks and bodies with poly finish. They came stock wired with dual EMG 81. Available in black with dot inlays. For and order made MX250 these were available in any color for an up charge and also you could request Sperzels and I think a few other things before it became a full custom order. In the USA these were known as the EXPcustom as the MX designation was take for another US based product. These featured single screw bell shaped truss rod covers with a single screw. These all had serial numbers, they went to the bullet style truss rod cover in 1995.
Brand new custom ordered from japan in 2003
http://home.comcast.net/~mrdjen/expcollage.JPG
Brand new custom ordered from japan in 2003
http://home.comcast.net/~mrdjen/expcollage2.JPG


This will be updated with pics later.

Update added

The MX130:
M= Metallica
X= Explorer
130= 130,000yen retail

This were started in 2000 and were available in Black, also in black plastice diamond plate and silver plastic diamond plate.
In other words they were all finished in black and then had diamond plate added to them.

These were similar to mx250II almost identical and these intrestingly enough did not have any serial numbers and were for the Japanese Domestic market. All came from the factory with two EMG 81's and featured the same set neck construction as the MX 250. I think the fretboard was a dark rosewood.

These were discontinued in 2003 all had the new bullet style truss rod cover. No they did not make any that were white.

Information was based on E-mails and correspondends from dealers in Japan.

MX250 limited product runs such as the wolf and man explorer were called in Japan ESP special intrest group. I have no idea what this means but it probably means that you had to be someone or pay alot to get one. I confirmed with Ron Thorn that along with ESP an limited run of about 20 wolf and man explorers were made. Thorn of course doing all the inlays for the run. this was called the MX250 custom inlay or MX250 Special intrest group. It was never called the wolf and man explorer. One had showed up on auction about a year ago in Japan and I dont believe it was ever sold the seller wanted 10,000 US dollars for it. These had serial numbers and were all set neck with one screw bell truss rod covers identical to Hetfield's in everyway. There was no custom shop logo.


The first Ex custom inlay run was the Eet Fuk in 1989. It was a very small run featuring slightly smaller inlays after the 5th fret and no step in the neck apparantley Hetfield found out and they had to stop production but one I know for sure one was sold to Europe and I believe less than 30 were made as far as I know I have one of the only ones in the USA the rest are in Japan a Japanese fan was seen with one of these guitars on Metallica's website. There was an MX250 made with these inlays for an employee of drum city guitar land in 95 and was a one off.

Elk Skull MX250 was available from the late 90's to 2003 as custom order only. It was apparantley labor intensive and would end up costing close to 5000 dollars through ESP of Japan. I have never actually seen one but I have correspondence E-mail from ESP of Japan from 2002 confirming me a price and time to make on an Elk Skull so I know they exist I have never seen one. This was done in the custom shop in Tokyo not by the original wood burn artist.

Updated 9/13/05


Another update 6/12/06

One thing I am finding out the new MXII as they are no longer MX250 II's because they no longer have the retail price of 250,000 yen so its just the MXII.

Thanks to Luna Sea for clearing up the ebony issue bit I still want to know about the clear laquer over the board. The ESP explorers with the bell truss rod covers have REAL EBONY boards. I need people to collaborate this information so when can verify that this is true please post on this if you have any info.

[KaBooM]

Geez! That was fast! ;)

[coyote]

That didnt take long!

Always was one of my favorite threads!

[BlackWidowESP]

Thanks man! Great post.

[Yo Daddy]

Props.

[Pushead]

I didn't write it, I just moved it. The original poster hasn't been around since a deal gone bad.

[Microdomus]

Cool of you to bring this thread to the new board Pushead. If you hadn`t done it, I would!:)

Allow me to bring in some unprovoked explorer porn:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/mx130s.jpg

ESP EXP
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP2.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP1.jpg

MX250
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX250.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX2501.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX2503.jpg

The KL
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX3.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX2.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX1.jpg

[Fade To Black 1985]

Nice ones, thanks for the thread :)

[angelzdecay]

good stuff!

[N3rdAl3rt]

so ur the one with the 3 black exps, i was the guy who questioned you about why you need so many on facebook

[Demon Child]

I need an explorer.

[FakeAssNikes]

Didn't Hetfield have an explorer with like a howling wolf inlay? if so were they ever in production? pics would be nice too if anyone has any.

[Demon Child]

Didn't Hetfield have an explorer with like a howling wolf inlay? if so were they ever in production? pics would be nice too if anyone has any.
he had a man to wolf explorer.
and no it wasnt in production. :\

[FakeAssNikes]

he had a man to wolf explorer.
and no it wasnt in production. :\

Aww damn, that would've been so nice to own.

[Pushead]

Didn't Hetfield have an explorer with like a howling wolf inlay? if so were they ever in production? pics would be nice too if anyone has any.

he had a man to wolf explorer.
and no it wasnt in production. :\

Did you fruits even read the original post?

I confirmed with Ron Thorn that along with ESP an limited run of about 20 wolf and man explorers were made. Thorn of course doing all the inlays for the run. this was called the MX250 custom inlay or MX250 Special intrest group. It was never called the wolf and man explorer. One had showed up on auction about a year ago in Japan and I dont believe it was ever sold the seller wanted 10,000 US dollars for it. These had serial numbers and were all set neck with one screw bell truss rod covers identical to Hetfield's in everyway. There was no custom shop logo.

[FakeAssNikes]

Did you fruits even read the original post?

I confirmed with Ron Thorn that along with ESP an limited run of about 20 wolf and man explorers were made. Thorn of course doing all the inlays for the run. this was called the MX250 custom inlay or MX250 Special intrest group. It was never called the wolf and man explorer. One had showed up on auction about a year ago in Japan and I dont believe it was ever sold the seller wanted 10,000 US dollars for it. These had serial numbers and were all set neck with one screw bell truss rod covers identical to Hetfield's in everyway. There was no custom shop logo.

nah, it looked long and boring. i liked the pictures though.

[Fade To Black 1985]

So there are 20 explorers with wolf and man-inlays?

Did you fruits even read the original post?

I confirmed with Ron Thorn that along with ESP an limited run of about 20 wolf and man explorers were made. Thorn of course doing all the inlays for the run. this was called the MX250 custom inlay or MX250 Special intrest group. It was never called the wolf and man explorer. One had showed up on auction about a year ago in Japan and I dont believe it was ever sold the seller wanted 10,000 US dollars for it. These had serial numbers and were all set neck with one screw bell truss rod covers identical to Hetfield's in everyway. There was no custom shop logo.

[Metfuk]

I will gladly provide some pics of the Wolf inlays. Very awesome guitar. If I ever get great at guitarbuilding I wanna make an attempt at making the wolf inlays myself.

(from body to headstock)

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s252/MVHRockbox/Wolfinlays1.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s252/MVHRockbox/Wolfinlays2.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s252/MVHRockbox/Wolfinlays3.jpg

[Invisiblekid]

Cool of you to bring this thread to the new board Pushead. If you hadn`t done it, I would!:)

Allow me to bring in some unprovoked explorer porn:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/mx130s.jpg

ESP EXP
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP2.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPEXP1.jpg

MX250
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX250.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX2501.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESPMX2503.jpg

The KL
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX3.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX2.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX1.jpg

You gotta have too much money:D Damn they´re nice:D

[Microdomus]

^^Not really. I just save em up and use them well!;)

[Metfuk]

^^Not really. I just save em up and use them well!;)

Yeah I'm like that too. It's a great feeling when you are able to have control over your money. Unlike others who always wanna party and spend it all every week.

[Microdomus]

^^The recipet right there man!

[Invisiblekid]

^^The recipe right there man! Yeah feel the same way. Earn your money and spend it on cool guitars instead of Booze:p I´m saving up to get a White one from Japan. It´s always been a dream of mine to own 2 guitars being The Ouija and a MX250II, Ive got the Ouija together with the truckster, so my next one will defenately be the MX250II :)

[Metfuk]

Damn, what happened to this thread?
I get the impression that we had more EXP fanatics on the old board.

[smashandgrab1forme]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa51/SmashieSmashie/FINALLY003.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa51/SmashieSmashie/FINALLY005.jpg


Here is mine, this old thread was massive on the old board

[ZephMan13]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/MicrodomusX3.jpg

Dude, you trust that stand?

[N3rdAl3rt]

needs more pics of white explorers

[Fade To Black 1985]

So maybe a really noobie-question, but:

do they also still make the ESP Ltd Explorers or just the MX250's?

[Metfuk]

So maybe a really noobie-question, but:

do they also still make the ESP Ltd Explorers or just the MX250's?

Only MX I believe.
Never seen a new LTD in the last couple of years.

[Gfunk]

I get the impression that we had more EXP fanatics on the old board.



Explorer Fanatic = NAMBLA Member






;)

[blind guardian]

What's the neck thickness of the MX250II?

[tonyjh3]

Most of the people I've talked to say there MX had the standard U-shaped neck,
but my MX250II from 2003 feels like a thin U. Mine feels really close to the necks on my Viper Standard and my Eclipse II. Being a custom shop guitar I imagine they vary from one guitar to the next. I ordered a white MX back in July that should be here in a month or two, and I specifically asked for the thin-U shape just to be on the safe side.

[savageshredder]

I like the sharper body of the ltd ex series, the mx loooks too gibson like
my old ex-250 also has lots of sustain.supriinly good 4 an old one
any1 else have experience wth these?

[R11GJH]

Heres my Grass Roots EXP complete with Snow White paint job, Emg's and Sperzels.
http://i12.tinypic.com/4vhlvkj.jpg

I also have a Grass Roots EXP in Black complete with Emg's and Sperzels.

[Pushead]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k71/Pushead_cic/Guitars/5_explorers_03.jpg

Here's mine. I don't have the LTD on the right anymore.

[Microdomus]

Hey Pushead..How is the tone difference between the "KL copy" compared to the MX? I guess the body is maple? so what wood is the KL neck? Last time I checked, Warmoth removed that peticular neck profile.

I`m building my own explorer now, but ditched the KL neck. Think I`ll go for a warmoth maple explorer neck. Really curious to hear how a "full-maple" explorer will sound!

Anyhoo...heres a neat snap shot of my KL for ya all!
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Bilde008-2.jpg

[hermz]

Because I can...

http://chaotek.com/public/guitar/MX250II/mx1.jpg
http://chaotek.com/public/guitar/MX250II/mx2.jpg
http://chaotek.com/public/guitar/MX250II/mx3.jpg
http://chaotek.com/public/guitar/MX250II/mx4.jpg

[Pushead]

Hey Pushead..How is the tone difference between the "KL copy" compared to the MX? I guess the body is maple? so what wood is the KL neck? Last time I checked, Warmoth removed that peticular neck profile.

The KL body is alder, the neck is maple/rosewood. My MX is actually brighter sounding than the KL, which surprises me. I wouldn't think the ebony would make that much difference.

Here are the explorers in my youtube tone tests. I haven't done the KL copy yet, but hopefully this weekend.

MX-II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiTEhSangdc)
Natural Gibson renovation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w27lP3l8ch4)
Gibson Explorer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbWmHZGn8Fk)

Here is a vid of the KL where you mostly hear me in the mix.

Warmoth KL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhzqa_m8xSs)

[Microdomus]

Wow...the "Gibson rescue" git sounded awesome!!

[Metfuk]

Pushead: Cool Explorer overview picture. Your KL copy has a gloss finish I see? I plan on oiling the wood on mine. But it looks good man.
What kinda amp setup are you using on your home made youtube vids? It sounds good.

Hermz: Your cherry MX is inspiring and really one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. It's just perfect!
One question: How did you get it? I mean...sure it's custom shop...but what kinda steps do you have to take in order to choose your own finish and hardware? (aside from the finish, I see Sperzels, they are not standard on the models that pop up on ebay by Katana or similar ebayers)

[Pushead]

Pushead: Cool Explorer overview picture. Your KL copy has a gloss finish I see? I plan on oiling the wood on mine. But it looks good man.
What kinda amp setup are you using on your home made youtube vids? It sounds good.

Not gloss, tung oil and wax. It didn't turn out nearly as nicely as the Gibson rescue.

The youtube (and the live) are TriAxis>G-Major>2:90. The youtube clips are miked with a SM57 and recorded into the computer, then I match it up with the video before rendering it for youtube.

[darkalone]

Hermz... I want that guitar. Really bad. :(

[Metfuk]

The youtube (and the live) are TriAxis>G-Major>2:90. The youtube clips are miked with a SM57 and recorded into the computer, then I match it up with the video before rendering it for youtube.

I figured you had something going on like that, because I didn't hear any room acoustics, it sounded very direct.
What is this G-Major thing? I'd figured a preamp and poweramp would be enough to get the sound going. :o

(but hey, I don't know shit about rack equipment. If I see James' rack for example I always think: wtf is all that shit for?") :lol

[darkalone]

Pus and I have the same rack.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/project_dc1/Guitars/rigofdestiny.jpg

The G-Major is an effects unit.

[gainiac]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k71/Pushead_cic/Guitars/5_explorers_03.jpg

Here's mine. I don't have the LTD on the right anymore.


Hey Pushead - what do you think of your black Navigator EX there in the middle?

I've got a line on one. I have two Navigator LPs and they're great.

Here's my MX-2 - it's my second one, and much better than the other one. Only 7.8 lbs and done flawlessly. I put the 18V mod and 11s on it, and it's a beast. I always wonder what the ebony board is bringing to the party.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/bastilleday/guitars/MX-2andFriendsThree.jpg

[Microdomus]

what do you think of your black Navigator EX there in the middle?

^^I believe thats a Gibson Sir!;)

[Metfuk]

Pus and I have the same rack.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/project_dc1/Guitars/rigofdestiny.jpg

The G-Major is an effects unit.

Why do rack players need the Furman?
I have a small rack too, with the ADA MP-1 and a peavey power amp. It's got only those 2 units in there and nothing else.
But really, if you see the racks some people have...I really wonder where it's all for.
Makes me wonder why they don't just use a simple amp head with a couple of boss pedals for effects.

[darkalone]

Because it provides protection from power spikes or drops. Also, I can plug everything into it, and then just plug in the Furman, and I have full power.

[gainiac]

^^I believe thats a Gibson Sir!;)

Yeah, I see it now, that's a G. The Navigator version is of course a dead-on ringer 'cept for the name on the headstock, and I assumed he was displaying only ESP-produced axes.

[Metfuk]

Because it provides protection from power spikes or drops.

Do they occur often in America?
Because over here that almost never happens.

[darkalone]

Do they occur often in America?
Because over here that almost never happens.

You NEVER know when it could happen. And every house or venue could have bad wiring. You never know. The power conditioner is a safety net.

[BigSillyGoose]

http://e.photos.cx/ug06cc6a-461.gif

[Pushead]

Yeah, I see it now, that's a G. The Navigator version is of course a dead-on ringer 'cept for the name on the headstock, and I assumed he was displaying only ESP-produced axes.

Yep, it's a Gibson. I have a pretty reasonable Gibson collection to go along with my ESP/LTD collection. ;)

The G-Major is an effects processor (it takes the place of a bunch of pedals). It's producing the chorus and delay effect heard on the cleans. There is also a bit of reverb on the crunch sound.

As for the Furman, it's inexpensive protection. Plus the benefits that DA mentioned.

BSG: :rollin

[darkalone]

There is also a bit of reverb on the crunch sound.

Blasphemy.

[Pushead]

Just a bit, it isn't overpowering. You can hear it at the end of the crunch clips.

[tonyjh3]

but what kinda steps do you have to take in order to choose your own finish and hardware? (aside from the finish, I see Sperzels, they are not standard on the models that pop up on ebay by Katana or similar ebayers)

I ordered an MX-2 a few months ago that should be here some time in
December, and I ordered it with the Sperzel tuners and specified the
thin-u shaped neck profile, along with an EMG 81/60 set-up instead
of the usual 81/81 configuration. The Sperzel upgrade is a common
request, and raised the price by about $100 bucks. The 81/60 swap
added about $25 dollars. Those are common upgrades so you just need
to specify what you want when ordering. Finish options get a little pricey.
I was originally going to order my MX in a satin natural finish, but the price
was a little more than I had at the time so I went with snow-white. Black
and white are the only standard colors, everything else is an upcharge. The
natural finish is a common request, but it was still like $300 bucks more. I
always wanted a white one anyway so the natural will wait till next time.
For me having the Sperzels and a hardshell were the most important things.
The case is really expensive, over $200 and kind of flimsy IMO, but there's
no way I'm having a guitar sent from Japan to Chicago without a hardcase.

[Pushead]

Yeah, I need to find a hardshell case for mine. It doesn't fit in the Gibby case.

[sean106OCD]

I ordered an MX-2 a few months ago that should be here some time in
December, and I ordered it with the Sperzel tuners and specified the
thin-u shaped neck profile, along with an EMG 81/60 set-up instead
of the usual 81/81 configuration. The Sperzel upgrade is a common
request, and raised the price by about $100 bucks. The 81/60 swap
added about $25 dollars. Those are common upgrades so you just need
to specify what you want when ordering. Finish options get a little pricey.
I was originally going to order my MX in a satin natural finish, but the price
was a little more than I had at the time so I went with snow-white. Black
and white are the only standard colors, everything else is an upcharge. The
natural finish is a common request, but it was still like $300 bucks more. I
always wanted a white one anyway so the natural will wait till next time.
For me having the Sperzels and a hardshell were the most important things.
The case is really expensive, over $200 and kind of flimsy IMO, but there's
no way I'm having a guitar sent from Japan to Chicago without a hardcase.

Sux for me too, my 2 are gonna take about 6 months. 1 black 1 snow white, both withs sperzels, maple necks and rosewood fredbaord EMGorz 60/81. And yeah the cases are hella expensive. Ho hum :(

[Microdomus]

^^Cool Sean! How about the inlays? just dots?

[sean106OCD]

yeah just dots, inlays jack up the prices immensely and adds a lot of delay time

[Pushead]

You should have gotten OCD inlaid at the 12th fret.

[Microdomus]

^^:rollin:rollin:rollin

Damn right!

[Metfuk]

I ordered an MX-2 a few months ago that should be here some time in
December, and I ordered it with the Sperzel tuners and specified the
thin-u shaped neck profile, along with an EMG 81/60 set-up instead
of the usual 81/81 configuration. The Sperzel upgrade is a common
request, and raised the price by about $100 bucks. The 81/60 swap
added about $25 dollars. Those are common upgrades so you just need
to specify what you want when ordering. Finish options get a little pricey.
I was originally going to order my MX in a satin natural finish, but the price
was a little more than I had at the time so I went with snow-white. Black
and white are the only standard colors, everything else is an upcharge. The
natural finish is a common request, but it was still like $300 bucks more. I
always wanted a white one anyway so the natural will wait till next time.
For me having the Sperzels and a hardshell were the most important things.
The case is really expensive, over $200 and kind of flimsy IMO, but there's
no way I'm having a guitar sent from Japan to Chicago without a hardcase.

Wtf..natural finish costs MORE than a solid colour finish? :eek: How's that possible? Natural finishes are mostly a hell of a lot cheaper.

But what I really wanted to know: WHERE does one go to place a custom order for an MX? Do you just go to a local ESP dealer and everything goes from there, or do you have to contact some special division of ESP in Japan?

[Gfunk]

But what I really wanted to know: WHERE does one go to place a custom order for an MX? Do you just go to a local ESP dealer and everything goes from there, or do you have to contact some special division of ESP in Japan?



You must learn the secret handshake first.




;)

[tonyjh3]

Natural costs more because the wood has to look a lot nicer. The wood for
a solid finish doesn't have to be pretty, just functional. The natural has to
look descent as well. To get one outside of Japan you need to find a dealer
in Japan willing to ship one to you, which is against ESP policy. Dealers who
do so could lose their ESP dealer status. People on the forum don't usually
give the info out for fear of losing their contact. If a dealer starts receiving
too many calls they often won't do any more deals for people in other
countries. I know a couple guys who lost their MX supply by giving out the
info to too many people. Eventually the dealer just says no more for anyone.
Listing dealer contacts on the forum can get you banned so no one can post
the info on here. It's not as hard as it seems to find one, you just have to do
some research.

[Metfuk]

Natural costs more because the wood has to look a lot nicer. The wood for
a solid finish doesn't have to be pretty, just functional. The natural has to
look descent as well. To get one outside of Japan you need to find a dealer
in Japan willing to ship one to you, which is against ESP policy. Dealers who
do so could lose their ESP dealer status. People on the forum don't usually
give the info out for fear of losing their contact. If a dealer starts receiving
too many calls they often won't do any more deals for people in other
countries. I know a couple guys who lost their MX supply by giving out the
info to too many people. Eventually the dealer just says no more for anyone.
Listing dealer contacts on the forum can get you banned so no one can post
the info on here. It's not as hard as it seems to find one, you just have to do
some research.

Ah thanks for sharing this info.
That's really all I wanna know for now. :)

[Pushead]

Or just make a friend in Japan. It isn't really that hard.

[tonyjh3]

Sean did you get an upcharge for having the 81/60 set-up. I only had to pay
about $25 extra, but I still thought it was kinda BS.

[Metfuk]

I only had to pay about $25 extra, but I still thought it was kinda BS.

Yeah. They are all the same price as far as I know. Pretty stupid. Maybe it's just 'administration costs'...which would be lame.

About natural finished guitars:
I've been thinking about this before and I was thinking maybe natural finished guitars sound better because they HAVE to use nice woods for them.
It makes sense to me but I don't know if this is the case.

[Metfuk]

Lets make a list of all the ESP Explorer models out there. No signature series (like JH-2) included. Correct me if I'm wrong.

LTD EXP-200 Last MSR was $719
[b]LTD EXP-300 [set neck, rosewood fretboard, floyd trem]
LTD MX-130 [set neck, ebony fretboard]

ESP EXP Last MSR was $1,999
[b]ESP MX-220 [set neck, rosewood fretboard, !Gibson shape!]
ESP MX-250 [set neck, ebony fetboard]

I figured this is the complete list of models that have existed at one point. Any contributions?
I'd love to get to know the MSR (the retail prices) of the other models out there. I got the MSR for the ones listed from the 2005 Guitar Price guide. I'm assuming they are still correct because the guitars are not being built anymore and the book states this as the last MSR. The book only has the EXP-200 and ESP EXP listed. There are absolutely no entries of the MX series in there.

Please keep in mind that the MSR was the new price. The actual re-sale value of a guitar in a never played condition, in other words MINT condition, is lower. For example, the EXP-200 has the MSR of $719, but the resale value for a mint condition EXP-200 according to the Price Guide is $575.
However, since the guitars are not being made anymore, I don't know if this is a fair indication. In my country, people are selling their (non mint) EXP-200s for (converted to USD) $1,100, claiming that they are rare and the price is going up. Personally, I can't judge if those people are wrong, but I do know that I don't want to pay that much for a used guitar of which I know the MSR for that very same guitar was MUCH lower.

[Pushead]

Well, I sold my average condition EXP-200 with EMGs/sperzels/tonepros for $450USD. It took a while to get it to move, too.

[Metfuk]

Well, I sold my average condition EXP-200 with EMGs/sperzels/tonepros for $450USD. It took a while to get it to move, too.

In America, the prices for used guitars are MUCH nicer. It makes me jealous when I look around on ebay.

[Metfuk]

Nobody has any figures on sales prices of the other Explorer models out there in my previous post?

[N3rdAl3rt]

you should also find out all the colors they came in

[smashandgrab1forme]

I bought my EXP 200 in 99 for $1300 down from $1799AUS, had an EXP 300 in the shop as well it was $1899AUS

I am pretty sure the LTD EXP only came in Black, White, Gunmetal Grey, Midnight Purple(which looked black until it was in the light)

[smashandgrab1forme]

I reckon ESP should make another Het sig EXP, and sell em outside the states

[Microdomus]

LTD MX-130 [set neck, ebony fretboard]

The LTD MX130 also came in three different version. One in black, the other two were diamond plated(plastic plate). One version had a black plate, whereas the other had chromish plate.

[Pushead]

bump

[Microdomus]

And a good bump indeed! Realized I had to show off my new MX!:D

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/3.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Bilde024.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Bilde021.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Bilde022.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/7.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/5.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/4.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/2.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/1.jpg

[sean106OCD]

Total Sex Micro. Looks tits man! :D

[savageshredder]

*looks at mx-250 and wants to throw his ex ltd out the window*

[sean106OCD]

This may help or hurt I dunno 8o8o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffzedRCTJOk

[WretchedESP86]

God, i hate you all, im dieing for an ESP Explorer, but i guess im gonna have to settle for the Gibby, and throw some EMG's in it. UNLESS, someone wants to sell me there's. :)

[darkalone]

Settle for a Gibson? Ain't no shame in owning a Gibson son.

http://bbs.espguitars.com/showthread.php?t=8565&highlight=Gibson+Explorer+Blowout

[Microdomus]

^^Indeed!

[CyVy_84]

can anyone tell me something about the import tax when i order a mx-2 from ebay (katana or another japanese seller)? would be nice if anyone knows the import tax from germany, but the u.s. tax would be helpful too.

[Metfuk]

can anyone tell me something about the import tax when i order a mx-2 from ebay (katana or another japanese seller)? would be nice if anyone knows the import tax from germany, but the u.s. tax would be helpful too.

It differs per country, but in the Netherlands it's 25% of the original price I believe. Luckily they don't always intercept incoming goods because they are so busy with it.

[Microdomus]

in the Netherlands it's 25% of the original price

^^Same as in Norway.

[CyVy_84]

sounds great. when you can get an used MX and pay around 2.000 dollar (incl. shipping costs) it would be still under 1.800 euros (incl. shipping and tax) because the exchange rate is so damn good for europeans. and without tax it would be around 1.350 euros. thats the price (in germany) of an standard gibson explorer 76 reissue in white. and the MX got emgz and a snow white finish. sounds like a good deal, but i'm a little bit afraid of ordering from japan. i never did it before and i don't want the money to be lost...

[RawQ]

How much would it cost to order the custom from japan?
og where can you order it?

thanks

//ENGEL

[sean106OCD]

sounds great. when you can get an used MX and pay around 2.000 dollar (incl. shipping costs) it would be still under 1.800 euros (incl. shipping and tax) because the exchange rate is so damn good for europeans. and without tax it would be around 1.350 euros. thats the price (in germany) of an standard gibson explorer 76 reissue in white. and the MX got emgz and a snow white finish. sounds like a good deal, but i'm a little bit afraid of ordering from japan. i never did it before and i don't want the money to be lost...

Don't be afraid my son.;) Bank wire is the safest and most secure. DO NOT mail or use paypal for japan IMO

How much would it cost to?
og where can you order it?

Here is a great place to find one and with also great prices:
MXII International sales from Japan (http://www.google.com)

[RawQ]

Don't be afraid my son.;) Bank wire is the safest and most secure. DO NOT mail or use paypal for japan IMO



Here is a great place to find one and with also great prices:
MXII International sales from Japan (http://www.google.com)

Huhu fun fun, seriously !
dont have any links?

[Microdomus]

^^Nope! Use the net, and you will find. Dear I say that Ebay is a good start?:rolleyes:

[RawQ]

^^Nope! Use the net, and you will find. Dear I say that Ebay is a good start?:rolleyes:

i thinking to buy a new one from Japan, like the threadstarter did in 2003
but i cant find where to do it :)

//ENGEL

[CyVy_84]

Don't be afraid my son.;) Bank wire is the safest and most secure. DO NOT mail or use paypal for japan IMO



Here is a great place to find one and with also great prices:
MXII International sales from Japan (http://www.google.com)



ok i'll trust you lord sean ;-) i'll never walk over to the dark side

and you posted a nice webside, i didn't knew this goggle, ggoogle (or whatever) before :rollin

[Metfuk]

i thinking to buy a new one from Japan, like the threadstarter did in 2003
but i cant find where to do it :)

//ENGEL

Dude, fucking simple:

www.ebay.com
search: ESP Explorer
results: some MX', some LTD's, some new shaped EX guitars.

Click on any interesting item and read the seller's instructions.

[vitod]

Hi people, noobie here. Love the site and the info. Thanks!

Anyway, I know this thread pertains to ESP Explorers and some showing Gibsons, I'd thought I'll show my EPIPHONE (korean). Yeah, I know, but it's my first Explorer and I always wanted one.
I found someone selling this locally and what really grabbed my interest is the condition and the upgrade to EMG 81/85 PU's. So I grabbed it. But my dream is an ESP...someday.:D
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0662.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0667.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0665.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0663.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0669.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0664.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/slide51k/20080118_0670.jpg

[CyVy_84]

looks nice, i sold my epiphone explorer 2 days ago.

[RawQ]

I'm thinking saving, for a Gibson Explorer in white, and change the pickups to some EMG's
that would be serious killer axe :D

[Gfunk]

I'm thinking saving, for a Gibson Explorer in white, and change the pickups to some EMG's
that would be serious killer axe :D



Just a heads up, check out the 84' Gibson Explorer reissue.








;)

[CyVy_84]

Just a heads up, check out the 84' Gibson Explorer reissue.








;)



yeah, if you live in the us and if you can get one.
i'm from germany and i ordered one, but i think i'm old and grey before i'll get one. saving up for an MX-II is the only alternative for me. but a gibby with emgs could be great too. but i don't like this milk white finish of the standard white explorer 76 reissue.

[Gfunk]

yeah, if you live in the us and if you can get one.
i'm from germany and i ordered one, but i think i'm old and grey before i'll get one. saving up for an MX-II is the only alternative for me. but a gibby with emgs could be great too. but i don't like this milk white finish of the standard white explorer 76 reissue.


Right. So, you ordered a guitar that you don't think you will ever receive and don't like the finish. How much was your deposit?

[darkalone]

:lol

I love my Gibby. :D

[sean106OCD]

Darky request: Vid comparing tonez of the Gibby Explorer and your sweet LP. :)

[Pushead]

Darky request: Vid comparing tonez of the Gibby Explorer and your sweet LP. :)

Seconded

[CyVy_84]

Right. So, you ordered a guitar that you don't think you will ever receive and don't like the finish. How much was your deposit?


no no ;) i ordered the '84 reissue - that i like - a few weeks ago. at that time i thought i might get one. but today i know that it is nearly impossible to get one in europe. the explorer i don't like is the '76 reissue in this milk white, or olympic-white finish. the one with the 500 and 496 humbuckers.

[Metfuk]

the explorer i don't like is the '76 reissue in this milk white, or olympic-white finish. the one with the 500 and 496 humbuckers.

Yeah I had one like that. And the colour was weird. I had 2 other 'classic white' guitars (non Gibson) already and they looked much better. The Gibson had a kinda weird yellow/green-ish touch to the colour. It looked a lot different from the other 2.

[darkalone]

Darky request: Vid comparing tonez of the Gibby Explorer and your sweet LP. :)

You're trying to make me into the next you. :lol

I'll give it a shot. Maybe later today after I bottle my beer and have a few to loosen up.

[CyVy_84]

Yeah I had one like that. And the colour was weird. I had 2 other 'classic white' guitars (non Gibson) already and they looked much better. The Gibson had a kinda weird yellow/green-ish touch to the colour. It looked a lot different from the other 2.



i still like the gibby explorer but i don't like the finish. actually i'm bidding on an '76 reissue with a much nicer cherry finish. i hope the quality will be good 8o

[Metfuk]

i still like the gibby explorer but i don't like the finish. actually i'm bidding on an '76 reissue with a much nicer cherry finish. i hope the quality will be good 8o

Yeah I have a cherry one myself. It looks killer. I think the cherry is the most beautiful out of all their colour options. The chrome hardware looks awesome on it.
From what year is the one you're bidding on? Mine is a 1998 and it's pretty good. Not absolutely perfect, but really good. Much better than all the recent stuff they are producing.

[CyVy_84]

Yeah I have a cherry one myself. It looks killer. I think the cherry is the most beautiful out of all their colour options. The chrome hardware looks awesome on it.
From what year is the one you're bidding on? Mine is a 1998 and it's pretty good. Not absolutely perfect, but really good. Much better than all the recent stuff they are producing.

it's a 2006 from an collector and it has never been played.


what do you think about the quality of the explorer? it is from 2006. i hope it will be ok.

[fixxxer]

some seriously nice looking machines here....

Does anyone know anything about the EX-250's... I've searched all over this board and can't find much...

cheers

[sean106OCD]

some seriously nice looking machines here....

Does anyone know anything about the EX-250's... I've searched all over this board and can't find much...

cheers

What do you want to know? :)

[fixxxer]

anything at all... are they shit? do they play well?

[sean106OCD]

anything at all... are they shit? do they play well?

yes













Let's go gentle guys. ;)

[fixxxer]

thanks for that ;)

is this a have fun with the new guy thing?

[sean106OCD]

thanks for that ;)

is this a have fun with the new guy thing?

No it is just noob edicate. Usually when I noob comes on and asks a simple question that has been discussed 1000000 times here, we tend to get agro if you dont search for topics and read other threads. Just an FYI. People who come on and ask a super vague question will get run off right quick. ;) But when they introduce themselves and ask nicely and explain why they are asking, what they have or why they wanna be here.....we open or arms and hug and give you kissies all over....no we are not that ghey...just some what ghey LOL :)

[fixxxer]

ahh ok... no prob... Don't wanna piss people off :D

My names Pete and I'm 30 years old. It all started way back when... lol

Seriously though, I did search for the ex-250, ex 250, ex250 etc and got pretty much nada... I've been offered one (for a price obviously) and was wondering what they were like.

I've read a ton of reviews on Harmony Central but the majority of them seem to be just "yeah it rocks OMG!!11teen"

I also noted it wasn't on the Wiki article about the ESP/LTD explorer models... wondered if that was a bad sign.

The one I've been offered has Seymour Duncan's in it, how do they stack up to the EMG's everyone seems to use nowadays.

My apologies for coming across all newbie-ish :D

[DyersEve87]

No it is just noob edicate. Usually when I noob comes on and asks a simple question that has been discussed 1000000 times here, we tend to get agro if you dont search for topics and read other threads. Just an FYI. People who come on and ask a super vague question will get run off right quick. ;) But when they introduce themselves and ask nicely and explain why they are asking, what they have or why they wanna be here.....we open or arms and hug and give you kissies all over....no we are not that ghey...just some what ghey LOL :)

Surprisingly after 2,400 posts, thousands of dollars in guitars, amps, and equipment, severe cockiness, and that nerd linger attitude, your band is horrible and you can't play the simplest of riffs. Just throwing some senior educate your way :D Rock on!!

[BeëlzeM]

I'd suggest you just try it out, see if it is in good shape and stuff and it plays well. Overall they have a great reputation. James Hetfield used them pretty much since forever, but you probably know that already. Is it one with a set-neck or is it one with a bolt-on neck? What year was it made?

[sean106OCD]

ahh ok... no prob... Don't wanna piss people off :D

My names Pete and I'm 30 years old. It all started way back when... lol

Seriously though, I did search for the ex-250, ex 250, ex250 etc and got pretty much nada... I've been offered one (for a price obviously) and was wondering what they were like.

I've read a ton of reviews on Harmony Central but the majority of them seem to be just "yeah it rocks OMG!!11teen"

I also noted it wasn't on the Wiki article about the ESP/LTD explorer models... wondered if that was a bad sign.

The one I've been offered has Seymour Duncan's in it, how do they stack up to the EMG's everyone seems to use nowadays.

My apologies for coming across all newbie-ish :D


No problem man, welcome!!

Ok the MX 250 is all mahagony with a slick ebony fret board. Used on EBAY you can find them or if you have a person or hook up in japan they can build them for ya. The MX-220 is the more rounder gibby copy and has the middle finger inlays and I think they mad like 30 of them. They still will build the mx-220 shape, as I just got an o7 custom natural MX-220 wit dark rosewood and a gibby neck heal.

Tone wise, IMO it all depends on the amp. when I had the older boogies (well not old) but the rectos and road king as well as a vetta II. They sounded good but not amazing. Once I got a Diezel and had an ENGL they came alive all of a sudden.

They dont make the MX's in the US at all, only Japan. Hope this helps!

[sean106OCD]

Surprisingly after 2,400 posts, thousands of dollars in guitars, amps, and equipment, severe cockiness, and that nerd linger attitude, your band is horrible and you can't play the simplest of riffs. Just throwing some senior educate your way :D Rock on!!

fuck you very much.











noob :rolleyes:

[fixxxer]

woo, grown up answers!

As far as I know it's a '91, mahogany body and neck (bolt on), rosewood fingerboard, 2 SD humbuckers, tune-o-matic bridge...

I'm definitely going to try it out... more a case of wondering if anyone here had one I suppose :D

I get all stupidly excited about guitars ;)



...and Sean... its an EX not MX :D



edit again - I guess I should let you know what amp I've got.... I've got a VS265 Marshall.

[sean106OCD]

No it IS MX.....some one please chime in here.

EX is the name for the sharper explorer body after gibby stopped them.

As for the shitdick above who flammed me, he probaby is one of those assholes who is a master shredder stuck in the 80's, has a camero, wheres tappered jeans, jocks me obviously (since he has 10 posts yet knows all about me :confused: )can't right songs, and only think your good if you play as fast and low as he can. :rolleyes::rolleyes: LOL he even jocks my MX-220 as he has it as his avatar. :rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

[fixxxer]

it is the EX-250

same shape as those in this pic - http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/special/namm/P1010772.jpg

hasn't got the rounded headstock, more pointy :D

[Microdomus]

Hmmmm....don`t know too much about that peticular model. If its a bolt-on neck, I guess I can compare it with my ESP EXP. If so...it should sound pretty good! My personal opinion on the "new-shape" is....not a good one though! BUT...this is a "Old-School" explorer thread, so the EX design is not peticular wanted to discuss here...;)

[fixxxer]

furry muff... thanks anyway :)

[Pushead]

The other guitarist in my band just got an EX-351. His is a neck through, and it's surprisingly good. The 250 should be a pretty reasonable guitar, you'll probably want to replace the pickups at some point. I had an EXP-200 at one point which was good for the price. The pickups stunk, but when I put EMGs in it, it was a pretty good sounding guitar.

[Justinschut]

EX-351 is set neck

[R11GJH]

I had a EX-351 and can confirm was a set neck. I was only ok I would pay mega bucks for it though.

What are you gonna pay for it?

[CyVy_84]

woo, grown up answers!

As far as I know it's a '91, mahogany body and neck (bolt on), rosewood fingerboard, 2 SD humbuckers, tune-o-matic bridge...

I'm definitely going to try it out... more a case of wondering if anyone here had one I suppose :D

I get all stupidly excited about guitars ;)



...and Sean... its an EX not MX :D







edit again - I guess I should let you know what amp I've got.... I've got a VS265 Marshall.




EX made in '91...???? sounds like a fake. I thought they started making them a few years ago....but not 17 years ago

[R11GJH]

ex's were released following the Gibson lawsuit in the late 90's early 2000's. I had mine in 2001-2002 ish.

[Metfuk]

ex's were released following the Gibson lawsuit in the late 90's early 2000's. I had mine in 2001-2002 ish.

Wasn't the old shape still produced back in 2000? well 1999 for sure.

[smashandgrab1forme]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa51/SmashieSmashie/espexplorer005.jpg

my old exp 200 was from 99

[DyersEve87]

fuck you very much.











noob :rolleyes:


Hey man, don't get offended, i am just messing with ya ;)

[DyersEve87]

No it IS MX.....some one please chime in here.

EX is the name for the sharper explorer body after gibby stopped them.

As for the shitdick above who flammed me, he probaby is one of those assholes who is a master shredder stuck in the 80's, has a camero, wheres tappered jeans, jocks me obviously (since he has 10 posts yet knows all about me :confused: )can't right songs, and only think your good if you play as fast and low as he can. :rolleyes::rolleyes: LOL he even jocks my MX-220 as he has it as his avatar. :rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

There is no shit on my dick brotha :rollin, and the answer is no i am not stuck in the 80s ,my musical taste is diverse,and nothing is sicker than the late eighties IROC's lol. I am very highly educated in Audio Technology, and play fast, and slow. Am i not allowed to admire your 220?? Lets not turn this into a battle of wits my friend8o, I'm just here to learn about guitars! :cool:

[sean106OCD]

There is no shit on my dick brotha :rollin, and the answer is no i am not stuck in the 80s ,my musical taste is diverse,and nothing is sicker than the late eighties IROC's lol. I am very highly educated in Audio Technology, and play fast, and slow. Am i not allowed to admire your 220?? Lets not turn this into a battle of wits my friend8o, I'm just here to learn about guitars! :cool:

No prob :)

[EXPer]

No info on the LTD explorer? EXP200?

[EXPer]

Bump!

Some ltd EXP200 come with EXP-200 on the 12th fret, some say LTD, and some have dots? IS there any difference in the type of wood or anything?

[Metfuk]

Bump!

Some ltd EXP200 come with EXP-200 on the 12th fret, some say LTD, and some have dots? IS there any difference in the type of wood or anything?

Yes but I don't know much.
Only that the last ones (1999 and so on) are mahogany body (with EXP-200 inlay).
They have also been made with other kind of woods before that but I don't know what kind of wood. I think agathis or shit like that.

[EXPer]

Thanx for the reply, i dont think it was ever agathis, i know it was alder at some point but i dont know when, would someone mind clearing that up for me?

[Metfuk]

I've heard Agathis mentioned somewhere. Can't back it up right now though.
It was on the old board.

[Gfunk]

They were alder.

[EXPer]

I herd the last year of production, 1999 they were mahogany, but before that they were alder, but i wanna know, when it says EXP-200 on the headstock thats mahogany? What about LTD? And what about just Dots?

[Rasberry]

Heres my Grass Roots EXP complete with Snow White paint job, Emg's and Sperzels.
http://i12.tinypic.com/4vhlvkj.jpg

I also have a Grass Roots EXP in Black complete with Emg's and Sperzels.

Where did you get that middle one? is it a standard model or some custom made?

[tonyjh3]

Where did you get that middle one? is it a standard model or some custom made?


Thats a JH-3, Hetfield sig from 1999.

[Rasberry]

I see.. Are they still doing that model?

Edit: I just found out on wiki that it's just made +100.. That sucks..

[SSBB]

I see.. Are they still doing that model?

Edit: I just found out on wiki that it's just made +100.. That sucks..

+1

[rebirth]

Thought I would include my gibson relic in this post,

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/gibson-exp-relic-body-3.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/gibson-explorer-rellic-d.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/gibson-exp_rellic-body_top.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/gibson-explorer-rellic-a.jpg

And my razorback rust, which i sold for good measure

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/20080503_12.jpg

ESP also need to get them selves some of these!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/babes_namm.jpg

[tonyjh3]

Bump+ My Explorer collection. 2003 MX2 Natural, Edwards=sold, Gibson Voodoo Explorer, 2003 MX2 Black, 2007 MX2 White

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff233/tonyjh3/P6280003.jpg

[EXPcustom]

Wow brings back memories. How do you like the MX natural Tony? I totally suck at setups I had a hard time getting the action right on it.

[tonyjh3]

Wow brings back memories. How do you like the MX natural Tony? I totally suck at setups I had a hard time getting the action right on it.

I love it man. I've been working on guitars for a while so I'm pretty good with set ups. It just needed the truss rod tightened and the bridge adjusted a little bit. Now the action is nice and low with no buzzing. It sounds really good with my Mesa Mark IV and my ADA MP1. I just need to put an EMG 60 in the neck, but it still sounds good with the 81. The only problem was due to my stupid UPS guy who must have dropped it off the truck so hard it put a big chip on the bottom corner of the body.
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff233/tonyjh3/P6280019.jpg

Oh well, I have someone who's going to fix it for me. At first I figured it had its first ding so I didn't have to worry about it anymore, but that guitar is just too pretty to leave the chip on it. I wouldn't feel so bad if I had put the first ding in it, but since UPS did it I'm going to get it repaired. I've got a really good repair guy who has done work for me in the past who's really awesome and he doesn't charge me much so I'll probably drop it off this month. Thanks again man, I really love it. BTW, what's your explorer collection looking like these days?

[EXPcustom]

I have really thinned the heard with my EXPs.

I was hoping to get a Wolf and Man but no luck, I did score a neck thru Ouija.

Pretty much I have the Eet Fuk and two real 84 Gibson explorers and two MX130s. I will get another MX2 but am saving up for a real custom shop one with rosewood fretboard and snowwhite finish with the MX220 body.

That really sucks to hear about the MX getting chipped the UPS man must have dropped the box really hard.

For the chips I dont know about clear coat but this works awesome for solid color guitars.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Repair_and_touchup/Lacquer_Stick_Finish_Repair.html

[raz311]

Don't know if this is the right place to post but does anyone on this board have a Lefty Explorer (any model but must be ESP not LTD) that they are willing to sell? Shoot me a PM if you do. Cheers Gav

[konan-the-barbarian]

Pretty much I have the Eet Fuk and two real 84 Gibson explorers and two MX130s.


Pics? :)

[sean106OCD]

I have really thinned the heard with my EXPs.

I was hoping to get a Wolf and Man but no luck, I did score a neck thru Ouija.

Pretty much I have the Eet Fuk and two real 84 Gibson explorers and two MX130s. I will get another MX2 but am saving up for a real custom shop one with rosewood fretboard and snowwhite finish with the MX220 body.

That really sucks to hear about the MX getting chipped the UPS man must have dropped the box really hard.

For the chips I dont know about clear coat but this works awesome for solid color guitars.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Repair_and_touchup/Lacquer_Stick_Finish_Repair.html


I was too, but the quote was redonkulous. :(

[EXPcustom]

I was too, but the quote was redonkulous. :(

Regarding the MX220 quote my dealer loves USA Jacksons. I get them for a good price here then he usually gives me double what I paid in store credit for them. I got my KH3 real custom shop neck thru and KH1 neck thru by trading with him. I also got my Eet Fuk this way.

Thats why I buy Jackson KV1's or Y2KVs if I can because they sell for stupid money in Japan.

[Microdomus]

...and why not give this one a bump as well?!

My Explwhoremania:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Picture048.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Picture045.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/ESP%20MX250%20Explorer%20-%20Snow%20White/ESPMX250-SnowWhite.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/Microdomus/Gibson%20Explorer%2076%20Reissue/GibsonExplorer4.jpg

[slab]

son of a bitch those are nice....

[Mizmo21]

so fuckin sweet man!

see thru quilted KL wowzers

[Justinschut]

wow.

[KH-M]

OMG, what I would give to have an ESP Explorer.

[scottph]

Can anyone post good/large pictures of JAYMZ ESP Diamond Plate Explorer (NOT THE JH-2) ?

[David_VI]

Thought I would include my gibson relic in this post,


And my razorback rust, which i sold for good measure

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/colsie_01/20080503_12.jpg

ESP also need to get them selves some of these!


Hey! Offtopic really.. but I know you, not personally, seen you playing here twice or something, i'm a Colchester guy.. Great explorer btw, I only have an Ex-400...

Small world!

David

[Grin]

this thread is valid to my interests :)

[tonyjh3]

Keepin the thread alive.

[smashandgrab1forme]

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q362/mick------/DSC00458.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q362/mick------/DSC00461.jpg

[BoD]

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa94/BoD_09/DSC02148.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa94/BoD_09/DSC02147.jpg

I realize that niether of these are the ESP Explorers, but I still love them both just the same. I hope to find a nice ESP explorer soon!!!

The Eclipse II and the Gibson are both fitted with a Bill Lawrence L500XL. (Yes these are the real deal BLs . I talked to Becky myself.)

[Rich]

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q362/mick------/DSC00458.jpg
http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q362/mick------/DSC00461.jpg

is this an esp or an ltd?

i know what the headstock says, but i thought only ltds have that truss rod cover that says esp and i also thought the mx guitars have 2 dots at the 12th fret

[konan-the-barbarian]

is this an esp or an ltd?

i know what the headstock says, but i thought only ltds have that truss rod cover that says esp and i also thought the mx guitars have 2 dots at the 12th fret

it's an LTD EXP 200. He just put a ESP sticker on the headstock. btw looks fine to me.

[smashandgrab1forme]

Yeah it is an EXP 200, i doubt I will have the spare cash to throw at an MX any time soon, so this will have to do for now. I reckon it looks great considering it was gunmetal grey when I bought it in 99!

[Rich]

Yeah it is an EXP 200, i doubt I will have the spare cash to throw at an MX any time soon, so this will have to do for now. I reckon it looks great considering it was gunmetal grey when I bought it in 99!

actually it looks great...who did the paint job? my buddy wants one of his guitars refinished

[smashandgrab1forme]

I stripped it myself and a smash repairer not far from me charged me $200 bucks to spray it for me.

[Metfuk]

Yeah it is an EXP 200, i doubt I will have the spare cash to throw at an MX any time soon, so this will have to do for now.

I have an EXP-200 too. Mine has 'L T D' inlay block as the 12th fret marker. I've experimented with Duncans and EMG's but both didn't do too well. (my EXP is not mahogany). I just put the stock pickups back in (Duncan Designed) and it is alright. The guitar looks amazing (of course) but tonewise it's below my standards and the playability is average. If you play it unplugged it has a cheap sound and feel to it. I did replace the nut with a Graphtech one and that made the overall performance better.

I wanted to grab an MX too. I really was ready for it financially. But deep inside I feel that it doesn't have the specs that I want (which is maple neck instead of all mahogany) and for the huge price they go for, I demand locking tuners too.
So with that in mind, AND them gone up in price to the most ridiculous level, I've decided to let Shamray (in Russia) build an MX250 type guitar for me. It will have everything I want. And that for the price of just around $2000. Hardshell case included. :D

[smashandgrab1forme]

Shamray explorers just dont look right to me. They look like a cross between an MX and a warmoth explorer body.

[Metfuk]

Shamray explorers just dont look right to me. They look like a cross between an MX and a warmoth explorer body.

You've seen the wrong pics/guitars then. I've made sure they are gonna build me an MX. I can check it as soon as it arrives, I have the EXP shape at hand.
Dunno if you've seen some of their KL remakes...they assured me they are gonna use the KL (=MX) templates for my guitar.

[smashandgrab1forme]

http://bbs.espguitars.com/showthread.php?t=17854

As awesome as Konan's guitar looks, that is no MX shape

[Metfuk]

http://bbs.espguitars.com/showthread.php?t=17854

As awesome as Konan's guitar looks, that is no MX shape

The pics are hardly taken from a good perspective. But I see where you´re coming from. They make the lower horn slightly longer (I like that) and everything is more pointy (which is also full of win to me). I also went to RAN for a quote but their prices have gone up rediculously, and their Explorer shape is too rounded for my taste.

[Gfunk]

As awesome as Konan's guitar looks, that is no MX shape



Yeah it is.



MX-220 not MX-250.

[smashandgrab1forme]

That is not the MX-220 shape dude

[konan-the-barbarian]

I wanted to grab an MX too. I really was ready for it financially. But deep inside I feel that it doesn't have the specs that I want (which is maple neck instead of all mahogany) and for the huge price they go for, I demand locking tuners too.
So with that in mind, AND them gone up in price to the most ridiculous level, I've decided to let Shamray (in Russia) build an MX250 type guitar for me. It will have everything I want. And that for the price of just around $2000. Hardshell case included. :D

+ a million!!!

I can only highly recommend Shamray! Their communication with the customer is exemplary! I've been mailing back and forth with a few custom shops in the last couple months and the communication with Michael Walker (the contact person at shamray for custom orders) is of another level!


by the way, u guys might wanna check out this ;)


from left to right: RAN - Shamray - LTD EXP pre lawsuit

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/839/kopievondsc03409ja5.jpg

[Gfunk]

That is not the MX-220 shape dude



Yeah, maybe it is more like a 250.

[Justinschut]

I just emailed with Shamray and Konan's right, I made 1 quote and I get a long personal email with example pictures relevant to what I ordered and advice and everything, also from Michael Walker.

I made a quote for an ESP snow white explorer and it was about 1870 dollar. Then I made a quote for my own idea and it came out something like 2140, not bad :)

[Metfuk]

+ a million!!!

I can only highly recommend Shamray! Their communication with the customer is exemplary! I've been mailing back and forth with a few custom shops in the last couple months and the communication with Michael Walker (the contact person at shamray for custom orders) is of another level!

Yes the communication is VERY good. Quick replies and always nice/polite! Even when I had some very critical questions.
I hear good stories about Shamray so I can't wait. (the waiting time is very acceptable too. Around 2,5 months instead of Ran, which takes 10-12 months now)

[smashandgrab1forme]

What dollar value is that??

[konan-the-barbarian]

What dollar value is that??

which price(s) do u mean? Justinschut's prices are already us dollar prices.

[robguitar]

Those are great!

[colintrav]

Cracking read and highly informative ... cheers for posting .