New Historic Reissue 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer models from Gibson
With Indian Rosewood fretboards
We recently saw Gibson release its Murphy Lab 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer models. These ultra-limited guitars featured Brazilian rosewood fretboards and were aged to look legit. But they also came with a very high price tag. Now, Gibson has a brand new batch of Korina 1958 models that cost somewhat less, due in part to the use of Indian Rosewood instead.
Gibson 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer
This latest release from Gibson is based on the same specifications as those Murphy Lab versions we saw back in July. This new Custom Shop run is based on digital models that were scanned from the original guitars, so the specifications should all measure up. However, these new versions come in at a much lower price point of $9999 each, compared to the Murphy Lab ones. They are still pretty damn expensive, but collectors love this type of release and I’m sure they won’t be on the shelves too long.
Gibson 1958 Korina Flying V Black Pickguard · Source: Gibson
Gibson 1958 Korina Explorer Black Pickguard · Source: Gibson
The Differences
The savings come in the form of an Indian Rosewood fretboard, which is substantially cheaper and easier to obtain and transport, compared to the Brazilian rosewood of the original July run. The Custom Shop VOS Nitrocellulose finish on both guitars is a lot cheaper to produce, or so we are told, than the Murphy Lab aged finish.
Gibson 1958 Korina Flying V White Pickguard · Source: Gibson
Gibson 1958 Korina Explorer White Pickguard · Source: Gibson
Historic Reissue Accuracy
The specifications are as follows: You get a Korina body with no weight relieving and the inset rubber leg rest (on the Flying V). The fretboard is a single piece of Indian rosewood, hide glued to the Korina neck with a 12″ radius and 22 ‘reissue’ sized frets.
Each guitar comes fitted with a set of Custombucker pickups, wired using 500k vintage-taper CTS potentiometers, with two volume controls and a master tone. They both have ABR-1 bridges, though the Explorer has a stop tailpiece, whereas the Flying V is strung through the body via that iconic ‘Cadillac’ V-shaped brass plate. Both models come in a historically accurate case, with the pink plush lining and brown exterior. You will also note that both models come in two formats, one with a black pickguard and the other with a white pickguard.
These Historic Reissue versions are pretty close to the 1958 originals and use traditional construction methods throughout. Sure, some people will argue that modern-day tonewoods are not as good as the timber used back in the late ’50s. Or that the original PAF pickups cannot be beaten, etc. However, if you want a close approximation of an original 1958 Gibson, then these are a good starting point. If you have the money spare, of course.
Or, you could get a luthier to build you a clone. But if it wasn’t built in the Gibson factory, it will never be as collectible as one with the legitimate logo on it.
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3 responses to “New Historic Reissue 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer models from Gibson”
I could buy 8-10 cooler-looking, equally playable Fender guitars for this money. Are Gibson fully embracing “over-priced wall hangings for dentists and hedge fund managers” now?
No worse than the overpriced custom shop stuff from Fender which are worse considering they are basically just a board with a neck screwed on.
I just bought an Epiphone Flying V ’58 reissue, which is all korina, body and neck, pau ferro fretboard. It’s a dead-nuts copy of the original, and the pickups sound great too, but it only cost $599USD new, free shipping. I’m buying the Epiphone ’58 reissue korina Explorer next, also $599USD shipped. Gibson is over ten times more expensive, for almost the same guitar, maybe not even as good..?