Exceptionally rare and highly desirable Gibson Explorer III, produced for less than 12 months between 1984–1985, during a unique pre-Custom Shop era. This standout example features factory-selected premium appointments and a stunning uber-rare 'Night Violet' nitrocellulose finish, making it not only a formidable rock machine but a serious collector's , investor, or discerning player prize. Specs: Finish: Factory original 'Night Violet' nitrocellulose lacquer (extremely rare) Body: Offset solid Alder Neck: 1-piece Maple, slim C profile, fast-playing feel Fretboard: Unbound Ebony, 22 jumbo frets, dot inlays Scale Length: 24¾" (629mm) Hardware: Chrome Pickups: Neck: Seymour Duncan DDJ Middle: Seymour Duncan DDJ Bridge: Seymour Duncan ABR1B Controls: 1 Volume, 1 Tone 3-way pickup selector Additional 3-way toggle switch (appears to split coils) Bridge​/​Tailpiece: Nashville Tune-O-Matic with stop-bar Tuners: Original Gibson-scripted machines Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) (approx) Case: Original Gibson hard shell case with pink interior and silk 'lingerie' dust cover Classic looks and sound, with a stunning ‘Ebony’ fingerboard upgrade, and UBER RARE ‘Night Violet’ lacquered finish; a high-quality refinement normally only reserved for Custom Shop examples, this Gibson Explorer III is the real deal ‘Rock’ machine. There is a harmonic complexity, midrange sweetness, and top end clarity that this Explorer III delivers. This guitar offers the note attack and percussive cut of the combination 'Maple' neck and 'Ebony' fretboard, paired with the airy, smooth qualities of the 'Alder' wood body construction, resulting in a full, dynamic tone translating well through the fitted 3 x Seymour Duncan humbuckers (DDJ – Neck + DDJ - Middle + ABR1B – Bridge) that were installed before our current custodianship. The neck pickup could be described as a detailed, and round sound, while the bridge position humbucker has good smooth growl when pushed hard while retaining a chiming treble range, the middle pickup adds great body in conjunction with the neck and bridge P​/​ups when engaged using the combination of both the 3-way pickup toggle selector and the 2nd toggle switch that appears to split the coils. This instrument plays very comfortable, with the singing sustain afforded to a great 'Gibson' of this build quality, with a low action. The one-piece mahogany neck has a slender C profile that is particularly fast and effortless to play with moderate shoulder and limited taper up the fretboard. The ‘Ebony’ fretboard features dot inlays and clean factory frets showing only very light play wear beneath the plain strings. The neck is straight, the truss rod is ideally adjusted, and the guitar plays effortlessly in every register. The headstock sports the ‘Gibson’ logo, as well as a set of original ‘Gibson’ scripted machine heads that turn smoothly and hold pitch well. The Uber Rare ‘Night Violet’ nitro cellulose lacquered finish on the front of the guitar looks fresh and displays some fine crazing, with the rear of the guitar is in equally in excellent condition. All of the electronics have been checked and work as they should to the original ‘Gibson’ circuit diagram for this model. Lightly played, and lovingly cherished, this rare custom shop features Explorer III guitar is extremely clean overall; save for some very light polishing swirls, a few handling marks and light lacquer imperfections, all consummate with its age and careful stewardship. The guitar comes with its equally uber-rare, original fitted Gibson monogrammed hard-shell case, with pink silk ‘lingerie’ cover for transit. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. We can provide additional condition photos on request. A very rare opportunity to purchase a highly desirable Gibson Explorer III, with uber rare pre-custom shop upgrades, for the Collector, Investor and Discerning Stage player, in excellent overall condition, significantly appreciating in value due to the very limited numbers made, and the very high-quality upgrades, build and finish features; on this factory selected instrument, normally only reserved for 'one off' pre-custom shop’ releases of this period. Not only a stellar guitar but a very sound investment piece! FREE SHIPPING ! Delivery Conditions: This guitar will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount. CCG T&C's apply at all times (see shop policies)