Gibson Explorer Custom Sparkle Silver Ex Matthias Jabs Scorpions

Few guitars have managed to maintain their exceptional status over time. Yet, that’s exactly the case with the Gibson Explorer — a guitar with sharply defined angles that revolutionized traditional guitar shapes with its futuristic and daring design. Introduced in 1958, the lightning bolt–shaped guitar initially struggled to find its place in the vast electric guitar landscape, but over time became a favorite of talented musicians. Fierce, aggressive, and radical, the Explorer has become both a visual and sonic signature for artists drawn to powerful and precise sounds. Among those who brought the Explorer to prominence is Matthias Jabs, legendary guitarist of the band Scorpions. This glittering Explorer is a one-off piece built by the Gibson Custom Shop specifically for Matthias Jabs.

When the Gibson Explorer appeared in the late 1960s, it made waves in the guitar market. No one had ever imagined such sharp, aggressive shapes — as bold in design as in sound. After years of lukewarm reception, the Explorer was embraced by major artists who reminded the world how unique this design truly is. Matthias Jabs is one of them. His use of Explorer guitars is inseparable from his riffs within Scorpions: he helped turn the model into a hard rock reference. From Gibson Explorers to his Dommenget models, Matthias Jabs has always shown his affection for the Explorer shape, reflected in each of his signature models. The lightning bolt–shaped guitar is a key part of Matthias Jabs’s arsenal and has shaped the visual and sonic identity of the legendary hard rock band.

This Gibson Explorer Custom Shop is an extraordinary guitar built specifically for Matthias Jabs. It features many unique characteristics. First, its finish is striking: a bright silver sparkle that reacts magically to ambient and stage lighting. Then, the fretboard inlays are faux rubies, adding a beautiful detailed touch to an already stunning instrument. Finally, the sparkle finish extends all the way up the neck of the guitar. This exceptional Gibson Explorer comes directly from Matthias Jabs’s personal collection. It’s available now at Matt’s Guitar Shop!