Thanks man! Yeah both feel and look great and for the first time in my life I prefer the V over the Explorer. 😆 Don't know why, it just played and sounded like a dream. //Kris
This korina V and Explorer, with Burstbuckers and hardcase, is a very smart move by Gibson/Epiphone. This sets the pricing going foward for these custom shop collaboration models. Just like the AJ sigs. and Bonnamasa 335 models. People just can't stand the fact that they're worth every penny!
I see many people complaining about the prices but honestly, you're getting a lot of guitar for $1300. I freaking love that they come with the same case as the originals did. Great work Epiphone!
You realise you could just fork over an extra $300 and get a Gibson explorer… the price is ridiculous especially considering korina is a cheap wood, it’s crazy they are charging these prices just for the wood when it’s made to be an affordable alternative to mahogany
@@turboeagle4600 here in the uk there is literally a £400 price difference, I am pointing out the irony of charging extra for korina when it was introduced as an affordable alternative to mahogany les pauls, it’s just price fixing
I have bought the Flying V and it is a really great guitar. No problems there at all. The case however ... OK, so it is an over large, over heavy vintage type case which would be fine if not for a couple of issues. Worst issue is that the covering material on the case is way too soft and it cuts extremely easily if you catch it on anything even quite lightly; of the many hardcases I own this is the only one that does that. Second issue with the case which is not unrelated to the first is that the reinforcing studs for resting the case down on are on the bottom for when it is laid flat and on the hinged back edge for when it is laid that way but the best way for me (and generally) to park it is standing upright on its big end yet there are no reinforcing studs there; given the weakness of the covering damage there seems inevitable.
Just ordered my V today from Thomann. Looking at it, I’ve missed the Amos (joe bonsmassa) release when was for only €800, nowadays they go for €2000 on the 2nd hand market. I believe this edition is better than the Amos model considering how accurate it is to the original 58’s Gibson. They look great!
Hey, enjoy the V! Honestly, this feels so much like a Gibson custom shop reissue, it's almost scary. 😅 Long neck tenon, the electronics, pickups, case, etc... I mean it's pretty impressive. Cheers //Kris
I own a brand new “Epi/Gibson Custom” ‘58 Korina V, and it is a KILLER guitar all around. I also own a 2020 Epi ‘58 Korina V, and the ‘Ebony’ black ‘58 V. The new V is a level up! I also own a 2022 Gibson Explorer in Antique Natural mahogany, which resembles Korina. It’s a premium instrument 👌🏼. ….You may have noticed, Epiphone got the droop right on these new ‘58 Korina Explorers. Previously the banana headstock was a little too straight, not enough droop. Epiphone has really stepped up their game! Add to that, the Explorer’s body shape is now more accurate, sharper points, pickguard slightly larger, closer to the shape of the body….easy to see when you have the new $1300 one side by side with the previous model to compare.
Really nice guitars. I'wished for a long time that Epiphone will release this again. But damn, it's like the Fender Tone Master range: Extremely overprized!
Hey, thanks for watching Michael! :) Yeah I get that it "doesn't feel right" to see this price for an Epiphone. But think about the specs for a second. Long neck tenon (Gibson Custom Shop spec), Gibson pickups, solid Korina, Graph Tech nut, proper case, high quality pots and electronics, etc. That's a spec list of a custom shop guitar. Literally the only thing that makes me want to see a lower price is the Epiphone logo which is I think a thing of the past. Gibson's been working on making this brand desirable again and upped their quality standard by a mile in the last years. It's hard to find anything in this price range that competes with these specs so I find it fair. Especially as long as they keep their more affordable models too as an option, which they will. Cheers //Kris
@@LeonFelixRusso the yr r actually made in China but the build is top notch. The electronics and other hardware are USA Gibson parts. I think they’re well worth the $ compared to a Gibson’s outrageous prices.
What kind of emotions are we talking about here? On our side it's the excitement of doing something forbidden and the strange joy of throwing that A major at the end of every passage, haha! //Kris
I own the Epiphones (three ‘58 Korina Vees, and a 2020 black Les Paul Custom), AND the Gibsons (Explorer and Les Pauls). and I’m here to tell ya, the new Epiphones ARE indeed premium instruments. They’re head and shoulders above the previous Korean and lower end Chinese models, and just a tick under the genuine Gibson article. Trust me….I’ve got them sitting right here to compare.
Kris, you rock as always! Guillaume, looks like you’ve been staying up late practicing! Great job showing us these Gibson classics. I’m surprised at the pricing Epiphone came out with for these two classics. I would have thought around $800-900 US dollars would make them more attainable. Chris
The first I saw Guillames guitar was Allen Collins of Lynard Skynard. He survived the crash, only to get in a car crash into a wheelchair. I read Aerosmith had turned down using the plane before LS used it only to crash. What a shame, shouldn't have happened. Sorry, nice guitars.
Great demo fellas! I will have to agree with the overall consensus on the price point for these. I am afraid it will drive up the price for the older models on the used market as well which is a shame. The good news is, if I need to scratch the explorer itch, I can get the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic B-stock for less that 300 bucks :) . That being said, they look great, the sound great and I am not mad about any of it. Great guitars and I am glad Epiphone put them out. Any word on a HB Victory Classic model any time soon?? 👀👀😊
Epiphone has sold "Korina" guitars in the past which only had a veneer with alder inside. So can we assume that for that insane amount of money we can expect massive non-chambered Limba or what???
Incorrect. I’ve owned a late ‘90s Epiphone Korina v, AND two 2022 Korina Vs. ALL of them have multi-piece Korina bodies with solid, more attractive Korina veneers. The main differences are, the ‘90s had a “Korina tinted” maple neck, and an inaccurate neck heel. The 2022s also have multi-piece Korina bodies with solid, more attractive veneers, BUT, have actual Korina necks and a proper, accurately shaped neck heel. The new 2023s have solid Korina bodies without veneers, and genuine Korina necks.
Epi sold Korina Explorers for $649. And saw how well they were selling. Then doubled the price. Using the marketing excuse as "a collaboration with Gibson Custom Shop". Mallory capacitors and Burstbucker pickups suddenly the price doubles. LOL.
@@philippehendrickx1109 I bought the Epi LE 1958 Explorer Reissue brand new in Mar. '22 for $599 USD from AMS and it is not veneered. The neck does have a scarf near the headstock (makes it stronger at the historical weak point). Again, the "collaboration" is just marketing IMO. So it goes.
Hi, i like this both amazing guitars but I got little finger and my 59 Les Paul Epiphone inspired by Gibson is a limit to me... The 58 neck profile it is thin like the 60 neck profile or bigger than a 59 one ? They are amazing guitars but if I can play very well because of this, is not a good idea to buy one of them... A another thing for me I prefer the sound of the Gibson CustomBuckers for this vintage guitar it will be the best like The Korina Reissue Gibson one...
There is no longer an “Epiphone Price”. Gibson has pulled out (just about) all the stops when it comes to next tier quality for Epiphone, and the price is appropriate. These aren’t your previous Epiphones. Those days have passed.
Well, there are Epiphone Flying Vs. If you want the cheaper versions, just get one of those. But if you want a sort of vintage spec reissue, somewhat limited edition, Gibson electronics and a hard case... then the price will not be "Epiphone price", because these are not Epiphone specs ;)
@emartinezr the V is 1200€ and the Explorer 1400€. A few years ago there were Gibsons at that price range or even cheaper. So I have the impression that they could have better prices even with such specs.
I would so much like harley benton to be able to manufacture his explorer with the exact shape of the gibson, as do tokai or edwards for example. They are only 298 euros. I don't care if it's korina, I love mahogany.
I just put order in Thomann! I really hope that I get that Explorer. I already have Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Amos Flying V and been waiting this to happend with Explorer!
Für mich sieht das Holz nach Abachi oder Obeche aus und nicht nach Limba oder Korina wie Gibson es nennt. Warscheinlich haben sie deshalb diesen milchigen Mattlack drauf getan. Limba ist mittlerweile schwer zu finden, es wurde früher viel für Fenster oder Türen und Türzargen benutzt. Für den Tischler war es zweitklassiges Holz da es sehr leicht splittert und reißt. Habe einige Gitarren damit gebaut.
Not sure what to think about those Epi's as of yet: On the one hand it is great to get a Korina Explorer or Flying V for a more attainable price but on the other hand it is a rather steep price for an Epiphone - and they still "cheap out" on the specs. I mean for 1350€ they could've at least gone all the way and use the same name brand hardware and rosewood fretboard the Gibson does...
They cannot use rosewood due to cities regulations . Rosewood is heavily regulated and those regulations make it so rosewood cannot be used in some countries. It's why Eastman uses ebony for the fretboards on their SB59 les paul .
@@adamwatson6916 Thats only half the truth, in 2019 there was a vote to exempt musical instruments, parts and accessories made from rosewood from CITES. This exemption is valid for all types of rosewood except "Dalbergia nigra" aka brazilian rosewood, because this is regulated in a seperate appendix of CITES. Most companies switched to "Dalbergia latifolia" aka indian rosewood, even the current Gibson Korina Explorer/Flying V, which is exempt from the regulations. Quote from a Taylor Guitars blog post: "Manufacturers will still be required to secure all necessary permits for rosewood material used in making instruments - a policy they have always supported - but they will now be free, for example, to ship finished musical instruments to stores around the world without permits. Further, owners of instruments made with rosewood components will once again be able to ship an instrument internationally for service, or to sell, without needing a permit. And traveling internationally with a musical instrument made with rosewood will now be easier. The new CITES exemption ends what has been a tumultuous three-year period for both the musical instrument community and the Convention itself."
The gibson versions sell for 10 000 dollars you really expect the 1300 dollar epiphone to use all the same parts as the 10 000 dollar gibson version? They did not cheap out on the specs. These have gibsom pickups cts pots Mallory caps and switch craft toggle and jack and it's made from Korina . Gibson USA explorers don't even get the Korina treatment. The lack of rosewood is not cheaping out . They literally cannot use it on epiphones because or environmental regulation.
@@adamwatson6916 With the amount Epiphone is buying of CTS, Mallory and Switchcraft, they won't be having much additional cost per guitar on those parts. The Brendon Small Ghosthorse has Burstbuckers, a 1000 Series Floyd Rose, Grover tuners and an ebony fretboard and costs half of these explorers. Korina is also no more of a valuable or "premium" wood than mahagony. Originally the V and Explorer were made of Korina to save costs. They CAN use indian rosewood because it does no longer fall under CITES regulations.
@@TexTr0 you should understand, GOOD Korina (Black Limba) is indeed more valuable and hard to source than your average musical instrument grade mahogany. The large majority of Black Limba billets are diseased and have unattractive dark streaks and worm holes throughout. I learned this firsthand from Paul Reed Smith himself. I’m 30 minutes from the U.S. factory in Stevensville, Maryland, and have had the pleasure of seeing Paul’s private stash of Black Limba personally.
@@MrPoilleke I've never really liked the sound of Actives. EMG Retro Active sound better than the usual 85 or 81 combos but if I had to go for something active. it would be a Fishman Fluence Modern set. Otherwise it would be your average run of the mill SD JB/'59 combo or maybe something slightly higher output than the JB/59 combo. SD make some of the greatest passive pickups known to man.
Tolle Specs, aber es ist und bleibt eine Epiphone. Das hat nichts konkret mit dem Namen zu tun - aber selbst die günstigeren Gibsons klingen zumeist viel hölzerner, verhalten sich viel resonanter. Das ist garnicht unbedingt etwas, was man über ein Close-Mic zwangsläufig hört, sondern viel mehr etwas, was man zunächst erstmal spürt, wenn der Korpus der Gitarre am Körper vibriert und einfach viel mehr von der Gitarre zurückkommt, was man in sie hinein steckt. Noch vor ein paar Jahren hat man eine Gibson Flying V oder Explorer aus der abgespeckten Reihe für unter 800€ bekommen. Natürlich, Gibson müssen auch auch die weltweiten Umstände reagieren. Und ich freue mich natürlich auch über die Epiphone Produktvielfalt. Nur kaufen würde ich es halt nicht. Nicht für den Preis.
That’s not even remotely true. I own the genuine Gibsons, AND the Epiphones. As a matter of fact, I own multiples from various years, including the brand new 2022/23 ‘Inspired by Gibson Custom’ models. These brand new Korina models are dead nuts on, when it comes to genuine “Gibson Tone”. If Epiphone ever moves on to using nitro lacquer, they will actually FEEL exactly like Gibsons.
Ich hatte eine direkt bei Epiphone EU geordert. Ist heute angekommen und wird wieder zurück geschickt. Lackierung war rau, Potiknöpfe schief aufgesetzt und der Headstock ist angeleimt. Das darf bei einem Preis von 1299 Euro nicht sein. Sound war gut und die Explorer war seh leicht, ein bisschen über 3 Kg. Der Hals ist sehr fett, halt 58er Mass, muss man mögen.
@@cecillancaster9462 I saw! I'm stoked! Nothing on the EU side of things, though. I wonder what the price will be also. $1300USD is dangerously close to the USA Gibson Explorer model
@@quiksilver78 Look for Andertons in UK to get them. They sell alot of Lefty guitars. I almost bought a Lefty Sire S7 from them cuz I couldn't find anyone in US selling them. Finally Sire US got some Leftys in.
Why? Indian laurel is on par with rosewood quality wise. Did you ever try a guitar with an Indian laurel fretboard? I have an I can tell you you wouldn’t know the difference
@@roysusanto6062 I have played far more guitars than 50 so I know indeed. Indian Laurel is, when it comes to wood quality, not better or worse than rosewood. It's more sustainable, so that's a plus for me. But it's indeed a bit different to the touch. It doesn't bother me however. I quite like the feel. But I understand someone else might not like it. But that doesn't make it a bad material choice. Personally I don't like maple fretboards. 🙂
@@RolandSpecialSauce Who the hell are you to act like you know my financial situation??? I'll buy the real deal before I buy EITHER of those guitars, I was only stating that Korina isn't the magical wood Gibson makes it out to be! Why don't you go harass someone else instead of bitching on my comment!
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Well .. actually Fender had/has a TelePaul: the Fender American Vintage II 72 Tele Thinline. Friend of mine had the original with a Bigsby and the original "wide Range" HH with the adjustable magnets as pole pieces! It is semi! ... so it might do the T335 Job as well (;-) Me is working on a DuesenTele ... a Semi-Hollow-Kit with a sudo Bigsby and Duesenberg PUs ...
gibsons name isn't on the head stock, that alone is worth the price. get over it brand chasers. most of you guys couldn't tune a guitar with out a tuner.
Just bought a Epiphone Korina Explorer. Watching videos of others playing them and waiting for it to arrive! Thanks, guys!
I know how you feel. I finally took delivery of my new ‘58 V. You will be VERY happy with your new Korina Explorer. 👌🏼
The explorer is killer! I will love to own one someday, maybe 😢. Cheers guys and thanks for sharing those beauties!
Thanks man! Yeah both feel and look great and for the first time in my life I prefer the V over the Explorer. 😆 Don't know why, it just played and sounded like a dream. //Kris
This korina V and Explorer, with Burstbuckers and hardcase, is a very smart move by Gibson/Epiphone. This sets the pricing going foward for these custom shop collaboration models. Just like the AJ sigs. and Bonnamasa 335 models. People just can't stand the fact that they're worth every penny!
Lovely presentation and demo, well done chaps 👍
That intro, THAT INTRO ... Thats how you do it. Great playing Guill
We love ya dude, thanks! G really nailed that jam! 💛
//Kris
I see many people complaining about the prices but honestly, you're getting a lot of guitar for $1300. I freaking love that they come with the same case as the originals did. Great work Epiphone!
C'mon! If you don't know better how they are fooling us you better shut up!
You realise you could just fork over an extra $300 and get a Gibson explorer… the price is ridiculous especially considering korina is a cheap wood, it’s crazy they are charging these prices just for the wood when it’s made to be an affordable alternative to mahogany
Explorers cost $2000 and its 3 piece mahogany vs 2 piece Korina. Regarding the cost of the wood itselft I dont know but Korina is a great material.
@@turboeagle4600 here in the uk there is literally a £400 price difference, I am pointing out the irony of charging extra for korina when it was introduced as an affordable alternative to mahogany les pauls, it’s just price fixing
@@ToTheMaxGaming1 it was a cheap would in 1958, harder to come by in 2023
Ah my dream guitar reissue and i have no money for it :/
What a beauty that V is i am going to get it someday!
I have bought the Flying V and it is a really great guitar. No problems there at all. The case however ... OK, so it is an over large, over heavy vintage type case which would be fine if not for a couple of issues. Worst issue is that the covering material on the case is way too soft and it cuts extremely easily if you catch it on anything even quite lightly; of the many hardcases I own this is the only one that does that. Second issue with the case which is not unrelated to the first is that the reinforcing studs for resting the case down on are on the bottom for when it is laid flat and on the hinged back edge for when it is laid that way but the best way for me (and generally) to park it is standing upright on its big end yet there are no reinforcing studs there; given the weakness of the covering damage there seems inevitable.
My god! Im in LOVE with this Explorer
I literally just bought the Korina V Flying V and can’t wait for it to arrive.
A few weeks ago I bought a new Epiphone 58 Korina Explorer with black pickguard - a great machine!!! Greets from Poland.... 🤘
Kris and Guillaume; love you guys. Finally, my iPhone stopped auto correcting G’s name.
: )
Haha, that's awesome dude! G very much appreciates all the effort. 🙌 Love ya too bro, take care! //Kris
Just ordered my V today from Thomann. Looking at it, I’ve missed the Amos (joe bonsmassa) release when was for only €800, nowadays they go for €2000 on the 2nd hand market. I believe this edition is better than the Amos model considering how accurate it is to the original 58’s Gibson. They look great!
Hey, enjoy the V! Honestly, this feels so much like a Gibson custom shop reissue, it's almost scary. 😅
Long neck tenon, the electronics, pickups, case, etc... I mean it's pretty impressive. Cheers //Kris
I own a brand new “Epi/Gibson Custom” ‘58 Korina V, and it is a KILLER guitar all around. I also own a 2020 Epi ‘58 Korina V, and the ‘Ebony’ black ‘58 V. The new V is a level up! I also own a 2022 Gibson Explorer in Antique Natural mahogany, which resembles Korina. It’s a premium instrument 👌🏼.
….You may have noticed, Epiphone got the droop right on these new ‘58 Korina Explorers. Previously the banana headstock was a little too straight, not enough droop. Epiphone has really stepped up their game! Add to that, the Explorer’s body shape is now more accurate, sharper points, pickguard slightly larger, closer to the shape of the body….easy to see when you have the new $1300 one side by side with the previous model to compare.
I've just pre ordered the Explorer. Great post Chaps.
Correction, one tenth of the price of a Gibson custom shop v. I got mine. Great channel guys!
Really nice guitars. I'wished for a long time that Epiphone will release this again. But damn, it's like the Fender Tone Master range: Extremely overprized!
Hey, thanks for watching Michael! :) Yeah I get that it "doesn't feel right" to see this price for an Epiphone. But think about the specs for a second. Long neck tenon (Gibson Custom Shop spec), Gibson pickups, solid Korina, Graph Tech nut, proper case, high quality pots and electronics, etc.
That's a spec list of a custom shop guitar. Literally the only thing that makes me want to see a lower price is the Epiphone logo which is I think a thing of the past. Gibson's been working on making this brand desirable again and upped their quality standard by a mile in the last years.
It's hard to find anything in this price range that competes with these specs so I find it fair. Especially as long as they keep their more affordable models too as an option, which they will. Cheers //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses should've had locking tuners. Dropped the ball right there 😁
What’s the fretboard wood?
@@tyroneenglish8396 Indian Laurel
@@quiksilver78locking tuners aren’t original to this guitar so why would they
I own both and completely love them!!🎉
Hi there, can you tell me where are they made?
I've been told they're 2nd grade Gibsons from the US.
Also been told they're Korean.
Thanks.
@@LeonFelixRusso the yr r actually made in China but the build is top notch. The electronics and other hardware are USA Gibson parts. I think they’re well worth the $ compared to a Gibson’s outrageous prices.
Thanks very much!
That last riff was emotional on so many levels.
What kind of emotions are we talking about here? On our side it's the excitement of doing something forbidden and the strange joy of throwing that A major at the end of every passage, haha! //Kris
Awesome guitar playing 😊
Thanks so much! ☺ //Kris
Wonderful jams!
Thanks so much brother! 🙏 //kris
What a great episode! Great playing guys
Thanks Frédéric! //Kris
1300€!?? pure madness!! This is a Epiphone, no Gibson!
I own the Epiphones (three ‘58 Korina Vees, and a 2020 black Les Paul Custom), AND the Gibsons (Explorer and Les Pauls). and I’m here to tell ya, the new Epiphones ARE indeed premium instruments. They’re head and shoulders above the previous Korean and lower end Chinese models, and just a tick under the genuine Gibson article. Trust me….I’ve got them sitting right here to compare.
So interested that I ordered the V!
Enjoy it man, I dig the V big time! //Kris
I bought the V myself. You’re going to LOVE it.
Kris, you rock as always! Guillaume, looks like you’ve been staying up late practicing! Great job showing us these Gibson classics. I’m surprised at the pricing Epiphone came out with for these two classics. I would have thought around $800-900 US dollars would make them more attainable.
Chris
On my wish list of actually possible guitars. Thanks guys! Great review. PS: I’d there really the option for white or black guard? Thanks.
There is indeed an option for white or black guard. I chose the white guard Korina V myself. 👌🏼
The first I saw Guillames guitar was Allen Collins of Lynard Skynard. He survived the crash, only to get in a car crash into a wheelchair. I read Aerosmith had turned down using the plane before LS used it only to crash. What a shame, shouldn't have happened. Sorry, nice guitars.
Great demo fellas! I will have to agree with the overall consensus on the price point for these. I am afraid it will drive up the price for the older models on the used market as well which is a shame. The good news is, if I need to scratch the explorer itch, I can get the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic B-stock for less that 300 bucks :) . That being said, they look great, the sound great and I am not mad about any of it. Great guitars and I am glad Epiphone put them out. Any word on a HB Victory Classic model any time soon?? 👀👀😊
Did any of these have any finish checking marks near the neck joint and nut?
Epiphone has sold "Korina" guitars in the past which only had a veneer with alder inside. So can we assume that for that insane amount of money we can expect massive non-chambered Limba or what???
solid korina, never ever alder.
Incorrect. I’ve owned a late ‘90s Epiphone Korina v, AND two 2022 Korina Vs. ALL of them have multi-piece Korina bodies with solid, more attractive Korina veneers. The main differences are, the ‘90s had a “Korina tinted” maple neck, and an inaccurate neck heel. The 2022s also have multi-piece Korina bodies with solid, more attractive veneers, BUT, have actual Korina necks and a proper, accurately shaped neck heel.
The new 2023s have solid Korina bodies without veneers, and genuine Korina necks.
Thank you guys, your's jams are always awesome!
Both guitars are looks very pretty, but yeah - too pricey for Epiphone.
Hey, thanks so much! //Kris
Nice ones.....
I also had Flying V once, unfortunately I forgot to close the window 🤷♂️
Epi sold Korina Explorers for $649. And saw how well they were selling. Then doubled the price. Using the marketing excuse as "a collaboration with Gibson Custom Shop". Mallory capacitors and Burstbucker pickups suddenly the price doubles. LOL.
These are not the same guitars. The previous versions had Korina veneer. These are solid korina
@@philippehendrickx1109 I bought the Epi LE 1958 Explorer Reissue brand new in Mar. '22 for $599 USD from AMS and it is not veneered. The neck does have a scarf near the headstock (makes it stronger at the historical weak point). Again, the "collaboration" is just marketing IMO. So it goes.
I couldn’t care less for neck tenons and special woods, just give me the normal epi explorer in any color besides black…
Wow the Rev sound :) Guillaume j'aime les pédales de guitares mais avoue que c'était du son mon ami hahah
I dated a girl named Korina once. She was great.
Hi, i like this both amazing guitars but I got little finger and my 59 Les Paul Epiphone inspired by Gibson is a limit to me... The 58 neck profile it is thin like the 60 neck profile or bigger than a 59 one ? They are amazing guitars but if I can play very well because of this, is not a good idea to buy one of them... A another thing for me I prefer the sound of the Gibson CustomBuckers for this vintage guitar it will be the best like The Korina Reissue Gibson one...
wow sound really good
Hi Kris
Hey Mark! 🤗 //Kris
hey Kris, are they 50's wiring? thanks in advance!
How much did the V weigh? Great video!
We didn't weigh the guitars but man, they were crazy lightweight. I'd say around 3kg. Cheers //Kris
Massive korina wood, or only a korina veneer, like on the old versions?
At least somone knows the tricks.
Epiphone’s video says no veneer.
@@themostswood4709 No tricks involved here, solid korina all the way on these models. These are literally custom shop spec'd guitars. //Kris
I have the V. It’s 100% solid Korina, no veneer. The headstock/neck is still scarf joined though.
Bass versions being reissued too?
They look amazing but Epiphone is issuing more and more expensive models. I would love to see such models having "Epiphone prices".
There is no longer an “Epiphone Price”. Gibson has pulled out (just about) all the stops when it comes to next tier quality for Epiphone, and the price is appropriate. These aren’t your previous Epiphones. Those days have passed.
Well, there are Epiphone Flying Vs. If you want the cheaper versions, just get one of those. But if you want a sort of vintage spec reissue, somewhat limited edition, Gibson electronics and a hard case... then the price will not be "Epiphone price", because these are not Epiphone specs ;)
@emartinezr the V is 1200€ and the Explorer 1400€. A few years ago there were Gibsons at that price range or even cheaper. So I have the impression that they could have better prices even with such specs.
@MindtheGAS yeah, and a few years ago my rent was half of what it is now. 🤷♂️
@emartinezr their standard series is still much less expensive, so they clearly choose to make certain models that are expensive.
I would so much like harley benton to be able to manufacture his explorer with the exact shape of the gibson, as do tokai or edwards for example. They are only 298 euros. I don't care if it's korina, I love mahogany.
The prices for these are still crazy . I mean 1050 euros is the max these should be sold at.
Hi Guys, Are they poly or nitro finished?
Szia Márk! :) Poly for sure. I've never heard of guitars finished with nitro that were made in Asia. Cheers! //Kris
Toño esto son canciones nuevas eres 1 encanto cariño!!!!!
I just put order in Thomann! I really hope that I get that Explorer. I already have Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Amos Flying V and been waiting this to happend with Explorer!
Aww man, these are great! Enjoy the Explorer and that Amos too. :) Cheers //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses just got notification from Thomann that Explorer is on the way with UPS! Now few days anxious waiting for the delivery.
Thank you Thomann! Just got mine from UPS guy!! This Explorer is amazing! Very high quality work! And it plays great right out of case!!!
Tienen muy buena pinta
Für mich sieht das Holz nach Abachi oder Obeche aus und nicht nach Limba oder Korina wie Gibson es nennt. Warscheinlich haben sie deshalb diesen milchigen Mattlack drauf getan. Limba ist mittlerweile schwer zu finden, es wurde früher viel für Fenster oder Türen und Türzargen benutzt. Für den Tischler war es zweitklassiges Holz da es sehr leicht splittert und reißt. Habe einige Gitarren damit gebaut.
Not sure what to think about those Epi's as of yet:
On the one hand it is great to get a Korina Explorer or Flying V for a more attainable price but on the other hand it is a rather steep price for an Epiphone - and they still "cheap out" on the specs.
I mean for 1350€ they could've at least gone all the way and use the same name brand hardware and rosewood fretboard the Gibson does...
They cannot use rosewood due to cities regulations . Rosewood is heavily regulated and those regulations make it so rosewood cannot be used in some countries. It's why Eastman uses ebony for the fretboards on their SB59 les paul .
@@adamwatson6916
Thats only half the truth, in 2019 there was a vote to exempt musical instruments, parts and accessories made from rosewood from CITES.
This exemption is valid for all types of rosewood except "Dalbergia nigra" aka brazilian rosewood, because this is regulated in a seperate appendix of CITES.
Most companies switched to "Dalbergia latifolia" aka indian rosewood, even the current Gibson Korina Explorer/Flying V, which is exempt from the regulations.
Quote from a Taylor Guitars blog post:
"Manufacturers will still be required to secure all necessary permits for rosewood material used in making instruments - a policy they have always supported - but they will now be free, for example, to ship finished musical instruments to stores around the world without permits. Further, owners of instruments made with rosewood components will once again be able to ship an instrument internationally for service, or to sell, without needing a permit. And traveling internationally with a musical instrument made with rosewood will now be easier. The new CITES exemption ends what has been a tumultuous three-year period for both the musical instrument community and the Convention itself."
The gibson versions sell for 10 000 dollars you really expect the 1300 dollar epiphone to use all the same parts as the 10 000 dollar gibson version? They did not cheap out on the specs. These have gibsom pickups cts pots Mallory caps and switch craft toggle and jack and it's made from Korina . Gibson USA explorers don't even get the Korina treatment. The lack of rosewood is not cheaping out . They literally cannot use it on epiphones because or environmental regulation.
@@adamwatson6916
With the amount Epiphone is buying of CTS, Mallory and Switchcraft, they won't be having much additional cost per guitar on those parts.
The Brendon Small Ghosthorse has Burstbuckers, a 1000 Series Floyd Rose, Grover tuners and an ebony fretboard and costs half of these explorers.
Korina is also no more of a valuable or "premium" wood than mahagony.
Originally the V and Explorer were made of Korina to save costs.
They CAN use indian rosewood because it does no longer fall under CITES regulations.
@@TexTr0 you should understand, GOOD Korina (Black Limba) is indeed more valuable and hard to source than your average musical instrument grade mahogany. The large majority of Black Limba billets are diseased and have unattractive dark streaks and worm holes throughout. I learned this firsthand from Paul Reed Smith himself. I’m 30 minutes from the U.S. factory in Stevensville, Maryland, and have had the pleasure of seeing Paul’s private stash of Black Limba personally.
Probably a bit of a silly question. but I wonder if Harley Benton would ever release an Explorer type body 😅😅
they do
The Harley Benton EX-76 Classic maybe?
@@MeOnHawk thanks! I've seen them do a lot of knock offs but i didnt know they actually did an Explorer type.
Also the Ex 84, with EMG pu. And active pu too, really nice no?
@@MrPoilleke I've never really liked the sound of Actives.
EMG Retro Active sound better than the usual 85 or 81 combos but if I had to go for something active. it would be a Fishman Fluence Modern set. Otherwise it would be your average run of the mill SD JB/'59 combo or maybe something slightly higher output than the JB/59 combo.
SD make some of the greatest passive pickups known to man.
Tolle Specs, aber es ist und bleibt eine Epiphone. Das hat nichts konkret mit dem Namen zu tun - aber selbst die günstigeren Gibsons klingen zumeist viel hölzerner, verhalten sich viel resonanter. Das ist garnicht unbedingt etwas, was man über ein Close-Mic zwangsläufig hört, sondern viel mehr etwas, was man zunächst erstmal spürt, wenn der Korpus der Gitarre am Körper vibriert und einfach viel mehr von der Gitarre zurückkommt, was man in sie hinein steckt. Noch vor ein paar Jahren hat man eine Gibson Flying V oder Explorer aus der abgespeckten Reihe für unter 800€ bekommen. Natürlich, Gibson müssen auch auch die weltweiten Umstände reagieren. Und ich freue mich natürlich auch über die Epiphone Produktvielfalt. Nur kaufen würde ich es halt nicht. Nicht für den Preis.
That’s not even remotely true. I own the genuine Gibsons, AND the Epiphones. As a matter of fact, I own multiples from various years, including the brand new 2022/23 ‘Inspired by Gibson Custom’ models. These brand new Korina models are dead nuts on, when it comes to genuine “Gibson Tone”. If Epiphone ever moves on to using nitro lacquer, they will actually FEEL exactly like Gibsons.
Vorina the Explorer?
Well these are the Korina models so... Vorina and Explorina, right? 😅 //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses always have a team! Wait are they sisters,cousins, or conjoined twins separated at the sawmill?
Aber nicht für diesen Preis, was soll das denn, Gibson Preise? Selbst die Epiphone Flying V AMOS war dagegen erschwinglich....
Ich hatte eine direkt bei Epiphone EU geordert. Ist heute angekommen und wird wieder zurück geschickt. Lackierung war rau, Potiknöpfe schief aufgesetzt und der Headstock ist angeleimt. Das darf bei einem Preis von 1299 Euro nicht sein. Sound war gut und die Explorer war seh leicht, ein bisschen über 3 Kg. Der Hals ist sehr fett, halt 58er Mass, muss man mögen.
🤘😈🎸👌
No lefties, though? 😢😢😢
I saw lefty versions of them yesterday on the AMS website.
@@cecillancaster9462 I saw! I'm stoked! Nothing on the EU side of things, though. I wonder what the price will be also. $1300USD is dangerously close to the USA Gibson Explorer model
@@quiksilver78 Look for Andertons in UK to get them. They sell alot of Lefty guitars. I almost bought a Lefty Sire S7 from them cuz I couldn't find anyone in US selling them. Finally Sire US got some Leftys in.
Man the only thing disappointing is that laurel fingerboards
Why? Indian laurel is on par with rosewood quality wise. Did you ever try a guitar with an Indian laurel fretboard? I have an I can tell you you wouldn’t know the difference
@@philippehendrickx1109 when you played more than 50 guitars you'll know the difference. Not in looks but in feels under your finger
@@roysusanto6062 I have played far more guitars than 50 so I know indeed. Indian Laurel is, when it comes to wood quality, not better or worse than rosewood. It's more sustainable, so that's a plus for me. But it's indeed a bit different to the touch. It doesn't bother me however. I quite like the feel. But I understand someone else might not like it. But that doesn't make it a bad material choice. Personally I don't like maple fretboards. 🙂
Aaaaaaand they're gone.
no stairway!!!
the explorer is yummy!!!!
Stairway: too late for that 🤣And yeah, these are sweet, I dig the V most. //Kris
I had bought a Firefly Explorers worst guitar I ever bought ☹️
$1300!!! Ouch, hard pass!
That's freaking ridiculously cheap for a Korina V and explorer. In a few months they're going to be ridiculously expensive.
@@RolandSpecialSauce nah, Gibson just acts like Korina is some magical wood while Reverend makes all their guitars with Korina.
@@srh361 Then buy one of those and quit bitching because you don't have the money to buy a cheap epiphone.😂
@@RolandSpecialSauce Who the hell are you to act like you know my financial situation??? I'll buy the real deal before I buy EITHER of those guitars, I was only stating that Korina isn't the magical wood Gibson makes it out to be! Why don't you go harass someone else instead of bitching on my comment!
@@RolandSpecialSauce So you think the wood is special or expensive?
Not interested ... they should come up with a FlyingTele or a Telexplorer
Also looking forward to the T-335 and the Tele Paul models. 😆 Yeah, maybe not. //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses
Well .. actually Fender had/has a TelePaul: the Fender American Vintage II 72 Tele Thinline. Friend of mine had the original with a Bigsby and the original "wide Range" HH with the adjustable magnets as pole pieces! It is semi! ... so it might do the T335 Job as well (;-)
Me is working on a DuesenTele ... a Semi-Hollow-Kit with a sudo Bigsby and Duesenberg PUs ...
Made in CHINA??
Ever tried Eastman guitars? They are made in china and are on par with fender and Gibson custom shop guitars
I don’t like the finish. It looks cheap. Should’ve use Nitro.
gibsons name isn't on the head stock, that alone is worth the price. get over it brand chasers. most of you guys couldn't tune a guitar with out a tuner.