Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $8,866
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Explorer Korina". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner rock legend with the Gibson Explorer Korina, a masterful reissue of an iconic instrument that revolutionized the music scene in 1958. This electric guitar is a tribute to Gibson's bold design, featuring an angular, futuristic shape that still captivates musicians today. Crafted with a lightweight korina body, this guitar offers a rich, balanced tone reminiscent of premium mahogany, making it perfect for genres from rock to jazz.
The Explorer's korina body not only provides a unique tonal quality but also ensures exceptional playability with its comfortable, asymmetrical design. The CustomBucker pickups are the heart of this instrument, delivering the classic P.A.F.-style tones that defined an era. Whether you're strumming warm rhythm chords or ripping through searing lead lines, these pickups will keep you in the sonic sweet spot.
The slim taper neck allows for fast, effortless playing across an Indian rosewood fingerboard, offering a vintage feel that's both nostalgic and inspiring. Coupled with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this guitar embodies the look and feel of a cherished classic, promising tonal enhancements that mature beautifully over time.
For those who appreciate historical accuracy, every detail has been meticulously crafted, from the celluloid-tipped Kluson tuners to the ABR-1 bridge. The Gibson Explorer Korina is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history reimagined for today's discerning guitarist.
Key Features:
- Solid korina body with a resonant, balanced tone
- Slim taper neck for fast, effortless playability
- CustomBucker humbucking pickups for authentic P.A.F. tones
- Indian rosewood fingerboard with vintage-style inlays
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for enhanced tonal qualities
- Vintage-style hardware including an ABR-1 bridge and Kluson tuners
- Comes with a period-correct hardshell case for secure transport
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Explorer Korina |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1982 - 1984 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | X-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Explorer |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Norlin Era |
FAQs
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What is the tonewood used in the Gibson Explorer Korina, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Gibson Explorer Korina features a Korina wood body, which is known for its warm, resonant sound similar to mahogany, with a rich low end. This wood contributes to the guitar's distinctive tone and sustain.
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What kind of pickups does the Gibson Explorer Korina have, and what tones can they produce?
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The Gibson Explorer Korina is equipped with dual Custombucker humbucking pickups, which deliver a powerful and versatile sound suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from rock to blues.
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Is the Gibson Explorer Korina suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson Explorer Korina is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, unique Korina tonewood, and versatile Custombucker pickups, offering a professional-grade playing experience.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Explorer Korina?
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The Gibson Explorer Korina features a Korina neck with a 1958 Explorer profile, providing a vintage feel and comfortable playability for those familiar with classic guitar neck shapes.
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How many frets does the Gibson Explorer Korina have, and what is the fretboard material?
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The Gibson Explorer Korina has 22 frets and features an Indian rosewood fingerboard, offering smooth playability and a warm tonal character.
Videos
Peach Guitars
No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer VOS Historic Collection
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Explorer Korina.
Build quality
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The Explorer's weight can be substantial, with some models reaching up to 12 pounds, which is appreciated by fans of heavy guitars.
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The '58 Korina Explorer features a seamlessly matched 2-piece body where the seam is only visible by the end grain at the bottom.
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Owners admire the dark, deep color of the fretboard, enhancing the guitar's aesthetic appeal.
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Features and functionality
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Despite initial awkwardness, the Explorer shape is noted for its comfort and versatility, with the design acting as a natural armrest.
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The guitar boasts crisp tones with pronounced mids and highs, distinguishing it from other humbucker-equipped guitars.
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The combination of blue finish with gold hardware offers a striking visual contrast, praised for its unique aesthetic appeal among guitar enthusiasts.
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Value and pricing
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The Explorer's price is high, but resale value is promising, as owners report potential profits despite market fluctuations.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar is favored for its aesthetic appeal and is considered "playable artwork," with a focus on wood grain beauty.
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Comparisons
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Some owners prefer the darker Tobacco Burst finish over traditional Sunburst, appreciating its subtlety compared to bright orange hues.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Users appreciate vibrant colored stains on Korina wood, suggesting potential for more colorful finishes in future models.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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During Metallica's performance at Lyon Halle Tony Garnier on September 12, 2017, James Hetfield was seen playing a Gibson Explorer Korina, as captured in the concert footage on YouTube.
In the video titled "Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour 2024" by Premier Guitar, Chris Shiflett is shown with the Gibson Explorer Korina reissue guitar at the 17:34 mark.
In a user-uploaded photo, John Entwistle is shown with a Gibson Explorer Korina to his left. It's unclear whether this guitar is a reissue or an original model.
In this photo, we can see Bill playing a Gibson Explorer Korina (can't tell, if it's the original 1958 Korina, or just a reissue, but it's a Korina nonetheless).
In this reel of the Jonas Brothers in the studio, Kevin can be seen using a korina or natural wood Explorer.
Album Usage
The Gibson Explorer Korina has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Explorer Korina, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Gibson Explorer Korina, curated by the Equipboard community.
$802.93 - $1,299.00
The Korina Explorer was light years ahead of its time when it was first introduced in 1958. With its angular, asymmetrical body and pointed headstock, the Explorer was unlike any guitar available. In fact, the Explorer was such a radical departure that only around 100 of the famed instruments were produced at the legendary Kalamazoo factory. What few have survived are now highly prized collectibles that sell for half a million dollars or more. Now, Epiphone brings back the one-of-a-kind legend in all its original glory made from beautiful Korina.
$8,333.00 - $9,999.00
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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