Head to head
Gibson Explorer Custom, Ebony, Gloss vs PRS DGT Semi-Hollow
The verdict
The Gibson Explorer Custom, Ebony, Gloss comes out ahead overall — 75 to 69 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Gibson Explorer Custom, Ebony, Gloss wins on
- Better build (87 vs 67)
- Better playability (75 vs 67)
PRS DGT Semi-Hollow wins on
- Better sound (74 vs 68)
Scorecard
| Metric | Explorer Custom, Ebony, Gloss | DGT Semi-Hollow |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 75 | 69 |
| Build | 87 | 67 |
| Playability | 75 | 67 |
| Sound | 68 | 74 |
| Value | 65 | 69 |
Full specifications
| Spec | Explorer Custom, Ebony, Gloss | DGT Semi-Hollow |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | PRS |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | — |
| Body wood | Solid Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Solid Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 25" |
| Pickups | 490R / 498T | DGT / DGT |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $5,799 | — |
| Accessories | Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity | — |
| Binding | Multi-ply | — |
| Body Finish | Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer | — |
| Body shape | Explorer | — |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic | PRS Patented Tremolo, Gen II |
| Bridge pickup | 498T | DGT |
| Case | Custom Shop Hardshell | Hardshell Case |
| Control Knobs | Black Speed Knobs | — |
| Controls | 2 volume, master tone | Two Volume Controls w/ Push/Pull Tone Control and 3-Way Toggle Pickup Switch |
| End Of Board Width | 56.89mm / 2.24in | — |
| Finish | Gold | High-Gloss Nitro |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother of Pearl Block | Moons (Birds Optional) |
| Fretboard radius | 12 in. | 304.8 mm | 10" |
| Fret Count | 22 | — |
| Jack Plate Cover | Gold-plated Brass | — |
| Joint | Long Tenon | — |
| Model | DSMXEBGH1E | — |
| Mounting Rings | Black M69 | — |
| Neck pickup | 490R | DGT |
| Nut | Corian | PRS |
| Nut width | 42.85mm / 1.69in | 1 21/32" |
| Pickguard | Black Multi-Ply | — |
| Pickup Covers | Gold-Plated | — |
| Pickup Selector | 3-way toggle | — |
| Profile | Medium C | — |
| Scale length | 628.65mm / 24.75in | 25" |
| Strap Buttons | Brass | — |
| String gauges | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 | — |
| Switch Tip | Black | — |
| Switchwasher | Black | — |
| Tailpiece | Stop Bar | — |
| Truss rod | 2-way Adjustable | PRS Double-Acting |
| Truss Rod Cover | 2-Ply Black/White | "DGT" |
| Tuner Plating | Gold | — |
| Tuners | Grover Kidney | PRS Phase III Locking Tuners w/ Faux Bone Buttons |
| Weight Relief | None | — |
| Construction | — | Set |
| Fret Wire | — | PRS Jumbo Fret Wire |
| Hardware | — | Nickel |
| Headstock Logo | — | Signature, Decal |
| Height Of Fret Crown | — | .055" |
| Neck Depth At The 12 1 2 Fret | — | 61/64" |
| Neck Depth At The 1 2 Fret | — | 27/32" |
| Neck profile | — | DGT |
| Neck Width At The Body | — | 2 7/32" |
| Options | — | 10 Top with Hybrid Hardware |
| Top wood | — | Maple |
| Tuning | — | Standard (6 String): E, A, D, G, B, E |
| Width Of Fret Crown | — | .110" |