Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer - Natural user reviews ( 8/10) - 5 user reviews

• 09/03/12

  SonicPulverizer's review "Better than the Gibson?"

  Characteristics

  The Epiphone Explorer is an homage to the rare original 100 Gibson Korina Explorers produced in 1958. Features a korina body, mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The onboard electronics are made up of a pair of Alnico Classic humbuckers wired to two independent volumes and a shared EQ. The natural korina top looks great and is complimented by gold hardware and a white pickguard. The guitar could easily be mistaken for it's gibson counterpart.

  Utilization

  The explorer's slim neck profile allows for quick chord changes and fast lead passages. The 24-3/4" scale length allows for easy bends and loose playing feel. Tuning stability is actually better than on the Gibson USA explorer. The inherent cutaway in the the explorer body shape allows limitless access to all frets.

  Sounds

  I played the Epiphone through a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier. Mesa 4x12 cab. No pedals.
  
  
  
  Tonally speaking, the guitar is at the least comparable to the it's Gibson brother. The guitar can dish out any genre you put into it. Cleans? It's got them. Classic rock? Yes. Modern High gain? Of course. I was very impressed with how great the guitar felt. Being in the market for an explorer, I initially turned my nose up at Epiphone. Incidentally, I liked the feel and sound of the Epiphone better.

  Overall Opinion

  The Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer outperforms the Gibson USA model in both tone and feel. Gibson's build quality of late is so sporadic that it has really damaged the brand in my eyes. No longer is it "safe" to purchase a lower priced model without getting hands on with it first. That said, I played 6 different Epiphone Explorers over the course of 4 years and all were consistent. That says something. The guitar is no longer in production but can be common found for as low as $150 on the used market. Incredible value for money.
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• 12/30/11

  King Loudness's review "Korina delight"

  Characteristics

  The Epiphone Explorer '58 reissue is a lower priced version of the original Explorer that was released in the late 1950s as a very new and radical guitar design. It features a Korina body and neck (like mahogany tonally) a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets, Kluson tuners, a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, and a pair of Epiphone humbuckers based on Gibson '57 Classics. It's pretty faithful to the original model and looks just like the classic Gibsons, except with a lower price.

  Utilization

  The design isn't the most ergonomic in the world given that it's very large and cumbersome overall. The bulky shape doesn't really allow for the most comfortable playing surface, but that's no fault of the Epiphone brand, just the design of the guitar itself. It's of a medium weight and the neck has a nice feel to it with a profile that's not really as thick as the baseball bat type ones on some Gibsons of that time. The upper fret access is decent, but impeded a bit by the design of the neck heel and the glossy neck finish.

  Sounds

  This guitar sounds pretty good for being a cheaper level import guitar. The clean tones are pretty cool sounding. The neck pickup has a nice bassy quality for jazzy quality, and the bridge pickup is a delight for blues or country tones. It doesn't quite have the sparkle of say, a Fender, but it is very warm sounding in place of that. It has its own tone as a result of the Korina that is different from even a Les Paul or SG. The drive tones are very smooth and clear. I find it works best for classic rock type stuff mainly. Unfortunately it does get a bit muddy when you use lots of gain, so heavy metal probably isn't the greatest choice for this guitar.

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think the Epiphone '58 Explorer is a great guitar for anyone looking for a unique looking guitar that offers a different sound that is based on that warm, thick Gibson tone. At about $500 new it's a decent deal and well worth it if you want a cheaper way to get into one of the most radical solidbody guitars made since 1958.
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• 05/25/11

  tjon901's review "Budget version of a radical classic"

  Characteristics

  In the late 50s Gibson decided to start a line of more radical looking guitars. Gibson first started selling Explorers in 1958 and their design was way too radical for the time so they were discontinued a year later. In 1976 Gibson started the first reissue of the original 1958 design and now today Gibson is selling reissues of the reissues. Gibson has been producing the '76 reissue Explorer since 1990. Many people say the '76 reissues are better than the original Explorers put out in 1976. The first 50s models were made from Korina wood these are the classic yellow looking Gibsons you have seen. This Epiphone model is made from the Korina wood so it has the yellowish look. They have 22 frets on a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard. Two humbucking pickups which are a Epiphones own alnico humbuckers. Two volume and one master tone control with a 3 way toggle switch pickup selector.

  Utilization

  Early 50s Gibsons had huge necks. Today people refer to them as the "baseball" bat necks. In the 60s Gibson switched to slimmer neck design. This Epiphone Explorer today has that 60s design. The 60s Gibson neck profile is one of their most popular and it is what they use on most of the Epiphone guitars. They use this profile on the Epiphones because kids might be playing them and kids will like the smaller profile better. The upper frets are easy to reach because of the Explorers design. The radical shape actually gives the guitar a perfect balance for playing while standing up. The neck will come to rest at a perfect angle due to the large body acting as a counter weight.

  Sounds

  Gibsons are known for their warm humbucking tones and the Epiphone Explorer is no different. No matter how cold it is outside the Explorer always sounds warm. The Explorer is made from a huge piece of solid Korina and you can really hear it. The Korina has a tone similar to mahogany. The pickups on the Epiphone Explorer have gold covers and this matches well with the korina wood. The Epiphone Explorer sounds like what every Gibson should sound like.

  Overall Opinion

  This Epiphone Explorer sounds huge, feels huge and is the big man on campus. The design was ahead of its time in the 50s but in the 70s it was just right for the music and players of the time. People may look for the Gibson tone in just Les Pauls but the Explorer can deliver it too. This Epiphone sounds better than some Gibsons with Gibson starting to chamber its Les Pauls the Explorer shape may be the way to go if you are looking for a really solid piece of wood to get tone from.
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• 01/13/11

  trevellin's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A guitar that sounds pleasant!"

  Characteristics

  one I had on hand at a milonga is Chinese and has, off course, a fixed bridge with 22 frets on a mahogany neck on korina body and 2 humbuckers gibson, it seems ...
  
  settings, 2 volume knobs and 1 tone and a 3 position switch for mic ... nothing to say, since the late 50s, is a system that has proven ...

  Utilization

  The handle is plump and the game is over very nice and is a guitar that sounds!
  
  the ergonomics of the explorer is a bit special, no upper horn and a body lying on the side of right arm, but, frankly, no stability problem to play sitting on it!
  
  the weight, I do not find it heavy at all!
  
  access to treble is very good, no problem!
  
  I must say I was charmed by this Epiphone; sound really well balanced in all positions; neck pickup, you could even play jazz on it without fear. intermediate position is very precise arpeggios that are there.
  
  mic acute; the midrange timbre and precise fate here.
  
  I really enjoyed exploring this, and already I love the guitar forms, then, I must say that I have been filled: and it is rare when I say that a guitar!

  Sounds

  It is very suitable for many styles: jazz, blues, arpeggios, rock and hard rock.
  
  for sounds see above.
  
  I played on a blackstar HT20 and there really is nirvana!
  
  it sounds great!
  
  the rock to blues and the opportunity to go to jazz, all sounds are good, just what is needed and this is not an "almost" is really here!
  
  I love all sounds!
  
  and it is rare when a guitar sounds like that!

  Overall Opinion

  I only played a few minutes this afternoon and I spring with the following conclusion: I would have bought that one well!
  
  especially plugged into the Blackstar!
  
  before trying it, I tried too many guitar models, see my previous review ...
  
  what I liked, all the sounds, the vintage look, mouth to explore it, the golden hardware, the maximum rate interesting, vintage color.
  
  I like less and is manufactured in China (it could not be manufactured in France desfois?), the string action too high on the model tested and having to go!
  
  value for money is almost mind-blowing!
  
  I would have bought well and maybe I'll get one day, but in the meantime, I have a super good memory of that time spent with her!
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• 01/02/05

  riff raff 38's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  CHARACTERISTICS it is very good standard:
  
  Two double-winding dvellop in collaboration with Gibson (I have not Verify but if they say ...)
  
  -22 Boxes, fixed bridge, 2 volume, 1 Tone gnrale and a 3 position selector
  
  Natural-finish beautiful collage of the handle is very clean, very neat finish short

  Utilization

  The handle is quite round but not excessively, it is in the middle. it is enjoyable to the grip. access to the treble is possible but more difficult than for schredders scratches.
  
  explore is moderately enjoyable sitting (ESG right elbow) and up the handle tends to fall (especially when the low door with the handle like me going back), forcing the handle to hold. a demanding brief guitar!

  Sounds

  I use it in a rock metal, but it is not the only style has its door, is a guitar rock n 'roll, the sounds are clear and correct trs distorted sounds are very powerful.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had a little over six months and I love it as always is a favorite guitar with a standard look and a superb finish. that's why I bought it and because it is like the edge of the first U2!
  
  report quality price is bluffing, I think one of the four seams on the flying V as the current production is good, and then two pickups gibson amliorer for some time in qq and shoo!
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