Visual guide to the changes to the "explorer shape" over the years?

[sixesandsevens]

I've frequently seen folks here praise some models and curse others.

Is there any infographic somewhere that shows how the shape has evolved over its lifetime and what the differences are between various models? I'm thinking of like one of those things at the Aquarium that shows silhouettes of 18 different sharks so you can see how they differ in one spot.

[cmatthes]

I haven't seen it if it exists, but I can definitely recognize all the different variations instantly. I'd love to see a graphic like that so people will finally realize that I'm not totally insane.

[hamerhead]

Chris, can't he be banned for using the word 'infographic'?

[cynic]

No infographic, but it's pretty easy to see the differences. The lack of roundness on the pointy parts, the rocking horse curve on the far left, and the angles being off all help to create the wrong proportions.

[Armitage]

Dean, Hamer and Gibson use a different radius for the points... Gibsons seems to vary theirs often. Hamer pushes the neck in one fret compared to Dean.

[it's me HHB]

it's like noticing that an SG isn't symmetrical. edited for stupidity LOL

[aknapp]

it's like noticing that an SG isn't semetrical

Wait...WHAT?!?!?

[it's me HHB]

it's like noticing that an SG isn't semetrical

Wait...WHAT?!?!?

Oh it changes you....

[it's me HHB]

Or symmetrical lol

[serial]

The 76-82 Explorer looked good imho:

The "76 Explorer Reissue" is that hideous pointy POS pictured in Cynic's thread above and looks nothing like a '76 Explorer.

[hamerhead]

Wow. You guys are like true connoisseurs of the 'Explorer' shape. I never gave it a second thought really.

That is, until Mike released a sleeker version.......

[Jakeboy]

That '76 brings back memories.....but the Ultimate has softened the pain BIG TIME!

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

Best guitar shape IMO

[tbonesullivan]

it's like noticing that an SG isn't symmetrical.

Or that the bevels were different just about every year.

[Boomerang~Junkie]

I haven't seen it if it exists, but I can definitely recognize all the different variations instantly. I'd love to see a graphic like that so people will finally realize that I'm not totally insane.

Hmmm, after hanging around here this long . . . it might take more than a graphic to pull that off!

[sixesandsevens]

Here's a great top-down shot of El Duave's Shiskov Ultimate for comparison:

[ARM OF HAMER]

symmetrical? what does that mean? sweep picking anyone?

[mc2]

^^^^^^^^

What the hell is THAT ?!? A Gibson Explorer Harp Guitar?

Is that real or Photoshopped?

[cmatthes]

Real.

[Sugartune]

symmetrical? what does that mean? sweep picking anyone?

Nice guitarp. I've been hoping that one actually existed.

[ARM OF HAMER]

It does really exist and you can buy it.................well not this one but LARK STREET MUSIC has a similar one for sale. HERE is the listing..*GIBSON Electric solid body, Harp Guitar, Custom Shop 1992, 18 strings,

the 'Aircraft Carrier' rises from the deep, one (long) zebra Humbucker, one of a kind,
'68 pots, huge case lined with '60s Gibson Yellow lining, made by Roger Giffin,
pluck it, slide on it, ebow it, exc.......$9,900 Look at the bottom of the GIBSON SOLIDBODY GUITARS listing and click on the little guitar on the left to see photos of the huge beast.!http://www.larkstreetmusic.com/

[elduave]

More, fun!

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/72494-ultimate-shape/

[The Shark]

Here's a great top-down shot of El Duave's Shiskov Ultimate for comparison:

I don't care about the specifics. That's the perfect "Explorer" shape and the best one yet. It's my opinion and I'm not humble. The best.