Gibson Custom Shop inspired Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V & Explorer
More marketing hype? Or are they truly inspired by the Gibson Custom Shop?
4,5 / 5,0 | 
Gibson Custom Shop? Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer models announced. Under the name “Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop”, maybe now you can afford these faithful replicas. A first-class marketing move from Epiphone.
Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop
This new Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer announcement reeks of marketing talk. I’m not sure how being inspired by the Custom Shop will make these any better.
But, guitarists are suckers for the phrase “Custom Shop” it would appear and Gibson knows this.
Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V · Source: Epiphone
Korina
What is this Korina all about?
In general, this is a light hardwood with a fine grain and appearance. The sound is warm, with defined basses, mids and overall more sustain. This wood was used originally in 1958 by Gibson on these two models before mahogany started to be used for later reissues of the designs.
All models have an Indian Laurel fretboard to save on money and I was guessing that the Korina used is made out of smaller parts glued together for the bodies and with a thin veneer on the front and the rear. Though they state on the website that these models have a solid Korina body and a Korina neck with a long neck tenon and a 1958 Flying V neck profile.
This could be a good move and make them affordable and more vintage-accurate.
Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer · Source: Epiphone
US Burstbucker
They come with a Gibson Burstbucker 2 in your neck and Gibson Burstbucker 3 in the bridge position Hardware includes an Epiphone ABR-1 bridge with Lock Tone Stop Bar Tailpiece.
Both models are available with either a white or a black pickguard.
The price includes a hard case, which is great, as cases for these shapes are awkward to source otherwise.
MSRP – USD 1299 each
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4 responses to “Gibson Custom Shop inspired Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V & Explorer”
love the epiphone guitars
Not what I’d normally go for, but I am genuinely curious if the quality of the finish will be any nicer on these. I had heard such good things about the newer Epiphones, but when I got to try them, I couldn’t get past how plasticy they felt in my hands. For these prices and hype, I should hope so!
They confirmed they are not veneered and normal korina does have a nice effect in changing light.
it’s my belief as much as they charge for everything else that could at least make the price $800 on both