This is one of those "if you know you know" guitars. Gibson first introduced the Explorer in 1958 and it's safe to say that it just wasn't made for those times, as very few were shipped between '58-'59. These guitars are amongst the most sort after in the world today. Another build run was released in 1963 using parts from the original release, then nothing. 

This guitar is from a limited edition run of reissues that appeared in 1976 and although not as rare as it's earlier counterpart, is still a collectors item in it's own right. Part of the esteem is thanks to The Edge. He picked one of these '76 Limited Ed. Explorers early on in U2's career, and it would go on to feature on numerous songs and become synonymous with his sound. 

This example is all original aside from having a refret (using Jescar 58118 stainless steel frets) and a new nut installed. This work was done here in Auckland by Ramsay Phillips. A new strap button screw has also been installed. The original frets, nut and screw are in the case, along with a small piece of 'tar' that came off the back of neck pickup. Both pickups are the original Gibson 'Tarbacks' and they are both ring crystal clear. The gold hardware is tarnishing in a period correct fashion and there is a small ding on the end of the headstock. There is also a small blemish in the finish on the back of the guitar but aside from that she's been very well cared for. 

SERIAL NUMBER: 00230489
BODY: Mahogany
COLOUR: Natural
FINISH: Nitro
NECK: Mahogany
NECK SHAPE: '59 C 
SCALE LENGTH: 24.75"
FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 12" 
FRETS: 22 
NUT: Bone
NUT WIDTH: 1.714 
HEADSTOCK SHAPE: Hockey Stick
NECK PLATE: N/A
NECK FINISH: Nitro
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
POSITION INLAYS: Dots
BRIDGE PICKUP: Tarback
MIDDLE PICKUP: N/A
NECK PICKUP: Tarback
CONTROLS: Vol/Vol/Tone
BRIDGE: ABR-1
TUNERS: Gibson Deluxe (Kluson style)
CONTROL KNOBS: Gold Speed Knobs
WEIGHT: 3.53 kg or 7.78 lbs