The Gibson Explorer along with the slightly earlier
Flying V were the culimination of
Les Paul's attempts to change the shape of the
guitar. The Explorer's odd squared lines suggest a cubist's rendition of an
hourglass.
The guitar has the signature Gibson tone, and its been beloved by rock guitarists for decades.
Some consider it the first spank plank, though personally with its emphasis on quality, tone, and its great weight I hardly think this is fair.