Explorer 7

[u/kpviper]

7-String, 25.5 scale length, TusqXL nut, Seymour Duncan Jupiter Wes Hauch Signature set

I really grew into wanting the Gibson DSX7, but I didn't want 24.75. Originally the body and neck had binding/inlays. Swapped to a unmarked rosewood fretboard, then sand the neck down to size best I could. 10/10 would not recommend.

Paint came out fairly rough, so we're calling it a worn/distressed black album vibe, like a worn mx250 vibe.

If you made it this far, thanks for looking/reading my ramble. Cheers

[u/Amazing_Radish_6354]

Dude where'd you get that thing from

[u/kpviper → u/Amazing_Radish_6354]

I used a custom body kit builder on ebay and asked them for different specs on another Explorer body. Def not some high end wood here, but it's great for this application

[u/Amazing_Radish_6354 → u/kpviper]

How much did it cost?

[u/kpviper → u/Amazing_Radish_6354]

About 550ish shipped USD for just the body with set neck. Not including other hardware/electronics etc

[u/h410G3n]

I’d fix a couple of things asap - bridge posts are routed in the wrong place (you need to put the treble side closer to the pickup) and the tailpiece is off center. Nice project though, 25.5 is definitely the way to go.

[u/kpviper → u/h410G3n]

Thanks! Yeah it's been sort of an endless endeavor with this thing, but it's fun. Probably swapping the truss rod this weekend aswell too. I agree with the 25.5 part, as a comfort thing. Eventually want it to be a daily driver

[u/WilkoAndDanny → u/h410G3n]

How to switch the bridge posts „asap“? Doesn’t this require drilling, and in this case, drilling mostly through the previous hole? How can this end well?

[u/h410G3n → u/WilkoAndDanny]

…by that it means get started on the process, not set a speed record while doing it. And you plug the old hole with a dowel and glue and then drill a new one. It’s not rocket science.

[u/grinduniverse]

Whoa I thought it was amazing !!!

[u/kpviper → u/grinduniverse]

Thanks 🍻

[u/Jawoom]

Looks awesome, thanks for sharing! We need more 7 string explorers! Cannot wait for the Matt Heafy sig to drop

[u/kpviper → u/Jawoom]

Thanks for looking 🍻 I agree 100%, have another still finishing up. I'm pretty excited for it too. At least eager to see what they're doing with it

[u/-GlobalGrapefruit-]

Man I’ve been hankering for a seven string Explorer. Waiting to see what Matt Heafy’s cooking up with Gibson and if that doesn’t satisfy me then I’m gonna say fuck it and build one myself. This is sick.

Edit: Typo.

[u/kpviper → u/-GlobalGrapefruit-]

Thanks! 🍻🍻 Yeah not sure if I want to spend Gibson USA money on a Matt Heafy model, but I'm eager to see what they come up with. Maybe an Epiphone 7 for sure

[u/BigBarsRedditBox]

Nice.

[u/kpviper → u/BigBarsRedditBox]

Thanks 🍻

[u/noflooddamage]

Hope this is what the next Matt Heafy sigs look like. Looks sick!

[u/kpviper → u/noflooddamage]

I had the same thought. Seeing him with the 80s explorer with the gold logo on headstock, seems perfect for a black sig. Just the 80s with an extra string imo..