Left Handed Explorer Guitars

Welcome to the world of left handed guitarists and join in the search for a left handed Explorer. Unfortunately, Gibson currently does not produce any left handed Explorers.

Maybe you've been lucky picking up a used one on eBay or a used instrument store, or maybe you haven't. From second hand information it is my understanding that there was a limited run of Gibson USA Explorers from 1983 through 1988.

Like I said, I heard it through another individual so I'm not sure if that is completely accurate. I am certain however that there are used left handed Explorers out there in limited supply and high demand. The explorer has its place in guitar history, and left hand guitarists would appreciate being part of that history.

The Explorer puts forth an image of power, and an image of strength. It was way ahead of its time when first released, but its association with hard rock and heavy metal has made it a staple of the music industry.

Left Hander's Input...

We are always looking for input regarding these guitars. If you can add any additional facts, production amounts, or Explorer history on the Gibsons, send us an email.

We'd love to post any additional information on Gibsons or any other brand similar in appearance to the original Explorer.

If you happen to be a current owner of a rare left handed Gibson Explorer please visit the gallery and help us out by uploading a picture into the explorer collection.

Our photo gallery consists of various brands of Explorer shaped guitars. We like to see Explorer shaped guitars from other maunfacturers as well as true Gibson's, and we are especially interested in left-hand guitars in particular.

Other Left Handed Explorers

Gibson's custom shop will produce a left handed Gibson Explorer if your pockets are deep enough. This is an option for some players. For those looking elsewhere, there are other manufacturers out there who provide options.

If you can afford a custom built explorer, the Hamer Standard is available through their Custom shop. They retail for around $4,400.00.

Their shop is located in Bloomfield, CT USA and if you can afford a custom build, you can simply contact one of their authorized dealers. According to their website, there is a 4 -6 month wait to complete a custom order.

Dean also made a left handed Explorer shape guitar (model Z79 or model ZX) with their unique Dean V shaped headstock. These are very hard to find in left handed versions therefore the current price is unknown.

Gordon Smith is located in the UK, although I don't know much about them, there is a photo of a left handed Explorer style guitar in our photo gallery. This may be another viable source for custom left handed guitars if you live in this region of the world.

Also, there are SX guitars and Agile guitars which are good quality imports geared more toward beginners. Their prices are very reasonable and they are available in the USA.

Gaskell Guitars is a reputable company that makes an Explorer shape guitar in a left handed production model at an affordable price. This company is Australian and is concentrating on left handed guitars only, they are available in the states through some of the online venues. They produce various colors and also a pro model for a few more dollars.

That's Life for Lefty's

Until Gibson changes their mind, that's life for lefty's... Left handed guitarists can still own a Explorer type guitar produced by other guitar manufacturers. Gaskell produces the Gaskell Classic and Gaskell Pro in various colors. Also stop by eBay and you will clearly see there is no shortage of Chinese left handed explorer shape guitars up for grabs.

The quality of Chinese explorer guitars is a concern, but there are options if someone was willing to roll the dice.

SX produces an Explorer style guitar in left handed versions called the GG2, this is budget friendly and is available in black and maroon only.

Left Handed Guitar Forum

I took the time to contact Gibson and I was told that the demand for left handed guitars is low all around, therefore there were no plans in the immediate future to produce the Explorer in a left handed version.

It would require complete re-tooling of their production line which makes it impractical for them to devote their resources to producing left handed guitars. This cookie-cutter answer makes no real sense.

Just how many left hand guitarists are interested in owning a lefty Explorer? Why don't we find out... I'd started a basic petition to submit to Gibson with names of perspective Explorer buyers.

Maybe if we could drum up enough names to send in to Gibson USA, they would consider a short term run of left handed Explorer guitars. Left handed guitarists only please, check out our petition here.

You can also voice your opinion in the the left handed guitar thread of the Gibson forum. There is a possibility of being heard in their forum.

Although we've launched our own forum so guitarists can voice their thoughts. You'll need to register, but it's quick and painless. Oh yeah, we do not share email addresses with anyone, so take a minute and register...

Stand by for the left hand guitar forum at "Explorer Guitars".

The Left-Handed Brain

How does the left-handed brain affect music? Left-handed people can exhibit differences in brain configuration compared to right-handed individuals. While left-handedness is not necessarily an indication of significant brain differences, research has shown that there are some distinct characteristics that can be observed in the brains of left-handed individuals:

1. Brain Asymmetry: The brains of left-handed individuals often show greater variability in terms of hemispheric specialization compared to right-handed individuals. This means that certain functions, such as language processing, might be distributed differently across the brain hemispheres in left-handed individuals.
2. Cerebral Cortex: Studies have suggested that the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, can be organized differently in left-handed individuals. Some areas of the cerebral cortex may be thicker or show different patterns of connectivity.
3. Corpus Callosum: The corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres, can be structurally different in left-handed individuals. This can affect the speed and efficiency of communication between the hemispheres.
4. Functional Differences: Some research has indicated that left-handed individuals might have differences in the way they process language, spatial awareness, and certain cognitive functions.

Left-handedness is a complex trait influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Brain differences between left-handed and right-handed individuals are not always significant, and not all left-handed people will exhibit these differences. Additionally, the brain is highly adaptable, and individual variations in brain structure and function can be present regardless of handedness.

Overall, while there are some observed differences in brain configuration among left-handed individuals, it's crucial to approach this topic with an understanding of the complexity and variability of human brain structure and function.

See also: Explorer Bass Guitars | Other Left handed Guitars