The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer is a remarkably faithful recreation of one of the most desirable electric guitar designs ever produced, combining authentic Explorer styling with premium Gibson electronics and period-inspired construction.

Built with a solid Korina body and Korina neck, long neck tenon, 1958 Explorer neck profile and Indian laurel fingerboard, it is equipped with genuine Gibson BurstBucker 2 and BurstBucker 3 humbuckers, CTS potentiometers, a Mallory capacitor and Switchcraft switching. The result is a powerful, resonant guitar capable of everything from warm vintage cleans and blues through to classic rock, hard rock and high-gain lead work.

This example is presented in Excellent Condition, showing only very light signs of previous use. Serial number 23091521457. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Epiphone
Model	Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer
Finish	Aged Natural
Type	Explorer Electric Guitar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Serial Number	23091521457
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Premium Korina Explorer with genuine Gibson BurstBuckers
Best For	Classic rock, hard rock, blues, metal, recording and live performance

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent Condition means the guitar shows very light signs of use while remaining fully functional and very well presented.

It is an excellent option for a player looking for a clean pre-owned example of this premium Epiphone model without the cost associated with buying one brand new.

What’s Included?

✔ Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

The guitar displays only very light signs of previous use consistent with its Excellent condition grading.

No faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Serial Number: 23091521457

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Gibson BurstBucker pickups tested
• Three-way pickup selector checked
• Volume controls checked
• Master tone control checked
• Output jack tested
• Neck condition assessed
• Fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuners checked
• Bridge and tailpiece assessed
• Hardware inspected
• General playability checked
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playability

Wooden instruments can move slightly during transportation as temperature and humidity change, so minor setup adjustment may occasionally be desirable according to individual playing preference.

What Makes The Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer Special?

The 1958 Korina Explorer sits considerably above a conventional Epiphone Explorer in specification. Developed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop, it combines a solid Korina body and neck, long neck tenon and period-inspired 1958 neck profile with premium components chosen to bring the experience much closer to the legendary original design.

Genuine Gibson BurstBucker 2 and BurstBucker 3 pickups, CTS pots, a Mallory capacitor and Switchcraft components give the electronics particular credibility. For players who love the history and appearance of the original Korina Explorer but need a guitar they can realistically own and use, this is one of Epiphone's most compelling recreations.

Key Features & Benefits

Solid Korina Body And Neck

Korina is central to the identity of the original 1958 Explorer, and this model uses it for both the solid body and neck rather than relying simply on a cosmetic veneer. It contributes to the guitar's authentic construction while giving the Explorer its distinctive natural appearance.

Long Neck Tenon

The set Korina neck uses a long neck tenon, a detail associated with traditional Gibson construction. It creates a substantial neck-to-body joint and forms an important part of the model's historically inspired specification.

1958 Explorer Neck Profile

Rather than using a generic modern Epiphone neck shape, this model features a dedicated 1958 Explorer profile, giving it a more period-inspired feel while retaining the familiar 24.75"-class Gibson scale length.

Gibson BurstBucker 2 And BurstBucker 3 Pickups

A Gibson BurstBucker 2 in the neck and hotter BurstBucker 3 in the bridge provide a broad range of vintage-influenced humbucker tones. The neck position delivers warmth and depth, while the bridge has the extra drive and definition needed for rock riffs and lead playing.

Premium Electronics

CTS potentiometers, a Mallory capacitor and Switchcraft selector and output jack elevate the electronics beyond those found in many standard Epiphone models. These are quality components chosen to complement the Gibson pickups and traditional control layout.

Aged Gloss Finish And Gold Hardware

The Aged Natural presentation captures the visual identity associated with vintage Korina Explorers, while gold hardware reinforces the premium appearance without turning the guitar into an artificially distressed relic.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer vs Standard Epiphone Explorer

A standard Epiphone Explorer provides the famous body shape at a more accessible price, but the 1958 Korina model moves considerably closer to vintage-inspired Gibson specification with its solid Korina construction, long neck tenon, dedicated 1958 neck profile, genuine Gibson BurstBuckers and upgraded CTS, Mallory and Switchcraft electronics.

Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer vs Gibson Explorer

A USA Gibson Explorer offers American Gibson manufacture and its own model-specific specification, but this Epiphone is particularly attractive to players seeking the visual and construction character of the exceptionally rare original Korina design. It offers premium components and authentic styling at a substantially more attainable level than a Gibson Custom recreation.

Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer vs 1958 Korina Flying V

Both models draw directly from Gibson's radical 1958 Korina designs and share many premium construction details. The Explorer offers a larger body and different playing ergonomics, while the Flying V may appeal more to players who prefer its lighter visual profile and distinctive V-shaped stage presence.

Who Is It For?

Explorer enthusiasts – An excellent choice for players who want a more historically inspired and premium interpretation of the Explorer design.

Classic rock players – The BurstBuckers provide the rich midrange, sustain and dynamic response associated with vintage-style humbuckers.

Hard rock and metal guitarists – The hotter BurstBucker 3 bridge pickup gives riffs and lead lines plenty of authority through driven amplifiers.

Vintage-inspired guitar fans – Korina construction, gold hardware and the 1958 profile give this model much stronger historical character than a standard production Explorer.

Recording musicians – Its two contrasting Gibson humbuckers and independent volume controls make it easy to access a useful range of rhythm and lead sounds.

Players wanting a premium Epiphone – This is aimed at guitarists looking above the standard Epiphone range for upgraded construction, hardware and electronics.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Classic rock
• Hard rock
• Blues rock
• Blues
• Metal
• Alternative rock
• Indie rock
• Southern rock
• Progressive rock
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• High-gain amplifiers
• Vintage-style valve amps
• Pedal-based rigs

Why Choose A Korina Explorer?

The Explorer's appeal goes far beyond its unconventional body shape. Gibson's original Korina instruments became some of the most sought-after electric guitars ever produced, and Korina has remained inseparable from the identity of the earliest Explorer design.

For modern players, an Explorer also offers surprisingly practical performance. The long body gives excellent upper-fret access, the 24.75"-class scale provides the familiar Gibson-style string feel, and twin humbuckers make it equally comfortable with clean, crunch and saturated amplifier sounds.

This Epiphone is especially appealing because the Korina is fundamental to its construction rather than being purely decorative. Combined with the long neck tenon and premium Gibson electronics, it captures much of what makes the original concept fascinating while remaining a guitar designed for regular playing.

Story & Context

The Gibson Explorer first appeared in 1958 alongside the Flying V as part of an extraordinarily forward-looking group of electric guitar designs.

Its angular, futuristic body was radically different from the traditional guitar shapes of the period, and the original Korina Explorers were produced in extremely small numbers. Decades later, those surviving instruments became some of the world's most valuable and desirable vintage electric guitars.

The Inspired by Gibson Custom version was created to bring that original concept within reach of far more musicians. Developed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop, Epiphone concentrated on the details that distinguish the early Explorer: solid Korina construction, the distinctive neck profile, long neck tenon, gold hardware and vintage-inspired humbuckers.

The result is not simply another modern Explorer with a natural finish. It is a purpose-built tribute to one of the most important and elusive designs in Gibson history.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Epiphone
Model	1958 Korina Explorer
Collection	Inspired by Gibson Custom
Finish	Aged Natural
Finish Type	Aged Gloss
Body Shape	Explorer
Body Material	Solid Korina
Neck Material	Korina
Neck Profile	1958 Explorer
Neck Joint	Glued-In Set Neck, Long Neck Tenon
Fingerboard Material	Indian Laurel
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Scale Length	24.72" / 628mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Fingerboard Inlays	Dot
Nut	Graph Tech
Nut Width	1.69" / 43mm
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson BurstBucker 2
Bridge Pickup	Gibson BurstBucker 3
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, Master Tone
Potentiometers	CTS
Capacitor	Mallory
Pickup Selector	3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack	Switchcraft 1/4"
Bridge	ABR-1 Style
Tailpiece	LockTone Stop Bar
Tuning Machines	Epiphone Deluxe, 6 In-Line
Hardware Finish	Gold
Serial Number	23091521457
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Gibson BurstBucker pickups and traditional passive electronics operate without a battery and connect to a suitable amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer is one of those guitars where the upgraded specification genuinely changes the proposition. Solid Korina construction, the long neck tenon, dedicated 1958 profile and genuine Gibson BurstBuckers give it considerably more substance than simply being a visually accurate Explorer recreation.

This Excellent Condition example offers an especially attractive opportunity for someone looking for a premium pre-owned Explorer, with its hardcase included and only very light signs of previous use.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can give you access to premium instruments at a more attractive price while avoiding the uncertainty that can come with purchasing an individual used guitar privately.

Every pre-owned instrument at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale, with its condition and included items clearly described so you can make an informed decision.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major city-centre showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience helping musicians find the right equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with new and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading?

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Your existing gear could help reduce the cost of this Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards your next purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Epiphone 1958 Korina Explorer made from real Korina?

Yes. The model features a solid Korina body and Korina neck, making Korina an integral part of its construction rather than simply a cosmetic top or veneer.

Does it have genuine Gibson pickups?

Yes. It is factory equipped with a Gibson BurstBucker 2 neck pickup and BurstBucker 3 bridge pickup.

Is this guitar made by the Gibson Custom Shop?

The guitar is an Epiphone model developed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop. It is part of the premium Inspired by Gibson Custom range rather than a Gibson Custom Shop-manufactured instrument.

What is the difference between the BurstBucker 2 and BurstBucker 3?

The BurstBucker 2 provides a balanced vintage-style humbucker voice and is used in the neck position, while the BurstBucker 3 has greater output and works particularly well in the bridge for stronger rhythm and lead sounds.

Does this Explorer have active electronics?

No. The BurstBuckers and control circuit are completely passive, so no battery is required.

What does a long neck tenon do?

A long neck tenon extends the neck joint further into the body than a shorter traditional joint. It is an important vintage-inspired construction detail and creates a particularly substantial connection between the Korina neck and body.

Is this suitable for metal?

Yes. Although its specification is rooted in late-1950s design, the BurstBucker 3 bridge pickup works very well with higher-gain amplifiers and pedals, making the guitar suitable for classic metal, hard rock and many modern heavier styles.

Is it only suitable for rock music?

No. The neck BurstBucker provides warm clean and blues tones, while the independent volume controls allow the two pickups to be balanced for a wide range of sounds. It can comfortably cover blues, alternative music, indie, progressive styles and studio work alongside rock.

What is the neck like?

The guitar uses a dedicated 1958 Explorer neck profile with a 12" fingerboard radius and medium-jumbo frets, giving it a substantial vintage-inspired character without sacrificing practical modern playability.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included with this pre-owned guitar.

Can I view the individual guitar before purchasing?

Yes. The guitar can be viewed at the Fair Deal Music Birmingham showroom, subject to remaining available.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for pre-owned instruments if you would like a closer look at the condition and individual guitar before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Is this a good alternative to a Gibson Explorer?

Yes. It is particularly attractive to players who want premium Explorer construction and genuine Gibson electronics without moving to the considerably higher price level associated with many USA-made or Gibson Custom models.