Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$9,999.00
Guitar Center
$9,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$8,818.08 New
$7,525.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$9,999.00
Thomann
$8,333.00

Average Price: $9,112

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back into the golden era of rock n' roll with the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer, a masterpiece that revives the legendary 1958 original. Known for its space-age design and bold sound, the Explorer is an icon of innovation and musical evolution. The one-piece korina body is not only visually striking but also offers a resonant tone reminiscent of high-end mahogany, delivering a naturally warm and rich sound.

Equipped with Gibson's acclaimed CustomBucker pickups, this guitar captures the authentic P.A.F.-style tone, offering a sonic palette that ranges from lush rhythm warmth to piercing lead brilliance. The slim taper neck profile ensures fast, effortless playability, making it a joy for both vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike.

The Indian rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth touch under your fingertips, while the meticulously crafted hardware, including an ABR-1 bridge and Kluson tuners, ensures tuning stability and timeless aesthetics. Encased in a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this Explorer not only looks vintage but ages gracefully, enhancing its tonal qualities over time.

Whether you're a collector or a stage performer, the '58 Korina Explorer is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of music history, offering the same electrifying spirit that shook the foundations of rock decades ago.

Key Features:

  • One-piece korina body for rich, resonant tone
  • Slim taper neck with Indian rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual CustomBucker humbucking pickups
  • ABR-1 bridge with titanium saddles
  • Vintage-style Kluson tuners
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for classic aesthetics

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape 1958 Explorer
Body Material Korina
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Korina
Neck Shape '58 Explorer
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.687"
Nut Material Nylon
Bridge/Tailpiece Adjustable ABR-1 Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners Kluson with Celluloid tips
Neck Pickup Custom Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Custom Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer?

The Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer delivers a warm, rich tone with pronounced midrange and excellent sustain, thanks to its Korina wood construction and custom humbucker pickups. It's ideal for classic rock, blues, and hard rock genres.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer is well-suited for live performances, offering powerful sound projection and a distinctive look. Its solidbody construction and reliable hardware ensure stability and durability on stage.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer feel?

The '58 Explorer neck profile offers a comfortable, vintage feel with a set neck joint and a 12" radius, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. The neck's Korina material contributes to its smooth playability.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer includes a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

What type of finish does the Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer have?

The Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhances the natural beauty of the Korina wood and allows the guitar to age gracefully over time.

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer VOS Historic Collection

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer VOS Historic Collection by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer VOS Historic Collection

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer White Pickguard VOS Historic Collection by The Peach Boutique

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer White Pickguard VOS Historic Collection

The Peach Boutique

The Peach Boutique

Video thumbnail for The TONE of the Gods! - Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer + 1957 Gibson GA-20T Combo by Walt Grace Vintage

The TONE of the Gods! - Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer + 1957 Gibson GA-20T Combo

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer.

Comparisons

  • The Melody Maker Explorer is smaller and features a maple body with a single pickup, providing a spanky tone, unlike the regular mahogany-bodied Explorer.

    Source
  • The 70s Gibson Explorer features hot pickups at 15k and 16k ohms, and its natural finish resembles some Ken Lawrence Explorers.

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Features and functionality

  • The Melody Maker Explorer includes a Flying V headstock and a 25.5" scale, which suits down-tunings well for metal music.

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  • The 1997 Explorer model with a 500T bridge pickup is noted for its versatility, allowing for a wide range of tonal applications.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Melody Maker's maple construction results in a tone described as "spanky" and "like poking a nest of angry hornets," ideal for aggressive metal sounds.

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  • The natural finish Gibson Explorer is suggested as a visually appealing alternative for fans of Hetfield's style.

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Build quality

  • The white finish on Gibson Explorers is reportedly problematic, with issues such as nitro burn and checking, leading to potential returns and dissatisfaction.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Refinishing a Gibson Explorer or V in nitro is costly and may not be advisable unless opting for a Custom Shop model.

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User experience

  • An owner recounts going through three white Flying V’s due to quality issues before settling on one despite imperfections.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zac Brown uses Gibson Custom Shop '58 Korina Explorer

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange
Color/Finish: Korina Year: 2018

This was a house instrument at Southern Ground Studio and has been used on recordings by Zac and many other great artists during its time in Nashville.

Genre Usage

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