GIBSON made the Explorer (I) between 1981 and 1989

GIBSON produced the EXPLORER (KORINA) between 1958 and 1959

The EXPLORER 90 DOUBLE was made between 1989 and 1991

Gibson Designer Series Explorers, Invaders and Flying Vs were available in 1985 with several custom graphic designs (pin-stripes, confederate flag or union-jack) or unique artist original design finishes (paint splash, wavelength, swirl, fireworks, galaxy or lido effects).

Source: Gibson catalog 1985.

Gibson introduced the Explorer II (E2) model in 1979 and discontinued it around 1983. It had a 5 piece walnut/maple laminated body with a maple neck, ebony fingerboard and dot position markers. The tailpiece was the TP6 unit, with gold hardware, 2 exposed coil humbuckers, a black pick-guard, and 3 knobs in a row.

Production of the EXPLORER III began in 1984 and ended in 1985

GIBSON manufactured the Explorer Reissue between 1975 and 1980. This was a reissue of the rare 1958 Gibson Explorer model of which only 38 were ever produced. It was made from select mahogany with natural finish (or more rarely black or white finish) with the exact 1958 body shape, authentic unique “scimitar" peghead and gold-plated parts. The scale length was 24.75"  just like the original 1958 model and also had the same white pickguard configuration. Controls were a three position toggle selector switch and 1-tone and 2-volume controls.

GIBSON made the first X-PLORER (DSXR, EXPLORER '76 REISSUE) in 1994

GIBSON manufactured the X-PLORER PRO (DSX+) between 2002 and 2004

The Gibson X-plorer Studio (model DSXS) was introduced in January 2003. It had the same slightly scaled-down body size as the Gibson X-plorer Pro model, but was more affordable because it did not have the maple top or elaborate ornamentation and binding of the X-plorer Pro.  The X-plorer Studio's body was 90% of the classic Gibson Explorer, which made for a more balanced, ergonomic fit with the player. The body was basswood which being lighter than mahogany also helped with the ergonomics.

GIBSON manufactured the XLP CUSTOM between 1985 and 1987. It was like the Gibson Explorer 425 model except with pointy horns and a scallop cut-out of the bottom bout. These had Gibson Ditry Fingers humbuckers with no covers and double locking Kahler Flyer tremolos. The sunburst ones had figured maple tops.