Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,062
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step back in time and embrace the spirit of rock history with the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer. Crafted in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, this guitar is a faithful homage to one of the most sought-after vintage models. Its korina body and neck not only pay tribute to the rare original but also deliver a resonant sound profile that rivals top-shelf mahogany, offering warm mids and tight lows that are ideal for both rhythm and lead play.
Equipped with Gibson Burstbucker 2 and Burstbucker 3 pickups, the Explorer captures the essence of classic PAF tones, from smooth, articulate cleans to raw, gritty overdrive. The inclusion of premium Mallory capacitors and CTS pots ensures that every note rings true, while the master tone and individual volume controls provide the flexibility to shape your sound precisely.
Designed with a period-correct neck profile and a long neck tenon, the Explorer offers vintage playability that feels both familiar and inviting. Its iconic silhouette, complemented by gold hardware and a hockey-stick-style headstock, makes it a visual standout on any stage.
Whether you're a collector of vintage instruments or a musician seeking the timeless tone and aesthetic of a classic, the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer makes an unparalleled addition to your musical arsenal.
Key Features:
- Korina body and neck with 1958 Explorer profile
- Indian laurel fingerboard
- Gibson Burstbucker 2 (neck) and Burstbucker 3 (bridge) humbuckers
- Premium Mallory caps and CTS pots
- ABR-1 bridge with LockTone stopbar tailpiece
- Includes hardshell case for safe transport
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Explorer |
| Body Material | Korina |
| Body Finish | Aged Gloss |
| Neck Material | Korina |
| Neck Shape | 1958 Explorer |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.693" |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Epiphone Deluxe |
| Neck Pickup | Gibson Burstbucker 2 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Gibson Burstbucker 3 Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer?
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The Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer features a 1958 Explorer neck shape, which is designed to be comfortable and fast, providing a vintage feel that suits both rhythm and lead playing styles.
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How do the Gibson Burstbucker pickups in the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer sound?
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The Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 humbuckers deliver a classic PAF-style tone with a warm, vintage character, offering a balanced sound suitable for rock, blues, and metal genres.
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Is the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer suitable for beginners?
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While the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer is a great guitar for players of all levels, its unique shape and vintage-style features may be more appreciated by intermediate and advanced players seeking a classic rock sound.
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer?
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The Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer is crafted from korina wood, known for its lightweight properties and resonant tonal qualities, contributing to its rich and warm sound.
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Does the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer come with a case?
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Yes, the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer includes a hardshell case, providing protection and ease of transport for the guitar.
Videos
PMTVUK
Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer - A closer look...
Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer - A closer look...
PMTVUK
Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer - Expensive, But Impressive?
JamesOnGuitar
Review Epiphone 58 Korina Explorer Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop
Bill's Guitar Garage - Bill Taylor
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent resonance and clarity with rich overtones, thanks to Gibson Burstbucker pickups
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Light and balanced, especially compared to heavier models like Les Pauls
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Unique korina wood offers a distinct, midrangey tone that stands out in clean settings
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High-quality craftsmanship, with well-polished frets and solid construction
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Versatile sound, capable of handling blues to rock genres effortlessly
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Vintage-inspired design with modern playability, appealing to guitar enthusiasts
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Included case is durable and protective, though notably large
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Comfortable playability with smooth neck and low action, suitable for fast playing
CONS
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Neck dive due to strap button placement can be an issue for some players
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Indian Laurel fretboard less desirable than rosewood, appearing lighter in color
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Geared towards vintage tones; not ideal for modern metal genres
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Some setups may require personal adjustments for optimal performance
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Aged finish may not appeal to those preferring a pristine, new look
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer.
Value and pricing
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Pricing for Epiphone Korina Explorers has increased significantly since 2019, now reaching up to $999 for decent models.
Source -
The inclusion of a quality hardshell case is factored into the perceived value despite the higher price point.
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A previous version of the Korina Explorer was seen at $800 CAD, indicating price variations for different models.
Source
Features and functionality
Build quality
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The guitar feels notably lightweight, approximately 2-3 pounds lighter than a Jackson Jeff Loomis Kelly.
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The satin finish provides a smooth neck feel, comparable to the thin finish on Gibsons, enhancing playability.
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Concerns about neck dive are mentioned due to the strap button placement on the horn, suggesting a potential balance issue.
Source
User experience
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Some owners have experienced shipping issues, noting that guitars arrived in less-than-ideal packaging, emphasizing the importance of careful shipping practices.
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A demo model had neck joint finish cracks, indicating potential cosmetic issues in some units.
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Some owners report awkward arm positioning when playing seated, suggesting this may not be the best choice for long seated sessions.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners recommend swapping Burstbucker pickups for a Super Distortion and 36th Anniversary PAF for more wiring options like phase switching.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 22 Ratings
1137
Great Playing Explorer
It Plays just as good as a Gibson Explorer but it has a thin veener on top that looks very out of place when you view it form an angle
Extra Info: Korina Body (Multiple Pieces with thin veneer on top) Bleached Mahogany Neck
252
fun and versatile
I had this guy for a couple years, roughly 2011-2013 on a trade. It's a neat guitar for sure, korina is a very unique, midrangey wood that offers a very "dry" sort of sound that's cool when played clean and coupled with stuff like reverb and a light flange. Heavy sounds fall in the classic rock neighborhood for sure, which is not at all for me as I normally tune low and don't play in Skynyrd. I worked on a fair amount of post-rock sort of material with this in the time that I owned it and found it was very cool in that application.
41029
I am always tempted by these as they look the part, but its an epi, an epi.... since the mid 90s no epi has played like a gibby
252
can't say that name means a ton to me...as you can tell by the stuff I've been posting I'm a ESP guy to the core, modern Gibsons to me are so absurdly expensive and don't have the quality control anymore to back up the price tag
41029
https://equipboard.com/forums
41029
yeah, you have to sort the gibbies from Nashville, but any are great for SOMEONE, its a matter of finding your neck shape and weight with the build quality..... I play a lot of everything before I buy unless its old and rare, then I take a chance and cross the old fingers
252
I think it's pretty interesting that quite a few artists over the last few years have struck up signature model deals with Epi exclusively...even some Gibson endorsers I like very much switching over to ESP. Seems like the Gibby custom shop and artist relations aren't worth dealing with for a lot of these cats
41029
I am 99% sure that epi's artist relations is handled by the folks at Gibson, just different R&D depts.
ESP has always been a favorite of guys doing heavier stuff who want a signature model... in the early 90s they were all the rage and seemed to really take over from Jackson in that vein... now I guess they are scooping up Gibby's heavier players... that's alright
514
Excellent!
I recently bought an Epiphone Explorer, I think it's a 1958 reissue but with a Mahogany body and Maple neck, as far as I'm concerned. Amazing guitar, really comfortable and it has BRUTAL tone! You should really check it out, its a great guitar and I can't stop playing it... One of my all time favorites. 10/10
116
Savage beauty
A guitar that, just looking to it, doesn't leave you indifferent. Its body makes you feel cool and provides the player a feeling of dynamism. It is also an excellent guitar to experiment with different sound possibilities, both mellow Strat-like tunes to heavy sustained ,metal sounds
41029
the nice thing about the epi explorers is you get the same headstock as a gibby so you look serious from the audience
67
A rare nice Explorer
This guitar the copy of the 1958 Gibson Korina Explorer. The wood offers a very nice sound. The neck is very easy to play on. The mics in the other hand are not so good (I personnaly have changed them).
41029
I am always tempted to scratch my explorer itch with an epi even though I usually ahte epi versions of gibsons.... your old explorer is quite a looker and at a glance I would never know it was an epi
It was super cool. Tonally speaking it was not as good as the 16 Explorer's by Gibson. To me, it is a go big or go home style guitar. But i miss my korina for sure
Artist usage
Add artist
In a YouTube video titled "5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) - 18 Guitar Cover," Jordan Greenwald plays the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer, showcasing its use in multiple cover performances.
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Ash Gray is shown discussing his Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer guitar in an Instagram post. He shares that he customized it with upgraded hardware and EMG pickups, reminiscing about its exceptional playability.
Elizabeth Cannon is confirmed to use the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer, as evidenced by a photo she shared on Instagram, captioned "Hair in da face" from a performance at @space.prom. The image, posted on March 2, 2026, clearly shows her playing the guitar, and she credits photographer @jm_jeffries for capturing the moment.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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Back in 1958, Gibson shipped 19 Explorers — space-age, futuristic solidbody electric guitars that were well ahead of their time. The Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer is a meticulous re-creation of this coveted axe, crafted using three-dimensional scans of museum specimens and rare collector's items. Every dimension and contour of this instrument reflects its predecessor; its 1-piece korina body, its solid korina neck, and its Indian rosewood fingerboard are spot-on reproductions of the originals. And when you plug in, Gibson's acclaimed CustomBucker pickups churn out vintage-accurate tones that are downright addictive. Light-aged gold hardware rounds out this head-turning axe's enviable aesthetics. The 1958 Korina Explorer comes with a '50s-style brown-and-pink case.
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