Gibson Explorer and Age Question

[Goldmember]

Hi Mates,

(Yes, I realize that I may be opening myself up to the, "why give a $hit what people think" and "grow up, man" types of responses, but I trust you guys here at the Rooms of Tone, so go easy....It's an age-related question.)

I have always loved the looks, the feel, the taste, the shmell...(you get it)...of the Explorer. I have loved them since I was 14 years old. I'm thinking of buying a 2017 T in black, but, at the age of 53, does the Explorer, with its highly groovy styling, look silly on us older gents that are not famous musicians? I must remind myself that I'm not in my 20s and 30s. Can this be pulled off in gigs without looking affected, similar to wearing a costume or a toupée? I understand that, if it feels good and plays good, nothing else matters. I respect your thoughts on this.

 

[CabanaBoy]

I say go for it. In my opinion you've gotta like the guitar your playing to play your best. If someone doesn't like the way it looks or has some other issue with it, then they've got issues - know what I mean...

 

[gball]

Do it. Play what you want, do it with conviction.

 

[Tony M.]

You're an old guy.
Buy an ES 335/345/355.
or one of each.
Then if you still want the Explorer go for it.

 

[guitarweasel]

One of my favorite guitar's I use it regularly and I'm 62!

 

[Six String]

Rock on Weas........ and Goldmember too!

 

[Kerry Brown]

Mines up for sale right now but whenever I play it live the audience seems to like it. I always get comments about it, usually good ones.

 

[jtcnj]

Well Kerry did well with it and it looks good on the Weasel.
Its not like a bad toupe man, go for it.
If I worried about what people think I'd be more f*cked up than I already am.

Kerry if I had the gear budget I'd be asking about it, and I'll be 53 shortly.

 

[lynurdfireburd]

One of my favorite guitar's I use it regularly and I'm 62!View attachment 1677

...& you look great doing it.

I'm 50 & I have one. Can't play worth a shart, but I have one because I love 'em. Rick Medlocke, Edge, etc. had me hankerin for one since day one.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

get one if you like them i say.i like Explores myself. always wanted a Korina one.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

Guitarweasle thats a real beaut of a Explorer

 

[Goldmember]

@guitarweasel : I can dig it. Weas is on fire...Rock that gold hardware!!!

Thanks for the feedback, everybody. I'm attached to my SGs so much. I have a good analogy: SG is to an AK-74 as an Explorer is to a Dragunov.

 

[guitarweasel]

Guitarweasle thats a real beaut of a Explorer

Thanks, that's a 1976 Limited Edition, it's a screamer!

 

[Tony M.]

I like my idea best.

 

[shreddy bender]

You're never too old to rock and roll!
James Hetfield is gotta be around 50ish now....https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hetfield

If the guitar sounds good ( and I know it does) just do it!

 

[Six String]

Mines up for sale right now but whenever I play it live the audience seems to like it. I always get comments about it, usually good ones.

Chick magnet?

 

[jjudas]

Do it!!! Get the Explorer!

 

[Kerry Brown]

Chick magnet?

My wife likes it!

 

[Paul G.]

I'm getting close to retirement, and any guitar purchase is a frivolous and possibly stupid thing to do. Yet I persist.

I wouldn't hesitate to get an Explorer if I had the resources. I wouldn't hesitate to strap it on right in front of God and (wo)man without shame or embarrassment.

Geez, I just bought a gold Firebird -- can't get gaudier and more in your face than that!

P

 

[gasket]

According to Mr Google the Explorer made it's debut in 1958 therefore you shouldn't be thinking about how an older person looks playing one. You should be thinking how silly the younger ones look playing old style guitars.
Think about this if you had a 1958 Chev Corvette would you think young people look good in such so I better not be seen driving it?