Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG Ebony

The Essentials to Know About the Explorer 80s EMG Ebony Guitar

• Embracing the "80s spirit": an Explorer inspired by the iconic 1984 model, featuring a sleek, sharp, and decidedly metal aesthetic.


• Strong attack, generous sustain: mahogany body and neck for a dense low end and natural note hold.


• Modern riff machine: active EMG 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) pickups for precision, saturation, and bite.


• Reliable tuning and locked hardware: Graph Tech nut + LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece.

An Explorer Born in 1958, Becoming a Hard Rock and Metal Icon

First appearing in the late 1950s, the Explorer shape initially divided opinions before establishing itself as a symbol of power and modernity. In the 1970s, its futuristic look attracted more and more guitarists, and the 1980s propelled it to icon status thanks to hard rock and metal. The Explorer 80s EMG carries this "retrofuturistic" DNA by paying tribute to the rebellious spirit of the era, while adding a clear focus on big tone, stability, and stage efficiency.

Who Is It For? An Electric Guitar Tailored for Heavy Rock and Metal

This Explorer is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists looking for a guitar ready to handle heavy tunings, tight palm mutes, and modern saturations without struggling against noise and imprecision. It excels in hard rock, thrash, heavy, modern metal, but remains very effective in powerful rock whenever a firm rhythm and a solo that cuts through the mix are needed. The 60s SlimTaper neck profile encourages fast and comfortable playing, ideal for riff sequences and lead lines.

Active EMG Pickups, Mahogany, and Set-Neck Construction: Clear Attack and Definition Guaranteed

The EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck combo gives the Explorer 80s EMG a very direct identity: sharp attack, precise high end, firm lows, and excellent control under heavy saturation. The EMG 81 delivers the typical bite for metal rhythms, with remarkable clarity on complex chords. The EMG 60 at the neck maintains great definition for leads, with a rounder, more articulated tone. All this is supported by the mahogany body and neck and set-neck joint, which enhance sustain and the feeling of density under the fingers. Controls remain simple and effective (two volumes, one tone) to shape your dynamics without complicating live operation.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The guitar comes with a premium Epiphone gig bag. For powering the active pickups, plan on a 9V battery (not included): the rear compartment allows quick replacement. It comes factory-strung with .010 - .046 gauges, so you can use the same string set to maintain the same comfort and tension.

Technical specifications

Left handed	No	Nbr of strings	6
Strings	Steel	Color	Black

Type	electric guitar	Bridge	LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Shape	Explorer	Tailpiece	LockTone Stop Bar
Body style	Explorer	Tuners	mini die-cast
Wood	mahogany	Tuner plating	nickel
Finish	Gloss	Hardware finish	nickel
Body/neck joint	set-neck	Control knobs	knurled metal
Profile	60s SlimTaper	Control finish	black
Truss rod	double action	Pickup rings	black
Fingerboard	rosewood	Pickup covers	black
Radius	12.0" / 304.8 mm	Pickguard	none
Number of frets	22	Plastic parts	black
Fret type	medium jumbo	Jack plate	black plastic
Inlays	pearloid dots	Pickup selector knob	ivory
Scale length	24.75" / 628.65 mm	Strap buttons	2 (bottom and upper horn)
Nut	Graph Tech	Truss rod cover	black double-layer bell
Nut width	43.0 mm / 1.69"