Flying V vs Explorer

[Snoogans]

Both great guitars, IMHO, but Explorers are pretty big and can be awkward if you're not a big guy. I'm 5'7" and I've had several Explorers/Destroyers, but I always find them to be too bulky to get properly comfortable with.

[maxboost]

Explorer is better than a F-V in every way IMHO and Explorer very comfy to play. Its just tough walking thru doorways with one strapped on, and they both come with monster sized cases-almost as big as a Kelly case.

[AfterForever]

Vs are the coolest guitars ever. They're very comfy.. and they look awesome when playing live. For example, when you play a solo on a V, you can sit on a knee, and put the wings of the V on the other knee and then play the solo.. killer!

[jim777]

I'd always go with the Explorer, personally. V's are nice, but Explorers rule.

[Guitarnut]

I've got both - both rock. The Explorer is a bit noisy, though - any taps on the body get amplified a lot by the P/Ups. The V doesn't do this. Might just be my Explorer. Changed out the P/Ups in the V as well, sounds great - it growls. I'd try 'em both & see what you think. I find the V easier to play sitting down in the "classical style" than the Explorer (although I also have a V2 & the jack socket is positioned so the plug digs into my upper/inner thigh - which hurts like hell after a while. Standard V's are ok though).

[ilbianconero]

The Explorer shape is really cool. The V ones, not as cool.
Other brands V's (such as jacksons) are cool though.
It's just the roundness of the horns + the shape of the headstock on Gibson V's that are not apealing to me.
Rock'n'rolf from running wild also plays Explorers always.

[Predator1]

I have had both and I let the Explorer(2002) go and kept the V(2002). Both sound awsome but the Explorer just would not hold tuning and it was just too big for playing around the house.I love my V98 NaturalBurst and will never part with it.

[missionguitars1]

I have a V '83 that I bought new at GC for about $325 with case out the door (yes, I am the original owner...and no, I'm not turning 40 next week...ok, maybe I am...). Super light, easy to play, sounds great, but, as mentioned above, a little on the cheap side (think the "Special" series that Gibson runs out there now). I bet the Explorer is a better instrument (although Gibson did run an "Explorer '83" model out there that sans pickguard as well, so buyer beware), but by '95 I think they had returned to "regular" Explorer manufacturing...

Sitting with either shouldn't be a problem, but being more of a "super strat"-guy, it's only been taken out of it's case about 20 times in the 23 years I've owned it....an "annual" player, if you will...but I have no problem to report playing it sitting....

[Firebird V]

I would go for the Explorer. Personal taste though. Play both. Make a decision from there.

[Newc]

Why? What the hell is wrong with you people that you can't figure out how to sit with the guitar classical style and play it?!?
Explorers and Vs are comfortable to play sitting down.

I can't figure out why people play sitting anyway. Stand up, you don't have to be afraid!

[Guitardude86]

I can't figure out why people play sitting anyway. Stand up, you don't have to be afraid!

I would, but I'm missing a strap at the moment!

[toejam]

I can't figure out why people play sitting anyway. Stand up, you don't have to be afraid!

I think Gene Simmons just sued you!
:ROTF:

[slash-ed]

I've had both, kinda hated the clunkiness and largeness of the Explorer, which was a bit surprising to me since I really like the Kelly shape..

[Flatpicker]

I'd go with the Explorer.
It's the perfect shape to stand up and sit down with.
Plus that big body creates good sustain. The crotch of the v is too close to the bridge for me, takes away from the tone.

[Predator1]

I'd go with the Explorer.
It's the perfect shape to stand up and sit down with.
Plus that big body creates good sustain. The crotch of the v is too close to the bridge for me, takes away from the tone.

Tell Michael Schenker his V lacks Tone!