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Head to head

Gibson 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue, VOS, Antique Natural vs Gibson Peter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony

Gibson 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue, VOS, Antique Natural
Electric$5,499
No ratings yet
77Overall / 100
Gibson Peter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony
Electric$6,999
No ratings yet
82Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson Peter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony comes out ahead overall — 82 to 77 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson 1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue, VOS, Antique Natural wins on
  • Lower price ($5,499 vs $6,999)
Gibson Peter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony wins on
  • Better build (96 vs 87)
  • Better sound (81 vs 74)
  • Better value (72 vs 67)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
Metric1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue, VOS, Antique NaturalPeter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony
Overall7782
Build8796
Playability7575
Sound7481
Value6772

Full specifications

Specification comparison
Spec1958 Mahogany Explorer Reissue, VOS, Antique NaturalPeter Frampton "Phenix" Inspired Les Paul Custom VOS, Ebony
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body wood2-piece MahoganyMahogany
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardIndian RosewoodEbony
Strings66
Frets2222
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsCustombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted) / Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)Custombucker / Custombucker
Rating——
Price$5,499$6,999
Body FinishNitrocellulose VOS (Vintage Patina)Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeExplorerLes Paul
Body StylesExplorerLes Paul
BridgeABR-1 No-WireTune-O-Matic
Bridge pickupCustombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)Custombucker
CaseHistoric Explorer Brown/Pink HardshellGibson Hardshell Case
Control CoversBrown ExplorerReissue Black, plus Custom Shop Medallion
Control KnobsTrue Historic Black Top Hat with Dial PointerGold Speed Knobs
Controls2 Volume, 1 Tone, 500K CTS Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Phone Book CapacitorMaster Volume and Tone shared by Neck and Bridge Pickups, Second Volume and Tone for Middle Pickup (independent of P/U selector toggle switch), CTS Potentiometers, Paper in Oil Capacitors
FinishAged GoldGold VOS
Fretboard inlayCellulose DotCustom Block; Frampton Signature Sandblasted into 12th Fret Inlay
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count2222
Headstock1958 ExplorerBound Les Paul Custom
Headstock InlayGibson Logo in Mother of PearlGibson Logo and Split Diamond Inlay in Mother of Pearl
JointHide Glue FitSet Neck
Model58MEXPANVOGH1CSPFPXVOEBGH1
Mounting RingsTrue Historic BlackCream
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)Custombucker
NutNylonBone
Nut width42.8mm / 1.69in42.86mm / 1.69in
Output Jack1/4" Switchcraft1/4" Switchcraft
Pickguard4-ply WhiteNone
Pickup CoversTrue Historic Aged GoldNone
Pickup Selector3-Way Switchcraft3-Way Switchcraft
Profile50s VintageArtist Profile
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap Buttons2 - Brass2 - Bottom and Shoulder (Schaller Strap Locks)
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipTrue Historic AmberGold
TailpieceLightweight Aluminum Stop BarLightweight Aluminum Stop Bar with Long Stud/Anchor
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s No-TubeStandard
Truss Rod CoverTrue Historic BlackTrue Historic Black; Frampton Signature
Tuner PlatingAged GoldGold
TunersKluson Single Ring ReissueGrover Kidney
Accessories—Schaller Strap Lock Strap Buttons
Binding—Multi-ply
Jack Plate Cover—Gold
Middle pickup—Custombucker
Switchwasher—True Historic Cream
Top wood—Solid Mahogany
Weight Relief—9-Hole

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