I've been trying to find some information on this particular model guitar (Gibson Explorer E/2) on the Net but can't find anything. This was a particular model Explorer made in the late 70's to 1980 but then without warning was apparently "pulled" from the market in the middle of the night without warning. No further E/2's have been produced since then from what I can gather there isn't any historical information on these except for from what I've heard through word of mouth from people who remember when Gibson were making them.
Some say that the E/2's were so expensive to produce that Gibson wasn't making a enough of a profit. Others say that they were just "too damn awesome dude" and Gibson decided to halt production and continue to make the bland, boring Explorers that we saw in the previous years and see again today. (.. as overpriced reissues of the bland '76 model)
The E/2's were rumored to have a much smoother bodystyle, carved away to fit snug against the chest. High end gold hardware... and tone that was unbeatable.
Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere for sale and the last one I found was a 1980 on Ebay (pristine/mint) condition that was sold for $4200.
Although, I'm more of a Fender guy myself.. I'm still trying to find a recource on these E2 models to learn what the real story was behind them. A mystery!
Some say that the E/2's were so expensive to produce that Gibson wasn't making a enough of a profit. Others say that they were just "too damn awesome dude" and Gibson decided to halt production and continue to make the bland, boring Explorers that we saw in the previous years and see again today. (.. as overpriced reissues of the bland '76 model)
The E/2's were rumored to have a much smoother bodystyle, carved away to fit snug against the chest. High end gold hardware... and tone that was unbeatable.
Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere for sale and the last one I found was a 1980 on Ebay (pristine/mint) condition that was sold for $4200.
Although, I'm more of a Fender guy myself.. I'm still trying to find a recource on these E2 models to learn what the real story was behind them. A mystery!