Gibson and Leo Scala have unveiled the latest in their Master Artisan Collection – and if your name is James and/or Hetfield, or Edge/The, then you are gonna love these meticulously aged, über-boutique takes on one of the Nashville brand’s most iconic electric guitars.
You all know the deal with this Master Artisan Collection. It’s a series available exclusively from the Gibson Garage Nashville. The prices range from $25,000 to $40,000. It is Gibson through the looking glass. Past editions have included bizarro takes on the tulip-shaped Theodore, and the frankly awesome 2022 collection of single-pickup Flying Vs.
Well, this is another occasion in which Gibson lets Scala cook and, boy, does he cook, putting together 10 one-of-one custom Explorers that are at once nothing like we have seen before, and yet somehow speak to the very essential of Ted McCarty’s most radical design – a guitar that took some time to catch on. As Scala says, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it was debuted in 1958.
“They only made 19 models, and if I was to look at the Explorer and compare to the other instruments you will have what I call ‘pretty guitars,’ and you will have guitars that are just badass guitars,” he says.
“[The] Explorer… This is a badass instrument and not everybody can wear it and play it – you have to have the persona for the Explorer. It is such an interesting instrument. It was an interesting design. It didn’t work well at the time, and then it just caught up and became one of the most popular guitars ever made.”
Quite so. You really do need to be kind of badass to pull off an Explorer, these great wedges of mahogany – or, as in the original ‘58s, and as we have here, korina.
Gibson and Scala are calling these the ’58 Addiction Explorers, on account of them speaking to both Scala’s addiction to building these mega-deluxe electric guitars, and our addiction to buying them – the rarer the better.
Gibson Master Artisan Collection | Leo Scala ’58 Addiction Explorers – YouTube
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All share the all-korina build, with that big ol’ shape carved out of korina, and that big ol’ ’58 profile neck carved out of korina before being glued to the body using hot hide glue. The electric guitar pickup combination stays true to the dual-humbucker format.
But no two are alike. Some have Tune-O-Matic bridges and others have Maestro Vibrolas. The humbuckers have been hand-wound by Scala.
Each color finish is different to the next. Some finishes are in states of distress that the venerable Tom Murphy might describe as Light Aged, others have finishes that only Cormac McCarthy could describe in his post-apocalyptic fiction.
Post-apocalyptic is how you might describe your finances after buying one of these but then, in this day and age, in which the collector’s market is running hot, you might well see a decent return on your investment.
For more details, pop your head in the door at the Gibson Garage Nashville – or head over to Gibson.
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“It Didn’t Work Well at the Time. Then It Just Became One of the Most Popular Guitars Ever Made”: The Latest in Gibson and Leo Scala’s Master Artisan Collection
A True Love Letter to the O.G. Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer,now enshrined in guitar legend,started as a bold experiment that initially struggled to find its footing in the market. Designed in the late 1950s, its radical body shape was ahead of its time-too futuristic for many players and dealers of the era. However, through persistence and later cultural adoption, this unique guitar climbed out of obscurity to become one of the most iconic instruments ever crafted by Gibson.
In the newest chapter of the Explorer’s legacy, Gibson has teamed up with master luthier Leo Scala to craft a sublime tribute to this iconic guitar as part of the Master Artisan Collection. This collaboration is more than a reproduction-it’s a genuine love letter to the original Explorer (O.G. Explorer), delivering an extraordinary experience for collectors, players, and fans of rare, vintage-inspired guitars.
Leo Scala & Gibson: Redefining the Explorer In the Master Artisan Collection
Leo Scala’s approach to guitar building is a harmonious blend of vintage respect and modern precision. When he and Gibson joined forces, the goal was to resurrect the classic Explorer spirit, retaining the raw power and design rebelliousness while integrating contemporary craftsmanship techniques that onyl elevate the guitar’s playability and tone.
Key Features of the Leo Scala Master Artisan Explorer
- Vintage-Inspired body Shape: Faithful to the original ’58 Explorer angularity, showcasing aggressive lines and a bold stance.
- Premium Mahogany Construction: Using carefully selected tonewoods known for rich, warm resonance. This mirrors Explorer’s lineage with Les Paul and SG, all mahogany-bodied for similar tonal characteristics but unique personality.[1]
- Hand-Carved and Assembled: Leo Scala’s signature hand-sculpting techniques ensure unique contours, delivering smooth playability and remarkable feel.
- custom Pickups: Revoiced pickups that offer the punch, clarity, and sustain legendary to Gibson Explorers, with a hint of modern voicing for versatility.
- Master Artisan Detailing: From vintage-style tuning machines to meticulous binding and finish details.
The Iconic Journey of the Gibson Explorer
When the Explorer debuted,it faced skepticism given its unconventional design for the conservative 1950s market. Originally, its futuristic shape resulted in limited sales, and many shops rejected the guitar outright. Though, the Explorer steadily found fans among rock and metal players drawn to its aggressive tone and striking appearance.
Its enduring popularity is bolstered by:
- Association with Legendary Players: From James Hetfield (Metallica) to Allen collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd), the Explorer became a stage staple for guitarists pushing sonic boundaries.
- Tonal Gravitas: Similar to the Les Paul and SG, all featuring mahogany bodies contributing to a rich midrange punch.[1]
- Visual Iconoclasm: The bold angular shape set a precedent for edgy guitar design, influencing many subsequent models and gaining cult status.
Rare guitar Addiction: What Makes the O.G. Explorer Coveted
Collectors and guitar enthusiasts alike harbor a deep captivation with rare, original Gibson Explorers-often driven by:
- Ancient Significance: As one of Gibson’s first attempts at modernizing electric guitar shape and tone in the late ’50s.
- Limited Original Production: Early Explorers are rare and difficult to acquire, making them highly sought-after in vintage markets.
- Unique Sound Profile: The use of mahogany body and neck paired with the original PAF-style pickups deliver tones that stand the test of time.
- Musical Heritage: Every scratch and dent on these guitars holds a story, tying collectors to music history.
benefits of Owning or Playing a Master artisan Explorer
| Benefit | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Authentic Vintage Tone | Replicates the rich, warm sound of the original Explorer’s mahogany body and pickups. |
| Exceptional Playability | hand-carved craftsmanship enhances comfort and responsiveness on stage or in the studio. |
| Investment Value | Limited edition Master Artisan models appreciate over time, becoming prized collector’s items. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Bold, iconic design stands out in any player’s collection or performance. |
| Cultural Connection | Playing a piece of rock history linked to legendary guitarists and moments in music. |
Practical Tips for New Explorer Owners
- Handle Neck Dive: Some Gibson Explorers are known to have slight neck dive. Interestingly, Explorer weight can vary from ~7.5 to 8.5 pounds, influencing balance considerably.[3] Expect lighter Explorers to potentially have some neck dive and plan strap adjustments accordingly.
- Pickup Experimentation: While the Master Artisan explorer comes with expertly voiced pickups, players can experiment with aftermarket pickups to tailor their sound further.
- Proper Maintainance: Due to the mahogany body and vintage-inspired setup, humidity control and regular upkeep will preserve the guitar’s tonal qualities and aesthetic.
- Amplifier Pairing: Pair the Explorer with amps that highlight mid-range warmth and distortion clarity for optimal sound.
First-Hand Experiences: How Players React to the Master Artisan Explorer
Guitarists who’ve played the new Leo Scala Master Artisan Explorer report a deep connection to the instrument’s roots while enjoying elevated modern playability:
- “It’s like holding history, but it feels just right in my hands – smooth, balanced, and rich sounding.”
- “The tonal punch is unmistakably Explorer, but with superior clarity and sustain. Perfect for both bluesy riffs and heavy metal chug.”
- “Leo Scala’s attention to detail means no two guitars feel exactly the same – each one has its own soul.”
Comparing the Explorer with Other Gibson Icons
| Model | body Wood | Typical Weight | Tonal Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson Explorer | Mahogany | 7.5 – 8.5 lbs | warm, mid-rich punch with sharp attack and sustain |
| Les Paul | Mahogany + Maple Top | 8.5 – 10 lbs | Thick, creamy sustain with smooth highs |
| SG | Mahogany | 6.5 – 7.5 lbs | Bright, biting tone with fast response |
While all three models share similar mahogany construction and pickup styles, the Explorer’s shape and weight distribution offer a very distinct playing feel and visual impact.[1]
Why This Collaboration Matters for Rare Guitar Enthusiasts
Gibson and Leo Scala’s Master Artisan Collection Explorer is more than a guitar; it’s an embodiment of passion, history, and meticulous craftsmanship. For collectors and players addicted to rare guitars, it offers:
- Authenticity: Rooted deeply in Gibson’s pioneering legacy.
- Exclusivity: A limited production run that guarantees uniqueness.
- Value both in emotional connection and potential appreciation over time.
This guitar helps keep the Explorer story alive, inspiring new generations of guitar heroes while satisfying the craving for rarity and excellence that defines the rare guitar community.
