Inspired by Gibson 1958 Korina Explorer in Aged Natural Finish
Explorer electric guitar from Epiphone x Gibson
Korina wood body and neck
Indian Laurel fretboard
Gibson Burstbucker 2 pickup in neck position
Gibson Burstbucker 3 pickup in bridge position
"Hockey Stick" headstock
Custom Epiphone x Gibson logo
Epiphone Deluxe tuners
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge
LockTone Stopbar
Epiphone Deluxe machine heads
Mallory capacitors
Hardware in gold optics
Case included
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson
This faithful replica of the legendary 1958 Korina Explorer is the result of a collaboration between the Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. Limited to just 19 original units in its debut year, the Explorer quickly rose to cult status thanks to its bold shape and rarity. Now, with this meticulous reissue, fans of vintage tone and rock history can finally experience this iconic instrument firsthand. The guitar features a Korina body and a set neck with a long-neck tenon, staying true to the original construction. The Aged Gloss finish not only mirrors the vintage aesthetic but also brings out the unique wood grain of each individual instrument. Under the hood, the Explorer is loaded with Gibson Burstbucker pickups, Mallory capacitors, and historically accurate wiring, ensuring a tone that’s as authentic as its look. Additional highlights include Epiphone x Gibson Custom hardware and gold-finished components, combining reliability with classic visual appeal. Whether you’re a collector or a player, the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer is a powerful tribute to one of rock’s rarest guitars.
The 1958 Korina Explorer is the first accurate reissue of this electric guitar under Epiphone made of Korina wood with white pickguard
Gibson Burstbucker II and III
Particular attention was paid to high-quality components and hardware in the making of the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer. In both the neck and bridge positions, you'll find Gibson Burstbucker pickups—equipped with Alnico II magnets to deliver a warm, vintage tone with rich overtones, true to the sound of the original Gibson PAF pickups. The pickups are wired using CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, and a Switchcraft output jack, ensuring dependable signal integrity and tonal accuracy. While true to their vintage roots, the Burstbuckers also shine in modern contexts, offering articulate and expressive overdrive tones with strong character—perfect for rock, blues, metal, and everything in between.
The features of the Epiphone x Gibson 1958 Korina are completed by the gold hardware
Gold Hardware and features
The Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer is accentuated by gold alloy hardware, including a Gibson ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and Epiphone Deluxe tuners, which work together with the LockTone Stopbar to deliver robust tone and enhanced sustain. The guitar's tonal versatility is further enhanced by three stylish black top-hat knobs for volume and master tone, alongside a 3-way switch, allowing players to fine-tune and personalize their sound with ease. The Epiphone x Gibson Custom Shop logo adds an authentic touch, while the included padded guitar case, designed to match the original 1958 style, ensures safe and stylish transport.
The "field hockey stick" or "banana" headstock is a key feature of the 1958 Explorer
Traditional design
When the 1958 Korina Explorer was first released, it was considered too modern and futuristic. Today, it has become a coveted vintage gem with a unique, timeless appeal. Epiphone has faithfully recreated the Gibson model, staying true to the original specifications. The set neck, Indian Laurel fretboard, and 22 medium jumbo frets combine to offer an authentic neck profile that ensures comfortable playability for both classic and modern players alike. The white pickguard and Aged Gloss finish complete the look, adding a touch of personality and vintage charm. And of course, the long, hockey stick-shaped headstock remains an iconic feature of this model, adding to the instrument’s distinctive visual identity.
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