All user reviews for the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer

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.

Oh the beautiful Corenne that is!
Taking the form of its high on Gibson but with more rounded horns, the guitar is an Epiphone Explorer lgante (as long as you will appreciate the volumtrie) plutt and luxurious.
Mahogany body and mahogany neck profile al "D" Slim Taper, rosewood fingerboard 22 frets, head banana with mcaniques Grover Mini Rotomatic gold, plastic nut, Tune-O-Matic and stop bar gold, AlNiCo pickups Epiphone gold caps, bulb and switch potentiomtres three positions, the classic sauce Gibson, Epiphone reviewed by a factory in South Korea. The pitch of 24.75 "is also a classic.
Well built, well finished, although team. These are the three main lines of the Korina Explorer 58 RI.
The guitar is good agreement subject to compliance with two principles: first pulling up the strings of higher or gal 10-52, and is a minimum. Then rgler well and adjust the fine before playing. It may be empty for some but I admit that a perfect rglage Epiphone allows him to sound like it should, which is also valid on other instruments strings.


UTILIZATION

When handling Premire impressions: good.
Despite a form asymtrique and quirky, the Korina Explorer does not dive too much of the head.
It's a good point. The other good surprise comes from the neck, drawing on a profile and copied to the D Slip Type for Gibson. Endowed with a touch of extremely small radius, so a touch virtually flat, the handle of the beautiful six-lane highway is not too large and not too round.
The black finish called a layer of varnish polyurethane correct the o is covered on its high nitro-cellulose lacquer. T have possession of the Gibson Explorer 76, I must admit that even if the logo and make more from friends in front of the class, the varnish "nitro" never found me thanks. There are excellent high quality instruments that are being protected by polyurethane varnish and that damn "nitro" is not at all an advantage from my point of view. It's annoying as all talk and glue. L do not worry, the varnish "PU" is smooth, shiny and strong.
The handle is a real treat go. The fretting is flawless, flat key profile "D" is a cras vritable Russianness. If I dared, I would say that Epiphone is better equipped than the Gibson this.
Well hold on the thigh that has notches thanks a screed person, Explorer leaves caress the entire length of its handle. When empty, the copy I have here gives a round, full, warm and has a proper trs trs sustain if not good. The strings are flush frets and a frieze does not a blade. Connecting it!


SOUNDS

That's the beautiful part is a Fender Cyber ​​Deluxe Combo rgl in clean Blackface fawn.
Once adjusted the gain of the amplifier is going to test microphones.
Few hsitation, shape and the look make you want to riff on the bridge pickup.
Any background on the Fender clean sound, apart immediately in lightweight crunch, evidence that the micro AlNiCo has under the hood. I lower the volume a bit and hop on the guitar, the sound is l: round, but with a touch of acidity. Clearly not a sound that I like but please be perfectly certain. On instinct I tamper with the switch set to "medium", dj is more velvety. But we feel that the Explorer is not for the clear sound. Passage in the neck position, the max volume on the guitar: Error! The Explorer is well on its size but clear preferences on the microphone of the handle. Round velvety, warm ... to feel the blues. Yes, a blues feel so that I rsiste not want to spend the Cyber ​​Deluxe overdrive mode. Well I can take because the Explorer is trs comfortable in the registry bluesy. Anything goes: overdrive and distortion Blackface fawn, fawn Tweed, Plexi Mashall fawn and fawn Mesa. Each time the satisfaction is the same: a ring!
In "Marshall Plexi" is a joy to juggle between the neck pickup and bridge pickup. Blues, big rock, hard rock and the old mtal dfilent on tantt raging riffs, tantt boat. An observation of the same while the Alnico mountains of this beautiful Explo 'are lagging behind the modern mtal lack of a sufficient bite. No problem of output level, sending the beautiful wood, sometimes too. But a remark on the precision microphones which is insufficient for the sharp riffs and saturated compresssion trs. The characters of an EMG 85 am sorely lacking and I am aware that this nice guitar will not stay long with microphones trs home ...
Volume and Tone are the accessible but IMHO not very useful. The Tone is correct, acts without much poorer sound, the volume is less heel even if it is much more usable on the Epiphone on a range of Chinese. I confess that never Tone t my favorite tool for guitar and I prfre most often use the equalizer to the amp. I can not say the same thing for an electric bass o the contrary, I favor the electronic of the low prior to the amp ... gots and the colors ...


OVERALL OPINION

A very nice guitar veil. Well done, good and enjoyable to play trs endearing.
I got on his big Gibson and I did not watch more than a year after all. But this Epiphone is a real pleasant surprise for the price. Mine is an opportunity, well maintained and well RULES, which is an "even better" deal. You do not have the means to acqurir Gibson (also one of the cheapest MODELS used) then console yourself with this little Corenne that of all great and it all and with a hundred dollars in addition to trs do you good mics (EMG 85, Seymour Duncan SH6/SH4, etc.) and you hold the instrument and sustainable srieux (rabbit).

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.

Made in Korea
Korina body
Mahogany set-in neck
Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
24-3/4" scale
Alnico Classic humbuckers
2 volume, 1 tone control
3-way pickup selector switch
LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for more sustain and easier string changing
Gold hardware

UTILIZATION

First of all, I'll state that I do NOT like guitars with overly large, angular bodies, as a general rule. I say this so that you, the reader, understand how cool this guitar is. Epiphone has done a fantastic job with this guitar - the Korina Explorer looks very well-made, with great fit and finish. The playability is similar to any of the higher end Gibsons - it feels that nice. And the tone is out of this world.

SOUNDS

This guitar was made with tone in mind. The Korina wood has been highly sought after for a great guitar tonewood, and this model certainly delivers tone in spades. I don't know why I keep being surprised by Epiphone's pickup quality - each of the newer models that I've tried have all had superior sound quality to other budget guitars. I'm speculating, but I think Epiphone probably gets their pickup-winding specifications directly from Gibson, and makes them just as Gibson does, as these Alnico Classics in this Explorer sound great. This guitar is a classic rocker's dream, and it is also incredible for southern rock and metal as well.

OVERALL OPINION

The look of the finish drew me in, the playability got me excited, and the tone won me over. This big guitar can come to my house any day, and if it wants to, it can stay indefinitely. I'd just have to get over the excessively large guitar case. As much as I never thought I'd say this, but this Explorer is a surefire winner - a great guitar.

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!

Guitar Corenne
22 frets, 2 humbuckers
2 volume, 1 Tone common
easel stopbar
sleeve?, rosewood fingerboard.

UTILIZATION

The handle is round, enjoyable, the bends are easy, the frets are jumbo prcises lgatos and easy.

Access in acute ... optimal!

the guitar is not too heavy, but tends to switch to the head that ds lche instrument ... unless the forearm is possible on the body.

the shape is a matter of got ... it is not the guitar world!

the black spot of the instrument, its scope! suprieure above the tip of the body that loses sight and does not require that be banging against everything that surrounds you!

SOUNDS

Despite what you might think, it is not as comfortable in a hard-mtal-trash-foo-foo ... Besides, I do not play in this style!

in a blues, rock, jazz and even, it provides!
Clapton (with Cream) has long played on explore ...

I use it on an amp lamp (15w), and the sound is Dfine, with good attack and great sustain ... (Neck-through?)

I t surprised by the microphone is not too serious "deaf". I prfre that of my 335 for example.

the acute fulfilled its rle, with conviction. It adheres well, even bite, not garish.

trs guitar is versatile, despite marginal looks.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two days!

I like the look, comfort (even sitting!) but mostly it's just by itself, without having to spend 3 hours on the legalization of the amp.
equilibrated sound is full and dynamic.

what I like least is the fact that we should always keep in mind that there a piece of the guitar Exceeds derrire my right elbow!
... And then it takes a particular stand, and dedicates a cover. (80 more!)

this is my fifth electric guitar ... and the guitars like Gibson, is the best I possde. I do not compare to the Fender Start style guitars' too Different. I esssay of the best in-store, but 10 times more!

I pay half price (250), of OCCAZ ', then I was looking for an Epi Les Paul Std.
aa t the favorite "physical" and sound ...

The only regret that I can have it for not having more than tt.

It is a Korean production of good quality. Despite the size of the guitar, it does not weigh too heavy. The varnish is good, but without (light trace of connection).

The neck is very thin for a Gibson (or Gibson copy). Perfect for the rhythm, but probably more difficult for solos, while it seems rather cut for that.

UTILIZATION

The use is very nice. The shape of the guitar back can put his arms like an armrest. So you can play long enough without a problem.

The guitar has the same problem as the SG. It has a tendency to lean forward, but with practice, it is not a problem.

Access to acute boxes is a real treat. We can take this guitar without problems into a corner.

SOUNDS

This guitar is made to sound full. You just plug it into a small Marshall (not even lights!) To have immediately a good rhythm sound full. The transition between the micro serious one and two microphones is not super sensitive.

In his clear, we find a clean, precise and clear on which to apply sound effects without losing accuracy.

This guitar has a sound all its own ....

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 15 days. I cracked the form, because it is a guitar legend and it amused me to have it in my collection. But I was surprised that this guitar was excellent and complemented perfectly the sounds of other models (TV, Strato, SG, Les Paul.

Excellent selected on the basis of price. Do not hesitate if you want to please you.

One word of warning, given the size of the thing and its sharp corners, buy You flycase Epiphone hard, rather than a cover, this will allow you to keep the fair as the first day!

This guitar is kind of strange. The whole point of Epiphone doing a Korina guitar is to have the cool natural yellowish finish. Because when Epiphone does a Korina guitar it isnt really made of Korina it is just a mahogany guitar with Korina veneers. So this guitar made of mahogany with Korina veneers but with black paint on them. You lose the whole point of having the Korina veneers. In the late 50s Gibson made some radical guitars to show they were a modern guitar company. The Explorer is one of these. The first 50s models were made from Korina wood these are the classic yellow looking Gibsons you have seen. This Epiphone model has veneers that are made from the Korina wood so it would have a yellowish look if it wasnt for the paint. 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. There is gold hardware on this guitar.

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 mahogany and you can really hear it. 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. If you are looking to play heavier music you may want to change the pickups to Seymour Duncans or EMG's for a more heavier sound.

OVERALL OPINION

The Explorer 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. Even with the pointless Korina veneers under the black finish the black finish and gold hardware give the guitar a classy look.

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.

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!