For over 50 years Gibson did not make left handed Explorer guitars. As a lefty player myself, it was my own frustration and feelings of betrayal that drove me to build guitars in the first place. The absence of a lefty Explorer was a major motivator. 

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I produced a lefty Explorer style guitar to fill this void. That was in 2007. It was our flagship model. It was never a clone of the original, being slightly smaller and more rounder so as not to violate Gibson trademarks. From 2007 to 2012 this was a factory-made guitar and then from 2013 it became a full Custom Shop model, 100% made in Australia.

 

From 2023 this is again a factory-made guitar. I have given it a new name: "X2." The "2" means two pickups. "X" is for two reasons. The shape is a bit like an "X" (if you really squint your eyes) and "X" is a symbol of many things, including "rebellion." With Gibson having successfully sued Dean Guitars in 2022 for Dean's version of the Explorer and Flying V despite having made both models since 1977, it is only a matter of time before they move in on any and all brands that might make something similar to a Gibson and shut them down. They were for the longest time one of the most lefty un-friendly guitar brands in the world. "X2" is a very appropriate name. If you want something other than a token "arctic white" or "antique natural" left handed Explorer guitar then now is the time to get one, before the opportunity is gone. 

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Although the Gaskell X2 does not come with a pickguard, I am offering a Custom Shop pickguard (at Custom Shop prices) as an upgrade if you really prefer a pickguard.

 

I will continue to produce my model for as long as I can. For you as a lefty guitarist do not think twice about buying one. I am sticking my neck out for you. I don't need to do that. Take the opportunity. NOW.