This New Epiphone is IMPRESSIVE! | Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer

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This New Epiphone is IMPRESSIVE! | Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer
Today we are checking out the new Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" 1958 Korina Explorer. This new lineup offers an Epiphone Korina Explorer built to similar specs as the "real deal" but this time equipped with Gibson pickups and CTS pots. I was a bit pessimistic going into this review, but the tone and playability spoke for itself!
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[@Trog]

Thanks for watching! How do you feel about the new Explorers and Vs? 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/shop/troglys?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@PapaSancho666]

When I received mine, I was just blown away at how beautiful in person it is. I agree, I like not having it very glossy, its a beautiful low gloss/matte finish. I happened to receive mine the day Mr.Rossington passed. Needless to say, I broke her in with some Skynyrd. Fly on Free Bird! RIP Mr.Rossington. Cheers

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Paul Sanchez very nice and a fitting tribute to the late Mr. Rossington, R.I.P.. Gary and thanks for all the great songs you helped create

[@SionynJones]

Yes they add some sort of extra process to make the matt gloss finish.

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

​@Sionyn Jones either that or just matte clear coat or satin clear.

[@gooseabuse]

I remember when you could get Gibson guitars for these kinds of prices, things are getting out of hand.

[@glaucosouza1971]

I bought a brand new SG Std for 1299usd just a couple years back. prices are getting wild nowadays. Gosh

[@Ottophil]

I remember when a 2 liter of soda was 99 cents, now its 2.59, are you mad that guitars also went up, or just inflation in general. Thats how the economy works. You make more money now than then too

[@gooseabuse]

@Otto Phil I'm not talking about 1950, you buffoon. I'm talking about a couple of years ago before the new owners intentionally raised the price of everything. Certain models have basically doubled in price in 2 years, and that's not inflation. Also, inflation isn't a "normal" part of an economy; it is the devaluation of the currency.

[@Clearview68]

My Gibson Explorer was $600 when I got it...

[@LA-zc9rg]

Look around a bag of chips that was cost $1.99 a few years back are now $6. It’s the new normal. Thank your neighborhood politicians!

[@luciasabrinadimaria614]

It looks nice. Just wish it was made in atleast Korea.

[@crisadriano7412]

I'm here for my daily dose of guitar information.

[@ericmobley5727]

OK Wtf

[@michaelaiello9525]

I’ve really become a fan of your show despite 99% of the guitars being unrealistic for me to own. So whenever you review an accessible instrument that I actually am considering, that’s a special treat. Someday, some real nice Gibsons for me 🤞🏽.. but it’s great to know that even with it’s spendier tag for an Epiphone, you (and many others) are recommending this one.

[@Captain_Yata]

I'm in much the same position, I love watching the videos about moderately-alright priced really good guitars like these :)

[@mvenuti1980]

I think BBs and Custombuckers are miles apart, even though they each started as “The best PAF recreation we’ve ever made!” CBs are on par with most boutique PAFs while BBs remind me of Duncan 59s.

[@悪臭-p9p]

It's kinda bullsh*t that they put the same BBs in the current Gibson explorers. Like why would I buy a smaller 2 piece Gibson Explorer over this Epiphone one at this point besides the Gibson logo? These epiphones are coming out with nicer specs than Gibson USA for some reason, it's getting ridiculous.

[@yestoES355]

As a Gibson snob myself, I cannot deny how great the epiphones are. I don’t really buy/am sold with $1000+ epiphone guitars but the $400-$700 is solid and are amazing guitars.

[@robvee532]

I own about 8 older and newer higher quality Gibsons that i've had from anywhere from 2-30 years, This is better quality than some of the USA production Gibsons. I can say if this was a $400-$700 Epiphone, I wouldn't have been interested. Those are ok but I wouldn't even care about them. I ordered the V and I am amazed at how much I like it, it doesn't need anything replaced. It's not a cheap throwaway like the earlier Epi's, its a real solid Korina for $1299. They are not for everyone but for what it is, it is a steal.

[@ak47dragunov]

Those Epis would be killer if only they had Gibson on the headstock. Alas

[@martyshwaartz971]

Ehh the 1300 epiphone is a budget version of 10k gibson while the 700 epiphones are budget version of maybe 3k Gibsons? 13% of the cost vs. 23% so if anything these are much better value than 700$. Or the Gibson custom shops are way more off a ripoff than usual idk.

[@benlogan430]

It’s really a $799 guitar with $300 pups and a $200 hard shell case.

[@brandonkoch3852]

​@Rob Vee I have the epiphone modern SG in Trans black fade. Locking grovers,ebony fretboard,asymmetrical neck carve burstbuckers,coil splits,out of phase.. And it's $599..nothing makes this worth $1,300.also the case is trash They need drop or improve the case quality and the price..but alas people will eat em up just because.

[@che2335]

This locktone bridge is different than the standard locktone abr looks like it has the skinny diameter Gibson posts. Philadelphia Luthier sells the 8mm to 6/32 conversion posts to use a Gibson bridge on an Epiphone. These look similar.

[@Dude4311]

I’ve had the Korina V Epiphone LEFTY for about a week now, Sweetwater said I was the first! I love it! The burst buckers just sound fantastic, it’s very well made, and setup was flawless. I have a Gibson V in natural mahogany from 2018, and this Epiphone stand’s it’s ground and I love the attention to detail.

[@wiwiksundari8668]

Congratulations ! *sorry for my English. If you don't mind, I want to ask about the strings-through-body concept on the Flying V, is it true that Flying V have an unique "airy" sound because of the strings-through-body concept ? I very much like the brand new Epiphone '58 Korina Explore in this video (rocky, bold, and elegant) but I do have a "special feeling" too about the new '58 Epiphone Korina Flying V, one of the reason is the concept of strings-through-body. Thanks:)

[@Dude4311]

@@wiwiksundari8668 I don't know if the sound can be isolated to the string through body design, so many factors go into a guitar's sound. I believe every part of the guitar contributes especially the pickups, wood, nut and bridge material, fit and finishes and setup. But the airy sound I think does favor the korina lightweight wood and probably helped by the direct connection to string through body. It's one of those guitars you can feel vibrate all over, not even plugged in. Anyway, it's all subjective but it sure feels that way.

[@drjsmajor]

Here is my fear--JC, the current CEO of Gibson has taken over as CEO of several compainies. Levi's--were he moved production out of the US. Keen Shoes--where he moved production out of the US. And now Gibson. First he made a few Epiphones in the US. Now he is making Epiphones with Gibson on the back of the headstock and Gibson pickups. Anyone want to bet me that the next step is a Gibson branded guitar made in Asia? Likely a very low end model (Melody Maker, Jr, BluesHawk). Ultimate goal will be to move more production to Asia--not to make Chris Stapleton $5k Epiphones in the US or dual branded Korina Explorers. These are to test the market. Prediction--next step is a low end Gibson branded Asian made guitar. Then it will be all Asia componenets assembled in Nashville (maybe even in the Custom Shop).. Then......

[@daboosreviews8819]

Something similar has already happened in Gibson's past (1988) when they started the Orville by Gibson line in Japan. They were meant for the Japanese/Asian market but have been available in the US for decades. I've owned several since the 90's and they are easily on par with US Gibson's. The recent Adam Jones and Bonamassa's may actually be better than many Gibson's I've played. It's crazy! What a time to be a guitar player!!

[@drjsmajor]

@Daboo's Reviews correct--but I am speaking to Gibson branded guitars. Not "by Gibson" or "inspired by"

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

Forgive me if you have talked about the Epiphone Firebird already but man I was truly blown away by that guitar, definitely worth a look they did a great job with it.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Matthew right on the Epi Firebird is a great value for the money that's why I got one. Did you end up getting one?

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

@@jonathanhudak2059 no but I played one and was really wowed by it, I'm seriously considering it I couldn't put it down.

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

@@jonathanhudak2059 I own a Epiphone Les Paul classic 1960 reissue custom shop specs with Burstbuckers that will run with any Gibson any day, has a great Rosewood neck also. Had a guy wanna trade me his 73 Les Paul custom Black Beauty for it, I turned it down that thing was a clunky piece that would not stay in tune and no output (balls) at all, Epiphone has really stepped up their game.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Matthew thanks yeah consider that Firebird, with the neck through construction and everything and the pickups etc, wonderful guitar! Congrats on your Epi Les Paul I have heard a lot of good things about those and my best friend swears by them

[@folderol8487]

Those things are hard to find right now.

[@danieldesy2969]

The most critical upgrade you failed to mention is that these are solid Korina. The AMS ones were veneer.

[@cuda426hemi]

WRONG. And not only are you wrong but the placement of the Epi logo on this new version is also wrong, NOT accurate to '58 like the AMS '58 and the Gibson $10k reissue is. The AMS is gorgeous with no visible split on top - but is actually a 3 piece solid Korina body no veneer - I have no clue why people make s*it up - African Limba is not in short supply or protected like rosewood either - it's no big deal. You are paying double for less than $300 worth of Gibson pups and CTS pots and a case. The 1.6875 nut on AMS makes it faster for me than the 1.693 on the other one, too. I want to see the comparison!! Has to be to my $650 2022 Epi LE '58 Korina with Gold HW both made in China versions against the questionably priced $1300 one when $700 more gets you a REAL Explorer - (which I'm adding soon to the Epi '58 as a pair but that's a different comparison.) . 👀

[@sebastianmedina1234]

@@cuda426hemi have you looked into converting the black guard on the AMS to white?

[@cuda426hemi]

@@sebastianmedina1234 Short answer no. Got that guy in the UK (I think) that will make them of any layer(s)/thickness color, finish etc but most important screw spacing and for I think about $30 or less - Explorer guards can be different within same damn brand !! Still thinking about doing a simple white vinyl wrap if I GAF, and if I really GAF, I have a piece of clear plexi meant for a big window that could easily be cut n shaped and drilled and then either used clear or hit with white rattle can on back side. Bottom line though is the whole guitar grew on me including the porno dude black sox pick guard! - it plays better than I thought for my smaller hands - wicked fast - I find the wider width a little better than the SG Muse and that is wicked fast in a thinner feel way. Bet you dollars to donuts the new 'inspired by' white guards would NOT directly screw onto my 2022 LE Korina - just have that feeling. Funny you asked about that black guard though...☮🎸

[@MrJermeyp]

Def NOT a short answer bruh .. 😂

[@cuda426hemi]

@@MrJermeyp You can't get shorter than the first answer actually called "short answer" - one word No. If you went past that, that's your rabbit hole - not mine. 🤡

[@pezzye]

I set up all the guitars before they are put on the wall in the shop (where I am the Tech) and I love all these new Epiphones, I actually prefer them to most of the USA Gibson's ✌️✌️

[@cdnnielsen5964]

The poor placement on the strap buttons is a shame

[@jburdsinfuse]

I wonder what the resale value will look like on these? A quick look at the 59' Epiphone "inspired by" Les Paul's are $600 on Reverb right now. If I paid either a premium to get it as soon as they released, or full price at a box retailer, I would always be disappointed. A "real" Gibson tribute from 5+ years ago is still at least full retail value, and some finishes have appreciated. I'm not saying the Epi's aren't very nice, but there is no way I can justify that price point when I can get a comparable Epi (quality wise) for half the price, or a "real" Gibson for the same price (albeit used).

[@Suddsy.]

I would prefer the black pick guard. It would go better with the black head stock

[@emilyadams3228]

It brings out the color of the wood more, too. Also goes better with black pickup rings.

[@scottykingdavid]

Epiphone has really stepped up there game. I have been playing for over 45 years... I'm 53 years old and very seasoned player. I would not say it if it werent so. I cant believe how well even the traditional pro IV GOLDTOP Les Paul is. It's like I'm playing a vintage worn Gibson ... No joke . It feels really really really good. Very very impressed. And I would never give a nod to Epiphone. Now. I'm totally blown away and sold. How well they put that one together. And I'm sure the others are just as nice. Everytime I pick it up. It feels just like a vintage Paul

[@theshotgunscientists]

These new ones have the correct Gibson custom shop/original 1958 style pickguards. Look at pretty much any other epiphone explorer, the pickguards looks shrunken by comparison. Very noticeable above the control pots.

[@brandonjackson5865]

Al Collins wore his strap across the front of the back corner of his Explorers I always assumed it was to offset the neck dive and the tendency for the guitar to roll forward (pickups towards the floor) when you turn loose of it.

[@alanedmonds4272]

Rickey Medlocke has always done that too, as can be seen in photos since the early Blackfoot days.

[@elamon51]

Wowsers I think with case and Burstbucker pickups, this a great deal on this guitar. I would love to have the flying vee version.

[@joermnyc]

I’d love for Gibson or Epiphone to do a run in Black Limba (heartwood of the same tree they get Korina (White Limba) from. Black Limba can get really wild and beautiful.

[@bretspangler8717]

I just got mine, I normally spend a couple hours going over the fret ends, I had my table all set up, all my tools out and decided to play it, the intonation was spot on, that has never happened before, very nice surprise. All the fret ends are almost perfectly smooth. The tone is very sweet, these pickups are very nice, all kinds of gain available. My case has a nice snug fit, there was a little pink fluff in my bridge.

[@brandonjackson5865]

No thanks Indian Laurel not for 1300 bucks and it’s a shame too because they got everything else right . Maybe I’m stubborn or stuck in the past, environmentally reckless but they could’ve and should’ve put rosewood boards on them. I don’t care how close the laurel looks to rosewood I’d rather have a dog haired rosewood than super tight grain laurel. Yeah it’s all about the looks with me I’m sure it doesn’t make any difference tone wise , but if you’re going to reissue an “affordable “ versions of a classic the fretboard isn’t the place to cut costs . Might as well slap an ebony board on it , if we’re substituting materials.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

For $1,300, getting a scarf jointed head stock seems like a real let down. Lame as hell.

[@butterfinger4393]

It won't be long till they start putting gibson logos on epiphone guitars

[@hifibrony]

I am a bass player of decades standing. The two guitars I have GASsed on for years are a Korina V and a Ric 360/12. I want one of these, and badly. Mondo cool!

[@Zoso981]

I was surprised by the $1299 price tag, but my Epiphone Adam Jones Veil of Bees was also $1299, and was worth every penny. It's not just online hype; Epiphone has definitely upped their game. In a big way too.

[@adrianr2312]

stunning guitars! Ill never say no to an explorer :)

[@Masterfighterx]

For 1299, I'd expect no less than perfect frets. When I saw the neck angle it made me think back to the Epiphone '84 Explorer I once had, I simply could not get the action as low as I wanted, if I remember correctly, the bridge was bottomed out..

[@sufian01]

I bought the Flying V of this run, great having a solid korina body. I upgraded to CustomBuckers, Kluson deluxe tuners, ABR1 bridge and Gibson top hat knobs. Better than spending €10k on a Gibson version!

[@303MoTo]

Guessing those are 3's and 2's in the p'up cavity for the BB2 and BB3 pickup placement? Also, why isn't the backplate white?

[@brunoantony9257]

Seems like all the Custom Shop korina Explorers I've seen are 8 lbs or more, so this one at barely over 7lbs is interesting. Still, $1300 is too much for a chinese made guitar.

[@jameslanclos568]

High-gloss, gloss, SEMI-GLOSS, satin and flat is the finish spectrum.

[@michaeldantoni4292]

Not worth the money there asking in my opinion. I have a 2020 run of the Korina Explorer. Other then the finish and cheap case it's the same guitar. Except for the modding I've done to mine.

[@miserychannel69]

re: strap button placement. In my experience, it looks like the bottom one is not in the 'proper' placement. It should be lower.

[@killemall1983]

Yeah, it should definitely be on the center line

[@sixstringer3783]

That is one killer sounding Epi not big on the dull finish I'd polish the heck out of it otherwise nice guitar Trog getting his Metallica on 🤘👍👏

[@danielktdoranie]

I wish Epiphones were as nice as Eastman guitars

[@I-Libertine]

I don't like this for 3 reasons. 1: price point is a corporate attempt to see if you'll pay this much for an Epiphone. Your purchase is your vote. 2: Epiphone should be doing more standalone originals, not churning out more copies. 3: Epiphone needs to distance itself from Gibson, not do logos that scream "we're the cheaper Gibson knockoffs!" Epiphone has a great history. It's being dismissed and squandered here.

[@JokersWild70]

Please, no more Master of Puppets. You're starting to make me hate that song

[@dlflash56]

I have the 59 Les Paul that I thought was fantastic, right out of the box. However, I decided on a couple of changes to mine. I decided to go with the Custom Buckers from a R9 ( before Gibson started offering the Custom Buckers) and polished the top... Both were great choices, I couldn't be happier.

[@simonpark843]

Are those M's and W's? They could also be the number 3.

[@jessemiller1774]

I have no problem with Epiphone. I've had a Jr, and I have a studio. But I'm still the biggest rock star in my garage.

[@robroymenzies8641]

I bought the Explorer, it is definitely a couple steps above the previous version, which I also own. The previous version with the Polyurethane is a little more orange than the new one, which is more yellow... I do like the slick/satin finish on the new one as well. The magic really happens when you play it, wow!

[@wadeguidry6675]

Is the headstock exactly the shape and size as Gibson. If so that's really cool!

[@clarkbabin9799]

Never been an explorer fan but as far as tonal quality this one is great.

[@nicholasgordon5013]

I bought a year 2000 Epiphone black explorer at a pawn shop about a year ago. I love this guitar so much 🤘 most beautiful natural tones. And when you crank up the overdrive this Ax roars 😎

[@TheErik249]

It's a "licensed" Chibson. Said me, the Gibson snob. I just can't bring myself to buy it. But thank you, Trogly, for reporting on its condition.

[@scottykingdavid]

I can not believe how well my epiphone traditional pro IV GOLDTOP is. Worn. I swear to God. I feel like I'm playing a vintage Paul. It's that good. I can't put it down. It's almost ... Well better than some of my Gibson's. And I can't believe it. It's awesome .... It's unreal. And unbelievably mind-blowing and excellent guitar. I can't believe it. Very pleased with it.

[@robertkenney3005]

I dig that middle position also.

[@ak47dragunov]

If it's got a scarf joint then it ain't a one-piece neck

[@dylanhagler4171]

I bought the V with the black pick guard, and I absolutely love it. I will say that the nut needed a little work, but the case was a very snug fit, with no movement of the guitar.

[@ybzoc1965]

I could not find the option to order the black pickguard version? do you have a link?

[@ericbgordon1575]

I might have thought about getting that same Explorer or the V when they hit the market, only it simply did not seem right. What I found myself getting at the end of 2021, a V from Epiphone's2009 Canadian-exclusive Negative series (shipped Stateside from Canada), was unique and unusual among his fellows. Since there are so few of them on the market, it made more sense than to get something that was run-of-the-mill, even a korina model which is intended to emulate the classic.

[@EvilMerlin]

Ordered mine yesterday. Hopefully it will be here before the end of the week. I have a custom V being built for me already, so Explorer it was!

[@studioruangsvara]

Looks like those are not ‘M’ markings. Perhaps ‘E’ for Explorer. To match materials both for neck and body. Or number ‘3’

[@auduneggen4847]

Those bridge studs also makes it easy to upgrade the bridge to a Faber ABRM (or simillar) without needing a conversion kit.

[@ios6605]

The finish is called satin

[@whiskeyrock73]

Using the contour gauge to show the neck profile was great!

[@dirtlipdilly7021]

I have a 2021 inspired by Gibson explorer in black wish they would come out with different colors like white it’s amazing tho best axe I own

[@Mark_Media]

Hey Trog, Don't you notice the one big difference between Gibsons and Epiphones is the difference between the bridge pickup to the bridge is further away than on a Gibson?

[@paradiswest4395]

I love Troglys, but I'm burned out on Gibson/ Epi products. I end up going to other channels to balance out my daily dose of guitar information.

[@fkumeta]

those pick ups sounded great!

[@christophervella386]

I got a V with black guard as soon as they came up direct from Gibson garage. It’s good well built and the routing cavities look great. I don’t see any issues. It just needed a neck adjustment.

[@AvAfanfromfrance]

If they do it for a firebird that looks just like the gibson (the classic headstock) I'd buy it instantly. Not a fan of the satin finish but that wouldn't be a dealbreaker if they really made it.

[@georgerobartes2008]

I'm looking forward to the Gibson Inspired by Epiphone range .

[@spazzcorpse]

I got a V w/black p/g. I really wanted to love it. Ioved the tone and the look. It came with stress fractures in the neck joint, sharp fret edges, and the input jack stopped working real fast. So... it went back.

[@JokersWild70]

Am I the only way who just doesn't get into guitar cases? As long as they do their job, I'm good. Besides, any gig I go to, I don't even use the factory case. You can hardly put any cables, straps, cloths, etc in them

[@RoboSteave]

That is really sweet! If only I liked the Explorer shape...

[@MrTPF1]

It's funny you say that. My wife, who does not play, doesn't like the shape of my Explorers. Playing them though is a different story. Something magical about them.

[@rocafella142]

I tried my hardest to avoid explorers. I didn't wanna seem like a douchy hetfield wannabe. But they're just so comfortable, I had to

[@pinsandneedlesgames]

Just gonna put it out there. A mix of brown and black shoe polish on a laurel fretboard gets it’s very close to looking like rosewood and acts as a grain filler.

[@brandonjackson5865]

A 1300 dollar guitar should come with rosewood especially if it’s supposed to replicate one that came with it. I know that’s not a deal breaker for most people, but it is for me.

[@DC8091]

I have an Epiphone 58 Korina XPL from the last time they did it. . . It’s my favorite guitar, plays close to an acoustic when unplugged, & ROCKS when plugged in!!!

[@migionie]

I own the Flying V Limited Ed. from 2016 and remember the day I bought it very very very well. The employee from Session Music brought me the Korina V and a red, super beautiful Gibson V. The Gibson sounded like a piece of cheap paper and the Karina... that guitar has an insanely distinctive tone. Everyone that played it was blown away. Call me crazy but that guitar wanted me... I bought it and it was standing in its case till November 2022 waiting for me to give it a proper set-up, cleaning and a pair of heavy 11 strings. Now it's my favorite guitar, I love it for it's special sound and feel!

[@vincentrandles8105]

I like that they put the back strap button lower on the horn. It'll definitely help with the whole neck-dive thing. Maybe not....

[@kkzooi]

the choice between the black and white pickguards is only available in the US as far as i know. The white pickguard is the only one available in Europe Also, is there actually a lock on the case or is it just for show? The case that came with my 59 LP did not have a lock in it. I could turn the key till the end of days but it wouldnt ever do anything

[@kkzooi]

@@cataclysmicconverter the latches arent very tight on that case either so i dont trust it for carying my guitar around in it. a lock would atleast make sure it wont open by itself when its carried. That being said, i never really use a guitar case.. i keep them all out on display so they get played more often. out of sight out of mind sort of thing. if i do need to take a guitar with me ill use one of those softshell gibson cases which is basically a heavily padded gigbag which probably offers more protection if it gets knocked over.

[@CustomTele52RI]

Seems silly expensive for what it is, and others have complained that the neck is sticky. The Epiphone '59 Les Paul Custom Shop collaboration debuted at $699 with Gibson BB2 & BB3 pickups, premium Gibsony electronics, "premium" Epiphone case and essentially the same features as these, so I'm not sure why these cost nearly twice as much. $699-$799 is about what I would consider Fair Market Value for one of these. I would also tone it down by putting a BB1 in neck and moving the BB2 to bridge as I did with the Epi' '59 Les Paul ($999 new last I checked), probably upgrade the tail hardware to Faber, & add locking tuners from Grover or Gotoh. With those mods/upgrades and a buffed-out finish I am really happy with the Epi' '59 for a total budget of ~ $1000, and do not pine for a Gibson Les Paul (I've played many :o)

[@LA-zc9rg]

Every Epi I pick up still feels like a copy vs a Gibson. They look nice but I can feel the difference immediately.

[@tiger521000]

mine has fantastic intonation and tuning stability as well as the great sounds demonstrated here - a real class act and worth every penny.

[@larryburwell8550]

That's darn nice guitar in any comparison to Gibson ones and for 25 percent of the Gibson price. No brainer people. I'm buying one!

[@rayhogan785]

A lot of guitar for $1300. Especially for the new guitarist or the weekend local musician that just cannot justify $10K.

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Now when these even come with true ABR-1 bridges there's less reason than ever to get a Gibson over an Epiphone. 2-screw thrus rod cover, rosewood boards and made in Japan and the high-end Epiphones would run circles around any Gibson

[@azt3ca]

The ability to feel the neck shape with the back of your hands, that’s when you know you found a pro level guitar player!

[@kaiserthegreat]

I wonder if you were to run the bottom part of the strap in front of the guitar, ala Allen Collins, if that would combat the neck drop issue.

[@michaelmiles6398]

Sounds like they're trying to up the price on the Epiphones.

[@Charles-Darwin]

I hope they do a rerun of the BFG under the epiphone name

[@dbspecials1200]

For coatings finishes there's generally flat, matte, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss. I only buy guitars in HG...that looks maybe to be a semi-gloss. impressive piece.

[@mjeh1]

Sounds great. Nothing to complain about there.

[@greendayray]

So, why is the strap button so high on the bottom of the guitar? I’ve had Gibson and epiphone explorers and it’s always centered.

[@8000ismymiddlename]

The ms and ws are E lol for explorer

[@trevortrela4765]

Just put my preorder in on a V at sweetwater, hopefully they actually stock lefties this time around!! Thanks for the video Trogly!

[@robvee532]

You can buy them directly through Epiphone, I received mine in a week. They only have the black guard lefties available though.

[@trevortrela4765]

@@robvee532 I would definitely prefer the black guard and Sweetwater only appears to have the white, thanks for the tip!

[@halcooper3070]

Not ms or ws, 3s. And the n was a 2

[@nmbr1slayer]

I wished you would have reviewed mine. It's absolutely appalling how bad it is. I have glue everywhere dripping from the neck joint to the 22nd fret and almost onto the fretboard, the back of the neck joint has stress cracks about 3 inches long that they tried to fill with more glue, the sound cuts in an out when toggling the toggle switch (wiring issue), and the case foam is way worse than this example...it's very smashed in leaving a 5 inch play of the instrument jiggling about. I talked to Gibson and they don't care at all. This was a dream guitar that ended up being a nightmare. I sent photos to them and they said "ya that's bad." And that's the extent of their customer support. There's a chuck of wood missing....it's so bad maybe it would be worth more. All I wanted was a legit model though. I'm super sad.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I really want to see a Moderne with a Gumby headstock from Epiphone.

[@theArchive1O]

I was able to check one out at Gibson Garage. billy Gibbons was there too! It was a treat to see him

[@marklgolden]

I have a 1998 Epi Korina explorer that is amazing. Just out of curiosity what is the difference between that era's release of korinas and the new ones? Mainly the electronics?

[@zvlhelme]

Good value

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Nice review of the Epiphones. Check out their new Firebirds.

[@chrisburch3808]

He reviewed the Firebird when it first came out.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Sgt. Grinch the new Epi Firebird s are Great guitars, well worth the money 👍 snagged one a couple weeks ago

[@jameshughes6049]

Hello everyone. I have the Epiphone '59 Les Paul in dark burst and it's awesome. Very close to my Gibson.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Howdy James

[@dlflash56]

I have it, as well. I did however, make a couple of mods to mine. I love the BB's, but I changed them out for Custombucker's from an R9 and polished the top... stunning, as the top now looks closer to a nice heritage cherry burst finish and the flame really stands out now. The tone is to die for... well worth the money for the upgrage... and still at a fraction of the cost of a R9 from Gibson. Highly recommended upgrade! The BB's went into one of my Gibson Flying V's that had 490's in it... also an upgrade in tone.

[@nicholascarson4455]

The first thing I thought when I saw that guitar Allan Collins used to play one of those so paying tribute with some skynard was pretty cool of you

[@luthravin4774]

I’m just not caring for the end paint result..just to dull looking..including the headstock..great weight on that one!! Case I’m betting if it’s anything like my Moderne case weight 4x’s the guitar!! IMHO THANKS Trogs!!

[@ghost.of.aleksz.salad.]

you can just get a gibson tho...

[@MrLespaul2000]

Hello from UK. Love the videos. Just pre ordered the Explorer a couple of weeks ago and waiting patiently for it's arrival. I just keep watching this and other videos to remind me how good this guitar sounds. :)