This New Epiphone is IMPRESSIVE! | Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer

This New Epiphone is IMPRESSIVE! | Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer

Today we are checking out the new Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" 1958 Korina Explorer. This new lineup offers an Epiphone Korina Explorer built to similar specs as the "real deal" but this time equipped with Gibson pickups and CTS pots. I was a bit pessimistic going into this review, but the tone and playability spoke for itself!

⚙️ Gear Used to Make the Show: (AFFILIATE LINKS)
Guitar + Recording:
Camera:
Affiliate Links are found in this description + comments section - clicking and purchasing items from partners will help financially support the show.

[Trog]

Thanks for watching! How do you feel about the new Explorers and Vs?

[PapaSancho]

When I received mine, I was just blown away at how beautiful in person it is. I agree, I like not having it very glossy, its a beautiful low gloss/matte finish. I happened to receive mine the day Mr.Rossington passed. Needless to say, I broke her in with some Skynyrd. Fly on Free Bird! RIP Mr.Rossington. Cheers

[gooseabuse]

I remember when you could get Gibson guitars for these kinds of prices, things are getting out of hand.

[michaelaiello]

I’ve really become a fan of your show despite 99% of the guitars being unrealistic for me to own. So whenever you review an accessible instrument that I actually am considering, that’s a special treat. Someday, some real nice Gibsons for me 🤞🏽.. but it’s great to know that even with it’s spendier tag for an Epiphone, you (and many others) are recommending this one.

[crisadriano]

I'm here for my daily dose of guitar information.

[luciasabrinadimaria]

It looks nice. Just wish it was made in atleast Korea.

[pezzye]

I set up all the guitars before they are put on the wall in the shop (where I am the Tech) and I love all these new Epiphones, I actually prefer them to most of the USA Gibson's ✌️✌️

[mvenuti]

I think BBs and Custombuckers are miles apart, even though they each started as “The best PAF recreation we’ve ever made!” CBs are on par with most boutique PAFs while BBs remind me of Duncan 59s.

[Dude]

I’ve had the Korina V Epiphone LEFTY for about a week now, Sweetwater said I was the first! I love it! The burst buckers just sound fantastic, it’s very well made, and setup was flawless. I have a Gibson V in natural mahogany from 2018, and this Epiphone stand’s it’s ground and I love the attention to detail.

[drjsmajor]

Here is my fear--JC, the current CEO of Gibson has taken over as CEO of several compainies. Levi's--were he moved production out of the US. Keen Shoes--where he moved production out of the US. And now Gibson. First he made a few Epiphones in the US. Now he is making Epiphones with Gibson on the back of the headstock and Gibson pickups. Anyone want to bet me that the next step is a Gibson branded guitar made in Asia? Likely a very low end model (Melody Maker, Jr, BluesHawk). Ultimate goal will be to move more production to Asia--not to make Chris Stapleton $5k Epiphones in the US or dual branded Korina Explorers. These are to test the market. Prediction--next step is a low end Gibson branded Asian made guitar. Then it will be all Asia componenets assembled in Nashville (maybe even in the Custom Shop)..

[che]

This locktone bridge is different than the standard locktone abr looks like it has the skinny diameter Gibson posts. Philadelphia Luthier sells the 8mm to 6/32 conversion posts to use a Gibson bridge on an Epiphone. These look similar.

[danieldesy]

The most critical upgrade you failed to mention is that these are solid Korina. The AMS ones were veneer.

[yestoES]

As a Gibson snob myself, I cannot deny how great the epiphones are. I don’t really buy/am sold with $1000+ epiphone guitars but the $400-$700 is solid and are amazing guitars.

[Matthew-qkxi]

Forgive me if you have talked about the Epiphone Firebird already but man I was truly blown away by that guitar, definitely worth a look they did a great job with it.

[Suddsy.]

I would prefer the black pick guard. It would go better with the black head stock

[JokersWild]

Please, no more Master of Puppets. You're starting to make me hate that song

[joermnyc]

I’d love for Gibson or Epiphone to do a run in Black Limba (heartwood of the same tree they get Korina (White Limba) from. Black Limba can get really wild and beautiful.

[cdnnielsen]

The poor placement on the strap buttons is a shame

[brandonjackson]

No thanks Indian Laurel not for 1300 bucks and it’s a shame too because they got everything else right . Maybe I’m stubborn or stuck in the past, environmentally reckless but they could’ve and should’ve put rosewood boards on them. I don’t care how close the laurel looks to rosewood I’d rather have a dog haired rosewood than super tight grain laurel. Yeah it’s all about the looks with me I’m sure it doesn’t make any difference tone wise, but if you’re going to reissue an “affordable “ versions of a classic the fretboard isn’t the place to cut costs . Might as well slap an ebony board on it, if we’re substituting materials.

[adrianr]

stunning guitars! Ill never say no to an explorer :)