Gordon Smith Explorer Guitars
The Gordon Smith Explorer appears to be a nice Explorer reproduction. It is actually called the Gordon Smith Explorer. We are hoping to get some Gordon Smith reviews in our forum to clarify the level of playability.
About Gordon Explorers
So, in a nutshell, I have no personal knowledge of Gordon Smith Guitars at all. Any information I have compiled has come through reading magazines or internet articles.
Their official website is located here. However, I don't see any GSG distributors listed for the USA.
The lack of American distributors is a key indicator that these guitars are not as popular here as they are elsewhere.
As I troll the GSG website, gordonsmithguitars.com, I see a quote from an American guitar magazine that says Gordon Smith guitars are to England what Gibson guitars are to the United States.
These are strong words to identify with GSG however I will leave the opinion on Gordon Smith guitars wide open. They have an excellent reputation and their guitar manufacturing dates back over twenty five years.
They don't list the Explorer as a current model anymore so unfortunatley I think it is discontinued.. The last model listed had plenty of options for those who know what they want in a guitar.
It looked as though they use Brazilian cedar for the guitar body and Brazilian Mahogany for the neck, coupled with a Rosewood fretboard to cap off a great looking instrument.
This is all the specific info I have right now but if you'd like to add to this description I'd appreciate any information on Gordon Smith guitar ownership.
I'm looking for descriptions, pictures, production years, availablilty, and that sort of info. Any kind of thoughts and overall experience with playing a Gordon Smith Explorer would be ideal. If you can help out, please do.
Gordon Smith Guitars for Sale
Gordon Smith Guitars does not have a vast network of worldwide distributors like some larger guitar manufacturers. They are a relatively smaller, boutique-style guitar maker based in the United Kingdom, and their distribution may be more limited compared to larger, more established brands.
Gordon Smith Guitars primarily operates as a custom guitar builder, and they have a direct sales approach through their official website and a select number of authorized dealers in the UK and a few other countries. They are known for their personalized customer service and handcrafted approach.
Becasue of limited global sales, finding Gordon Smith guitars for sale may produce the best results using online "marketsites" like Ebay or Amazon.
Gordon Smith Explorer Forum
Stand by for the return of the Gordon Smith guitar forum...
Gordon Smith for Dummies
The first Gordon Smith guitar was made in 1974. Gordon Smith Guitars is a British guitar manufacturer based in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. The company was founded by Gordon Whitham and John Smith in the early 1970s.
Gordon Whitham had been repairing and modifying guitars for local musicians, and together with John Smith, they decided to start building their own guitars. Their first guitar, the GS1 model, was completed in 1974. It was a single-cutaway electric guitar with a bolt-on neck and featured a simple and utilitarian design.
The early Gordon Smith guitars gained recognition for their quality craftsmanship and sound, appealing to local musicians in the Northamptonshire area. Over the years, the company expanded its lineup, introducing various models and custom options while maintaining a focus on handcrafted guitars.
Today, Gordon Smith Guitars continues to be a respected name in the UK guitar industry, known for producing high-quality instruments with a strong emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their guitars are popular among players seeking boutique-level instruments with a unique character and a touch of British guitar-making heritage.
While Gordon Smith guitars are not typically associated with being specifically designed for heavy metal, they can still be suitable for a variety of musical genres, including heavy metal. The popularity of a guitar for a specific genre largely depends on individual player preferences, the guitar's features, and how it is set up.
Gordon Smith guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and versatility. Many models feature solid tonewoods, which contribute to their resonance and sustain. Additionally, the guitars often have simple and utilitarian designs, making them effective tools for players who prioritize performance and playability.
Heavy metal guitarists generally look for guitars that can deliver high-output tones, fast and comfortable necks for shredding, and stable tuning. While Gordon Smith guitars may not be specifically marketed as heavy metal instruments, they can be well-suited for this genre with the right pickups and setup.
Customization is also a common practice among guitarists in the heavy metal genre. Many players modify their guitars to suit their preferred tone and playability. With the right pickups and electronic modifications, a Gordon Smith guitar can be tailored to deliver the aggressive and powerful tones that heavy metal demands.
Other Explorer style guitars...
See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai