SOLD! - 1976 Gibson Explorer Limited Edition Natural

Purchased from the original owners family, this 1976 LE Explorer is an amazing sounding guitar with a lovely local Dutch legacy. No cracks, breaks, repairs or routings!

Late 70's this Explorer was bought by Dutch guitarist Bob Struik (10/12/1951- 23/12/2023) who played in local bands like Charley's Wain, Memory Lane, Down The Line, Gamble and Purple House but he was also a regular drop-in guitarist for famous Dutch bands as Brainbox and The Amazing Stroopwafels!!

Bob also was a very talented teacher and recorded several of his own work besides playing on stages all over The Netherlands and abroad. His work can be found on his still remaining youtube channel www.youtube.com/@bobstruik1951.

Playing this very Explorer you can find "Razor Blade" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgSmMgYbe5s) "Dispair" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=KttZUYtT8g0) "Boogie" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqfbMT7h6c) "Dark" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDYD4rmGTH8) and a tribute to the famous "Albatross" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP3ua2bE11s)

As Bob was a real artist and player, he found the bridge pickup too agressive and had it replaced by a Gibson 2.737.842 Patent Number engraved T-Top Humbucker which adds more sparkle to the neck pickup but still remains sweet and warm. The bridge pickup is the original 1976 Gibson Bill Lawrence Tarback Super Humbucker that sounds aggressive and punchy, a perfect match to this Explorer and the neck pickup! The POTS date 2 x week 36 1976 and 1 x 1980. The white pickup rings were already on there since the 70's as you can see in the earliest black and white photo. According to the family they were already on there when Bob purchased it as nothing else was changed. Hardware, plastics, tuners, finish, knobs, pickguard, switch, etc are all original. Weighs a nice 3.8Kg and it really feels so smooth and easy you could play this all night long.

Comes in the original Gibson Brown rectangular case with purple plush lining and dust cover/shroud.