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I am trying to save up for another guitar. I want another Gibson ( I already have a Les Paul ). I just got a second job so maybe I'll be able to afford one before too long. I think I want an Explorer or Flying V. Has anyone ever had either of these guitars ? What do you like / dislike about them ? What's the current thinking about them ? Which would you choose if you had to be stuck on a dessert island with one ( and a power supply and an amp ) ?

man, if i was stuck on a dessert island, i'd become another yngwie.

I would have to go with the Explorer. IMO they sound pretty much the same, so the catalyst for me is the shape. And I find the V to be a pain in the ass when played sitting.

The Gibson V has a timeless shape. Maybe not as popular as a Strat or a Les Paul, but everyone knows what it is.
The 'Hard Rock Cafe' uses it in their logo because it's current and nostalgic at the same time.

An Explorer on the other hand appeals to a certain musical time and type. I expect the Explorer to become as passé as the 1980’s bands that used them.


Originally Posted by StringmachineI would have to go with the Explorer. IMO they sound pretty much the same, so the catalyst for me is the shape. And I find the V to be a pain in the ass when played sitting.actually if you play classical style its fine, and i prefer the V over the explorer anyways.

explorer for me i've been contemplating one for a while but not sure it's me if you know what i mean.

-Mike

Like Speed Demon, a ‘V’ is easy to play sitting down if you hold it like a classical guitar.
If you don’t know how to play a classic guitar, I would highly recommend it. You’ll learn what to do with the rest of your fingers If stranded on a desert island, a ‘V’ would stand up in the sand better (assuming you didn’t bring a stand). It would also make a more intimidating weapon should you find the island is actually occupied…


Originally Posted by ChaosThe Gibson V has a timeless shape. Maybe not as popular as a Strat or a Les Paul, but everyone knows what it is.
The 'Hard Rock Cafe' uses it in their logo because it's current and nostalgic at the same time.

An Explorer on the other hand appeals to a certain musical time and type. I expect the Explorer to become as passé as the 1980’s bands that used them.

Like U2

I like and own both. They each have their advantages.

Explorer!!!! Well both shapes are awesome, but the explorer is perfect for the metal james hetfield wide stances! Just cool. Vs are cool, too but explorers just kick ass!

I've owned an original 1967 Gibson Flying V ( around 1984-85 ) and played it for 6 years. That guitar's tone was very Les Paul-like as far as i can remember but no matter what, i just can not get myself to learn how to like it. Don't ask my why because i really can't pin point it.
I knew the real value of the '67 V and I ended up selling it to a collector in San Diego. It had some neck issues when i first got it as the previous owner stringed it with a huge set that I've ever seen with the wound G !! They looked like telephone wires!! I took it to a luthier and had it fixed and it turned out to be a great playing guitar. The first owner went bankrupt so he sold it to me for $500! I'll have to dig up some old pictures. It's a white V by the way.

I had a Hamer Standard and just got an Epi 67 V. I much prefer the tone of the V, less bass esp in the neck position. I find it more open tonally with more upper mids. It actually reminds me of my Strat in that it is not too thick on the bottom. I also like how the V feels when playing. The Exp dug into my body more than I liked. I thought I would like the Exp better, but I actually love how the V feels and sounds. I only loved how the Hamer looked. I could never dial it in tonally. Tried lots of pickups, magnets and caps.

lots of guys will tell you that they sound the same, I disagree...keep this in mind a V has a lot less wood and most V's (at least 58 Style V's) are also string through where an Explorer is like a Les Paul with a Stop Bar...I would go with either...I do not think 80's with either...I always think about Billy Gibbons!

Flying V =gt; Randy Rhoads... One of the greatist guitarist of all time... ya never saw him playin' an explorer did ya?... I didn't think so.

ROck On

On the other hand, James Hetfield =gt; Explorer...

But I'd agree with Kac, I just like the look of a V much more.

Mustaine ==gt; King V=) had to bring it up. its hard not to see a flying v and not think of mustaine for a second.


Originally Posted by DonLdukMustaine ==gt; King V=) had to bring it up. its hard not to see a flying v and not think of mustaine for a second.

I associate Albert King, Michael Schenker and Lenny Kravitz with a 'V'...(but it's probably due to my age )

the v was the way to go i got one when i was 16 from my parents and while mines a little beat people see it and go you brought that out to play something different or be flashy and i just say a little of each. i almost bought an explorer but i saw the v and had to have it plus the sound is good with my jb in the bridge.fits me just right plus the explorer looks too big on me since im not tall while the v is just right

hehe yeah remember michael schenker influenced mustaine and hetfield... heehe

Not much help here, but I've been jonesing for an Explorer for a long time.