I had been on the waiting list at Sweetwater for a month or so to get one of each. Both came in last week damaged beyond repair by FedEx so I sent them back. Undecided if I want to try again or not to get replacements. The neck joint was cracked on the Explorer and the V had a crack on each side on the neck starting at the nut and running parallel with the fretboard. Very obvious both have been dropped hard. Sweetwater was great though on the returns.
Sweetwater only has free shipping through FedEx now in my area. Lately, FedEx has been destroying more expensive guitars every week than I've ever seen. It's just gotten to the point where I'll flat out refuse to deal with FedEx. I'd rather not go through all that hassle, just to have some p.o.s. handler or driver purposely smash your shit, just to be a dick! Once bitten, twice shy. I'm not putting myself in that position anymore. It's U.P.S. or U.S.P.S. otherwise I'm not doing it.
That's terrible! Sorry to hear that about FedEx. And people would say that UPS was the worst of the two, Apparently not in this case and other people's cases
That strap button placement is actually a huge improvement over the back placement which makes it dive and tilt forward. You have to fight that design during gigs and it is not pleasant. With the placement on the top you may get some dive but at least you won't get the tilt and it will also be way more comfortable to play.
The V is one of those guitars that I originally thought looked ugly but has grown on me considerably with time. Love the sound and look of this one, Epiphone doesn't always nail it, but when they do it's hard to pass them up.
I never thought the Flying V was ugly, I already owned one in the 70s thanks to mister M. Schenker, but I was so used to the 1975 Flying V look, this 58 korina look had to grow on me. And I'm usually not a great fan of gold hardware, but like you said, Epiphone (and Gibson) nailed it with this one, and even if I feel like it was a bit overpriced for an Epiphone, I don't regret a single eurocent that I spent on this guitar.
I had a weird confusion about them when I first got into guitars. Sometimes, I would see a Flying V and think "those are the most beautiful guitars ever made" and other times I would see one and think "the pickguard looks too weird and the whole thing seems too chunky" Eventually, I realized that there were two styles of Flying V and the ones I liked were 50s style.
@@cataclysmicconverterbecause the epiphones do not have a truss rod channel plug like the gibsons do. The truss rod channel is open to the back of the finger board
@@beastmode003 the Epiphone way is less labor and material to do. So basically cheaper to make which in turn makes it cheaper to buy for us. All the little construction details add to time and money on a mass scale.
@@scottjua yea, but if its not built to specs, appearance wise or basic construction, why bother call it the Les Paul Model, they should just call it Les Paul Tribute Model or something, and then be able to make those changes. but i get what you mean tho brother
I wonder if these are just subtly change flying V's similar to the current Epiphone Korina flyings available now. Add a case change the pickguard color and raise the logo at the headstock.
Wow, That V and the Explorer you demo'd last week sound incredible. This is what Gibson needs to do more often, offer affordable quality great sounding instruments for the struggling musician. The Korina series is very cool looking yet they both sound great and that's what it's all about! I was on the fence about these Epiphones but I will buy a set and play the hell out of them!
1299 is still quite a lot for a chinese made Epiphone.. For that money you can get high end Indonesian guitars and Korean made guitars (that even has Korina bodies/necks and Rosewood fretboard) I do like the Explorer, but the pricetag is a big stop sign.. Had they been Made in Korea it would've been another story.
@@BCarpenter2314 I'll attest to that, I bought a Cantrell prophecy, and it's now my go to guitar, I can't fault it in any way, apart from swapping out the awful bridge that came with it, but when it's not plugged in, it rings out like an acoustic, and that was made in China.
@@fredzep01 he didnt say china made can't be good, just the price point is sketchy. Which he's not wrong. There are other means of attaining a flying V made with korina and an actual rosewood fretboard with money left over. To not even get rosewood or ebony at this price point, it's not enough
@@Twirlyhead lol did it have anything to do with that child who was forced to do the sodering work? It was atrocious to be nice. And who knows.. that was my guess and maybe it is more of a 50/50 chance the children in the factory line it up right or not. They could also have changed how they do them vs the origionals... or maybe they're just putting a tiny veneer on them calling it Korina and putting a 1300$ tag on them? I mean honestly it's made in China and they don't particularly have a history of quality work. If it'd been Indonesia or Korea I would be surprised with shotty craftsmanship but coming from China you know it's some kid getting paid 35 cents a day and who knows wtf they're doing. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if all the chibson's and epiphones are made in the same factory by the same kids.
@@jlo7770 Yes, the first had a dodgy switch (which I would have kept and fixed if it was all) and cracks in the neck by the nut so it had to go. I'm very pleased with the one I have now which is wonderful. I have an issue with its _vintage spec'_ hard case as it is not only too big and heavy (which I could live with) but is covered in a too soft material very prone to cutting. On the subject of quality control, I've had good and bad from everywhere including big name, high price USA guitars.
I have to get a guitar that fits my arthritic and damaged hand! I have a Epi LP Special 2, I set it up with a good intonation bridge with the wrap tail behind. But the neck hits the nerve in my thumb and I love those P90s! I have done some slide and making progress, and listening to Derek Trucks, the SG and by nature the Special 2 can really cry like Duane Allman did. The Epi Special has a bolt neck and I really wish I could change the neck to a U Telecaster profile with a 9.5-10 profile. Those P90s are perfect, even the U profile with a 7.25-8 fretboard would allow my thumb to play bass as I always have, play legato and chords with slide on my pinky. Perfect!😢 The pots and switch are really great. It stays in tune in E flat. A pedal or two are really good.
Why a Silver logo....with Gold hardware? Is that only with the "White Guard" versions? (Nope... I just checked their website. Doesn't make sense to me. Oh well. They aren't for me anyway. Maybe an Explorer at some point, but I'm still pretty hesitant on those... ) Great video!
Don't know why some people act like these are something new and extra special. They've been quietly selling '58 Korina Vs for a while now at something like $699 or $799. They're lower spec'd electronically, but that's easy enough to remedy. They're on Reverb as I type this. I got a new one that's been wall art for two years, but one of these days, I'll get around to upgrading it and making it a performer. It's pretty decent as is. Definitely built very, very well.
I have a 2005 MIK. One of my best. I put Tonerider AC2 and CTS push pull pots and an orange cap in and soon vintage looking locking tuners (the old Epiphone has 60s style tuners which is not period correct). I can't speak highly enough of those pickups. Took it to the shop compared it to Burst 1&2 in a LP and Custombuckers in an even more expensive Les Paul and Probuckers. Probuckers were ok, Custombuckers wonderful but weird (Alnico 3...) and AC2 as well as the Bursts where my favourites. But they're triple the price and I didn't like them better. Just a very slightly different PAF. They where all different anyway so that's fine. Both bright, glassy, warm and wonderful. BTW non Custom Shop 58 is 600 bucks. Add 300 bucks Burstbuckers, 50 bucks electronics and a fancier build and voila not that ridiculous for a very nice guitar with top-notch electronics and craftsmanship. It's down to 1100 now plus I get 20% on Thomann so that's 900 bucks.
However I will still buy the new one. I don't think they will make it forever. The Richie Faulkner Epiphone sold for the same and now goes for 2 grand or more easily on Reverb, so that's my justification, it may keep value quite well. And I am a Flying V fanatic and I prefer the 58... I can't afford a custom shop Gibson, already have a non custom shop Gibson 58 and I most certainly can't afford an original. Also I'm getting the Harley Benton Explorer. It's awesome. That's 300 bucks so it saves me 1 grand if I got the Epi V and X so the V basically paid for itself!!! That's what I will tell people when they ask why I have two 58s and an empty fridge. Who needs food anyway. Not me. Not for months!
I wonder why nobody ever mentions the V98 models AKA 40th anniversary edition? Really Great sleeper models. I own 2 and love them, best of all the V's I have personally owned
My Gibson has the Limited Edition Logo in the same spot. I guess it's where they put them on Flying Vs. It's also the custom shop logo but it says limited edition instead. I agree it's a bit weird and kinda ruins the suspense of disbelief that you're actually playing a 58. Sitting down anyway, the back of the neck is more visible on a V since it's propped up at 45°.
there's nothing wrong with a scarf joint. The rigidity, strength and longevity are improved. If you have a problem with it due to the "look" (and have a fondness for headstock repairs) then maybe you are playing guitar for the wrong reason!
I have a 2011 version by Vintage... It is almost an exact copy with some very well voiced Wilkinson pickups that do come close to era they are emulating.. The guitar looks, sounds and plays amazing with a rosewood fretboard. Vintage were forced to change the body and headstock shape on later models after a coptlyright issue with Gibson.
Shocking that they're making a $1300 reissue guitar and can't be bothered to stick rosewood on it. I mean, the whole point of this model was for it to be made of the correct wood (korina) compared to other Epiphones, and they go and swap out the only other wood on the body.
I play Epiphone bass, I love my Thunderbird and think Epiphone's blows Gibson's away. I want to get a guitar and have always liked the V best. This Korina model or the Prophecy is what I'm thinking about getting. I think the prophecy is the best V made under the umbrella of Gibson. I like the look of the Korina model though. I appreciate this video very much. The only Gibson Thunderbird I would like to try is the Rex Brown Signature model, the Gene Simmons model isn't a real thunderbird with no thumb rest.
I managed to grab one just in time, it was the last one available online here in EU, a B-stock model, but the only thing being 'B-stock' was the protective plastic foil had been removed and the outer cardboard box had a small dent (duh). Saved me 150 euros, thank you very nice =) This guitar sounds like a beast, I play it more often than my Gibson Flying V or Explorer. I didn't bother to remove the scratch plate and take a look inside, but I sure hope the soldering looks better than in this video lol.
Years ago Lonnie Mack had a teen club in Covington, KY I use to go and listen to him. The thing I was amazed to recall is he NEVER played a V, he always played an EXPLORER. Were you aware of this?
Yeah I'm the camp of not liking Indian laurel fretboards. The Epi's I have owned with it, the wood seemed way too porous. Black walnut would've been a better option.
It sure sound so good on the middle position. I just prefer Rosewood fretboard. Laurel make it "cheap", although the body and the pup's are worth the price.
I used to have the 59 inspired by a Gibson Les Paul. How close is the neck in terms of thickness or girth? Also, these are the Korina bodies that have the top that is actually the wood the body is made from and not a veneer over it correct?
I have Epiphone's prophecy V...custom binding, ebony bourd ,24 jumbo frets, Fishman pickups...it's almost perfect, except the strap button placement on Gibson and epi V's cause neck dive...so had to move them.
Man, I just cancelled my preorder cos I needed the money back, and it was taking ages and I didn't like the communication with the shop AND there's not much chance the wife'll be thrilled at another axe in the house, sheesh. Also I'd paid about €350 less than at any other vendor.... just €919. That shop has 'em at €1019 now, while others are still about €1300
Call me insane if you want, but I always wanted to have a V in a blue marble paint job, Korina is light, I've always preferred the 58 style layout, so I think the Epiphone is a good candidate that kind of build, plus it's not typical Korina pricing, so hopefully I won't be crucified for using one of these
The piece that goes into the body for the bridge and tailpiece studs to screw into is NOT a stud. It is an insert. I have commented on this many times. Do you continue to say it is a stud for click bait? Just curious. Gibson will tell you this as well. Good day.
That scarf joint is somewhat similar to my circa 2010 Epi Dot Studio - Might it be just an "Epiphone" thing as all other scarf joints I've seen are joined underneath the fretboard?
Cool guitar, I once had an Epiphone SG Custom in the classic white/cream but it was too muddy for me tastes, that V looks & sounds pretty darn good , I like the emblem on the headstock too...of course Jimi Hendrix played the V , but I also think of Dave Davies of the Kinks , Dave would hold it in the crook of his right arm like a rifle...' L-O-L-A '
Never thought that I'd enjoy a Flying V. Too metal, too hard to play sitting down (!), don't own leather pants, etc. Got the same model from a well-known retailer. After a quick setup, I can't stop playing it on literally everything. It sounds great on blues, 80s pop, and that middle position or bridge is amazing for more effects-laden noodling. It will do that Albert Collins thing with a low watt amp and the tone pot, no problems. Neck is chonky, but it tapers up quickly and you can play all over with little effort. Snappy. Bonus points? It weighs less than any of my other guitars and looks like a coffee table from Mad Men. Just need to find leather pants for a short chonky man.... :)
I bought an actual Gibson V for $900 a couple of years ago off Reverb. Dark Cherry finish and in perfect condition with case. This is pretty expensive when you can get a real Gibson for less.
True that, I own both Epi and Gibson and indeed it's kinda expensive for an Epiphone, but you get a helluvalot of guitar for it. Solid 2 piece Korina body, Gibson Burstbucker pick ups, it is very light weight but sounds absolutely awesome! I don't regret spending my last savings on the last one that was available in EU =) it was B-stock because it probably had been a showroom model but never been touched, they removed the protective foil from the scratch plate though, and the box had a dent. Saved me 150 euros.
tbh if u want a epiphone v with gibson electronics id get the hammet flying V its the same price but is better specd in my opinion t type pick ups, grover tuners, and 1 piece neck plus a custom bridge with a stop bar tail.. and real mother of pearl dots which yeah arent necessary or even noticeable but just a nice touch!
For the record, Jimi Hendrix had more than a little to do with the eventual rise in popularity of the Flying V. In 1967, he purchased two of the originals from the 50's and was seen quite often playing them. Gibson started receiving a thousand requests a week for a guitar that had not been produced in almost a decade, so the 60's V became a reality. Gibson had so many requests for one, they never caught up on back order's until 1970.
I've never heard of him owning one, let alone two, original Korina flying V. Are there any photos of him with one? Not doubting you, I've just never heard it before and can find no mention or photos of Jimin with a korina V. Thanks!
@@wretchedrider2157 Jimi actually painted over them, so they don't have a natural finish like the one seen here. One was done in a psychedelic pattern which for BIG money Gibson sold a limited run. Check google or ebay. He had another one painted black which he later gave to the guitarist in a band called Eire apparent.
Those body wood lines look pretty good, like a fine furniture, liked it more than the original G Korina. What I cannot stand is that cheap satin look on the headstock, all the rest, great
Picked up one of these used on reverb... A beautiful guitar in the pics... But the seller didn't pack it well, and UPS appeared to have thrown the box down a flight of stairs before running it over with one of their trucks... Causing two cracks on each side of the neck pocket. Such a shame. A beautiful guitar. I was sad to send it back... 😢
The frets aren’t magnetic. The Epiphone guitars feature a dual action truss rod (2 rods, stacked vertically) and the fretboard sits directly on top on the truss rod. Not so on a Gibson…..single action truss rod that is buried in an arcuate channel deeper in the wood beneath the fretboard. Therefore, your less likely to pick up a magnetic pull from the Gibson’s truss rod from the fretboard side. Flip a Gibson, and lay a magnet on the center of the BACK of the neck, and get back to me. 😉 I’m a professional luthier. I’ve had all of these guitars apart at one time or another. And I also build custom solidbody guitars.
Just thought I would chime in here and say what I just noticed if you look at the time 16:30, you can see a bulge in the pickguard close to the selector switch. I know you said the wiring was short and tricky to get in there... Did you miss this Trogly? If you haven't sent it on, maybe try to fix that?
I almost buy this one. But then i choose the 2022 exclusive Zzounds Olive Drab Green. 58 model but the wiring is WAY much better than this korina. Mine has quick connect probucker cables. It also has epiphone logo under the pickup base plates. Clean CTS pots soldering, and more. It just suck it doesn’t come with a case
Almost $1500 USD once tax and shipping is added in most states. Made in some sweat shop in China. And the new Gibson has had the audacity to call Henry J greedy. Unbelievable.
@@woperholiccost of living son. Cost of living. Modern manufacturing in China has raised the standard of living in China in a way they've never experienced. Average yearly wage was around $330 before widescale manufacturing took root there. It's now close to $10k. I'm no fan of the regime, or any communist or dictatorial government for that matter, but setting that aside, there are many, many more opportunities for the people of China to do much better than previous generations.
@@stratolestele7611 fact remains that $3 per hour is ridiculous. The cost of living in most Chinese cities has skyrocketed in the time frame you mention.
The laurel board is EXACTLY why I won't buy one..... I would have gladly paid more for rosewood or ebony. Laurel just doesn't feel good on my hands. Same thing with the bonamassa 335. The laurel felt uncomfortable.
$1300 for a mass produced Chinese knockoff of an unpopular guitar. That’s honestly disgusting, I’m sure it’s not a bad guitar but neither are many guitars a quarter of that price, and it’s still not a “real” v, it’s a chibson.
Aloha from Hawaii really enjoyed the video I've been thinking about getting one of those since I did replace mine with the American Music supply with the black pickguard and also got the green one with the silver logo on the top the olive drab great video
I have the lefty version, first one Sweet Water got in. You described it very well. I am very impressed with mine. The pickups are THE sound , matches very well. It’s not necessarily better than my Gibson V, it’s its on thing and a keeper.
Well, got to say that guitar is nice. Best sounding Epiphone I have ever heard. For that money though it should sound good, just my opinion. Never played a Flying V. I have played a Gibson Explorer.
The older Epiphone Flying Vs are solid korina, I have one, but no veneer! Crazy rumors perpetuated by the internet, never once does Epiphone ever advertise them as a veneer, only idiots in redet spread conspiracies.
Looks like something that I soldered. 🤣🤣
I love this Flying V! Congratulations to the new owner.
I had been on the waiting list at Sweetwater for a month or so to get one of each. Both came in last week damaged beyond repair by FedEx so I sent them back. Undecided if I want to try again or not to get replacements. The neck joint was cracked on the Explorer and the V had a crack on each side on the neck starting at the nut and running parallel with the fretboard. Very obvious both have been dropped hard. Sweetwater was great though on the returns.
Sweetwater only has free shipping through FedEx now in my area. Lately, FedEx has been destroying more expensive guitars every week than I've ever seen. It's just gotten to the point where I'll flat out refuse to deal with FedEx. I'd rather not go through all that hassle, just to have some p.o.s. handler or driver purposely smash your shit, just to be a dick! Once bitten, twice shy. I'm not putting myself in that position anymore. It's U.P.S. or U.S.P.S. otherwise I'm not doing it.
That's terrible! Sorry to hear that about FedEx. And people would say that UPS was the worst of the two, Apparently not in this case and other people's cases
I just watched a Korina video where fed ex cracked a neck heal from sweetwater..Unbelievable
I would reflow those solder joints on the pots!
That strap button placement is actually a huge improvement over the back placement which makes it dive and tilt forward. You have to fight that design during gigs and it is not pleasant. With the placement on the top you may get some dive but at least you won't get the tilt and it will also be way more comfortable to play.
The V is one of those guitars that I originally thought looked ugly but has grown on me considerably with time. Love the sound and look of this one, Epiphone doesn't always nail it, but when they do it's hard to pass them up.
Ugly?
I never thought the Flying V was ugly, I already owned one in the 70s thanks to mister M. Schenker, but I was so used to the 1975 Flying V look, this 58 korina look had to grow on me. And I'm usually not a great fan of gold hardware, but like you said, Epiphone (and Gibson) nailed it with this one, and even if I feel like it was a bit overpriced for an Epiphone, I don't regret a single eurocent that I spent on this guitar.
I had a weird confusion about them when I first got into guitars. Sometimes, I would see a Flying V and think "those are the most beautiful guitars ever made" and other times I would see one and think "the pickguard looks too weird and the whole thing seems too chunky"
Eventually, I realized that there were two styles of Flying V and the ones I liked were 50s style.
I have read about Albert King, he, as the pics show was left handed. He did not restring the guitar, the E1 IS the E6!
@@cataclysmicconverter so how do you play a guitar”flipped” AND make it sound right?! I believe Dick Dale played it the same.
It’s not the fret wire that’s magnetic, it’s the truss rod
@@cataclysmicconverterbecause the epiphones do not have a truss rod channel plug like the gibsons do. The truss rod channel is open to the back of the finger board
@@scottjuahow and why is it possible for them to be built diff, one would expect same body shape/construction atleast
@@beastmode003 the Epiphone way is less labor and material to do. So basically cheaper to make which in turn makes it cheaper to buy for us.
All the little construction details add to time and money on a mass scale.
@@scottjua yea, but if its not built to specs, appearance wise or basic construction, why bother call it the Les Paul Model, they should just call it Les Paul Tribute Model or something, and then be able to make those changes. but i get what you mean tho brother
That's the same way classical guitar headstock are made since ever! Not frowned upon in that world.
my favorite Flying V guitarist is Dave Davies of the Kinks
What were the pickup readings? And how did it sound acoustically? I have a lefty on order. Can't wait!
I wonder if these are just subtly change flying V's similar to the current Epiphone Korina flyings available now. Add a case change the pickguard color and raise the logo at the headstock.
Wow, That V and the Explorer you demo'd last week sound incredible. This is what Gibson needs to do more often, offer affordable quality great sounding instruments for the struggling musician. The Korina series is very cool looking yet they both sound great and that's what it's all about! I was on the fence about these Epiphones but I will buy a set and play the hell out of them!
1299 is still quite a lot for a chinese made Epiphone.. For that money you can get high end Indonesian guitars and Korean made guitars (that even has Korina bodies/necks and Rosewood fretboard)
I do like the Explorer, but the pricetag is a big stop sign.. Had they been Made in Korea it would've been another story.
Why would they use an OEM maker when they have their own dedicated factory in Qingdao China it would make no sense at all.
Where it's made shouldn't matter if the quality is there
@@BCarpenter2314 well said
@@BCarpenter2314 I'll attest to that, I bought a Cantrell prophecy, and it's now my go to guitar, I can't fault it in any way, apart from swapping out the awful bridge that came with it, but when it's not plugged in, it rings out like an acoustic, and that was made in China.
@@fredzep01 he didnt say china made can't be good, just the price point is sketchy. Which he's not wrong. There are other means of attaining a flying V made with korina and an actual rosewood fretboard with money left over. To not even get rosewood or ebony at this price point, it's not enough
On mine I can't see any scarf joint at all. Not sure how they did that.
Matched the wood grain better. If they had machined it differently it'd show up darker or lighter. You got lucky most likely
@@jlo7770 I've had two out of two just like that. The first went back because of faults.
@@Twirlyhead lol did it have anything to do with that child who was forced to do the sodering work? It was atrocious to be nice. And who knows.. that was my guess and maybe it is more of a 50/50 chance the children in the factory line it up right or not. They could also have changed how they do them vs the origionals... or maybe they're just putting a tiny veneer on them calling it Korina and putting a 1300$ tag on them? I mean honestly it's made in China and they don't particularly have a history of quality work. If it'd been Indonesia or Korea I would be surprised with shotty craftsmanship but coming from China you know it's some kid getting paid 35 cents a day and who knows wtf they're doing. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if all the chibson's and epiphones are made in the same factory by the same kids.
@@jlo7770 Yes, the first had a dodgy switch (which I would have kept and fixed if it was all) and cracks in the neck by the nut so it had to go. I'm very pleased with the one I have now which is wonderful. I have an issue with its _vintage spec'_ hard case as it is not only too big and heavy (which I could live with) but is covered in a too soft material very prone to cutting. On the subject of quality control, I've had good and bad from everywhere including big name, high price USA guitars.
Cold solder joints, they should all be reheated and reflowed with additional flux
Cold solder or lead free solder or both. That is some rookie work by whoever was doing the electronics on the V...
Michael Schenker + Flying V = Face melting melodic goodness...
I have to get a guitar that fits my arthritic and damaged hand! I have a Epi LP Special 2, I set it up with a good intonation bridge with the wrap tail behind. But the neck hits the nerve in my thumb and I love those P90s! I have done some slide and making progress, and listening to Derek Trucks, the SG and by nature the Special 2 can really cry like Duane Allman did. The Epi Special has a bolt neck and I really wish I could change the neck to a U Telecaster profile with a 9.5-10 profile. Those P90s are perfect, even the U profile with a 7.25-8 fretboard would allow my thumb to play bass as I always have, play legato and chords with slide on my pinky. Perfect!😢 The pots and switch are really great. It stays in tune in E flat. A pedal or two are really good.
Why a Silver logo....with Gold hardware? Is that only with the "White Guard" versions? (Nope... I just checked their website. Doesn't make sense to me. Oh well. They aren't for me anyway. Maybe an Explorer at some point, but I'm still pretty hesitant on those... ) Great video!
Don't know why some people act like these are something new and extra special. They've been quietly selling '58 Korina Vs for a while now at something like $699 or $799. They're lower spec'd electronically, but that's easy enough to remedy. They're on Reverb as I type this. I got a new one that's been wall art for two years, but one of these days, I'll get around to upgrading it and making it a performer. It's pretty decent as is. Definitely built very, very well.
I have a 2005 MIK. One of my best. I put Tonerider AC2 and CTS push pull pots and an orange cap in and soon vintage looking locking tuners (the old Epiphone has 60s style tuners which is not period correct).
I can't speak highly enough of those pickups. Took it to the shop compared it to Burst 1&2 in a LP and Custombuckers in an even more expensive Les Paul and Probuckers. Probuckers were ok, Custombuckers wonderful but weird (Alnico 3...) and AC2 as well as the Bursts where my favourites. But they're triple the price and I didn't like them better. Just a very slightly different PAF. They where all different anyway so that's fine. Both bright, glassy, warm and wonderful.
BTW non Custom Shop 58 is 600 bucks. Add 300 bucks Burstbuckers, 50 bucks electronics and a fancier build and voila not that ridiculous for a very nice guitar with top-notch electronics and craftsmanship. It's down to 1100 now plus I get 20% on Thomann so that's 900 bucks.
However I will still buy the new one. I don't think they will make it forever. The Richie Faulkner Epiphone sold for the same and now goes for 2 grand or more easily on Reverb, so that's my justification, it may keep value quite well. And I am a Flying V fanatic and I prefer the 58... I can't afford a custom shop Gibson, already have a non custom shop Gibson 58 and I most certainly can't afford an original. Also I'm getting the Harley Benton Explorer. It's awesome. That's 300 bucks so it saves me 1 grand if I got the Epi V and X so the V basically paid for itself!!! That's what I will tell people when they ask why I have two 58s and an empty fridge. Who needs food anyway. Not me. Not for months!
Hello. Nice guitar. I would like to know what are the holes in the kluson tuners used for? If anything. Thank you.
Oil.
I wonder why nobody ever mentions the V98 models AKA 40th anniversary edition? Really Great sleeper models. I own 2 and love them, best of all the V's I have personally owned
I have a 2000 model,a limited edition all gold hardware one and I totally agree with you they are great guitars.
Steel = Magnetic, Stainless = NOT magnetic
The positioning of the logo and stickers on the back of the headstock is odd, there is plenty of room to fit it all between the tuners, isn't there?
My Gibson has the Limited Edition Logo in the same spot. I guess it's where they put them on Flying Vs. It's also the custom shop logo but it says limited edition instead. I agree it's a bit weird and kinda ruins the suspense of disbelief that you're actually playing a 58. Sitting down anyway, the back of the neck is more visible on a V since it's propped up at 45°.
there's nothing wrong with a scarf joint. The rigidity, strength and longevity are improved. If you have a problem with it due to the "look" (and have a fondness for headstock repairs) then maybe you are playing guitar for the wrong reason!
I have a 2011 version by Vintage... It is almost an exact copy with some very well voiced Wilkinson pickups that do come close to era they are emulating.. The guitar looks, sounds and plays amazing with a rosewood fretboard. Vintage were forced to change the body and headstock shape on later models after a coptlyright issue with Gibson.
They can go back, Flying V patents expired recently.
@@221b-l3t How and where did you acquire that information... Gibson never allow their patents to dissolve...
I obviously missed the pickup out put. Can you advise ? Im guessing around 8+ neck, and 9+ bridge?
Sounds like the same tuning issue I had with mine. Had to return it.
Seen them for 2500 to 2700 Aussie dollars. That's WAY over the conversion rate (2 grand). Absolutely ridiculous.
That pickup selector switch looks like is in the way of your strumming hand.
Shocking that they're making a $1300 reissue guitar and can't be bothered to stick rosewood on it. I mean, the whole point of this model was for it to be made of the correct wood (korina) compared to other Epiphones, and they go and swap out the only other wood on the body.
Couldnt they have just moved the QC stickers up the headstock instead of onto the neck?
Can't talk about The V w/o mentioning LonniE!
In Australia these are $3000😮, would rather buy a Gibson, enough said 🎵😎
I play Epiphone bass, I love my Thunderbird and think Epiphone's blows Gibson's away. I want to get a guitar and have always liked the V best. This Korina model or the Prophecy is what I'm thinking about getting. I think the prophecy is the best V made under the umbrella of Gibson. I like the look of the Korina model though. I appreciate this video very much. The only Gibson Thunderbird I would like to try is the Rex Brown Signature model, the Gene Simmons model isn't a real thunderbird with no thumb rest.
I managed to grab one just in time, it was the last one available online here in EU, a B-stock model, but the only thing being 'B-stock' was the protective plastic foil had been removed and the outer cardboard box had a small dent (duh). Saved me 150 euros, thank you very nice =)
This guitar sounds like a beast, I play it more often than my Gibson Flying V or Explorer. I didn't bother to remove the scratch plate and take a look inside, but I sure hope the soldering looks better than in this video lol.
I've had plenty of Epis that turn my fingers black due to that dye job...
Even my Lzzy Hale Explorer had that effect and that's an ebony board. I think they're just slapping dye on as a matter of course.
I have the black plate version. My favorite guitar at this point! Vs are my comfort zone!
Years ago Lonnie Mack had a teen club in Covington, KY I use to go and listen to him. The thing I was amazed to recall is he NEVER played a V, he always played an EXPLORER. Were you aware of this?
The soldering is dreadful for a $1300 guitar.
Amazing that they got nearly everything right on this, but ended with a horrendous solder job.
I’m thinking of getting a Flying V just for the weight savings after having 10 back surgeries.
Yeah I'm the camp of not liking Indian laurel fretboards. The Epi's I have owned with it, the wood seemed way too porous. Black walnut would've been a better option.
It sure sound so good on the middle position. I just prefer Rosewood fretboard. Laurel make it "cheap", although the body and the pup's are worth the price.
I used to have the 59 inspired by a Gibson Les Paul. How close is the neck in terms of thickness or girth? Also, these are the Korina bodies that have the top that is actually the wood the body is made from and not a veneer over it correct?
Both like the old Korina V. Korina body with higher grade Korina veneer same as an Les Paul
Love the Crowley stylings
I have Epiphone's prophecy V...custom binding, ebony bourd ,24 jumbo frets, Fishman pickups...it's almost perfect, except the strap button placement on Gibson and epi V's cause neck dive...so had to move them.
Those are the exact same pickups that are in my new GIBSON mahogany Explorer.
Mine, too.
Man, I just cancelled my preorder cos I needed the money back, and it was taking ages and I didn't like the communication with the shop AND there's not much chance the wife'll be thrilled at another axe in the house, sheesh. Also I'd paid about €350 less than at any other vendor.... just €919. That shop has 'em at €1019 now, while others are still about €1300
Call me insane if you want, but I always wanted to have a V in a blue marble paint job, Korina is light, I've always preferred the 58 style layout, so I think the Epiphone is a good candidate that kind of build, plus it's not typical Korina pricing, so hopefully I won't be crucified for using one of these
The piece that goes into the body for the bridge and tailpiece studs to screw into is NOT a stud. It is an insert. I have commented on this many times. Do you continue to say it is a stud for click bait? Just curious. Gibson will tell you this as well. Good day.
I have last years black 58 V mahogany. It is also an excellent guitar! No Gibson pups, but still sounds great!
That scarf joint is somewhat similar to my circa 2010 Epi Dot Studio - Might it be just an "Epiphone" thing as all other scarf joints I've seen are joined underneath the fretboard?
The Price Tag though for an Epiphone
Cool guitar, I once had an Epiphone SG Custom in the classic white/cream but it was too muddy for me tastes, that V looks & sounds pretty darn good , I like the emblem on the headstock too...of course Jimi Hendrix played the V , but I also think of Dave Davies of the Kinks , Dave would hold it in the crook of his right arm like a rifle...' L-O-L-A '
unless the manufacture specifies otherwise, you can assume the majority of fingerboards on every guitar has been dyed or altered to look different.
Never thought that I'd enjoy a Flying V. Too metal, too hard to play sitting down (!), don't own leather pants, etc. Got the same model from a well-known retailer. After a quick setup, I can't stop playing it on literally everything. It sounds great on blues, 80s pop, and that middle position or bridge is amazing for more effects-laden noodling. It will do that Albert Collins thing with a low watt amp and the tone pot, no problems. Neck is chonky, but it tapers up quickly and you can play all over with little effort. Snappy. Bonus points? It weighs less than any of my other guitars and looks like a coffee table from Mad Men. Just need to find leather pants for a short chonky man.... :)
That brown leather chair is fantastically beautiful!🙂
Ha! I know your pain CC! :-)
I could fix that soldering in 30 minutes.
Albert King, Hendrix, KK Downing. Can’t complain about the variety of V’s or their capabilities.
Ad way before them lets not forget Lonnie Mack!
I bought an actual Gibson V for $900 a couple of years ago off Reverb. Dark Cherry finish and in perfect condition with case. This is pretty expensive when you can get a real Gibson for less.
True that, I own both Epi and Gibson and indeed it's kinda expensive for an Epiphone, but you get a helluvalot of guitar for it. Solid 2 piece Korina body, Gibson Burstbucker pick ups, it is very light weight but sounds absolutely awesome! I don't regret spending my last savings on the last one that was available in EU =) it was B-stock because it probably had been a showroom model but never been touched, they removed the protective foil from the scratch plate though, and the box had a dent. Saved me 150 euros.
I actually love this one. I wouldn't have purchased the Gibson Custom one, but these are pretty cool!
The want of this guitar is extremely high. Soon. Soon.
tbh if u want a epiphone v with gibson electronics id get the hammet flying V its the same price but is better specd in my opinion t type pick ups, grover tuners, and 1 piece neck plus a custom bridge with a stop bar tail.. and real mother of pearl dots which yeah arent necessary or even noticeable but just a nice touch!
Yeah sitting with a V is awesome - ESPECIALLY a rhoads V or the like where the "fork" of the V is pushed to the side a bit
For the record, Jimi Hendrix had more than a little to do with the eventual rise in popularity of the Flying V. In 1967, he purchased two of the originals from the 50's and was seen quite often playing them. Gibson started receiving a thousand requests a week for a guitar that had not been produced in almost a decade, so the 60's V became a reality. Gibson had so many requests for one, they never caught up on back order's until 1970.
I've never heard of him owning one, let alone two, original Korina flying V. Are there any photos of him with one? Not doubting you, I've just never heard it before and can find no mention or photos of Jimin with a korina V. Thanks!
He certainly had a 60’s V but he hardly popularised it in any way.
He never owned 50's V's, he owned the first reissues they did in the late sixties with maestro trems etc.
@@wretchedrider2157 Jimi actually painted over them, so they don't have a natural finish like the one seen here. One was done in a psychedelic pattern which for BIG money Gibson sold a limited run. Check google or ebay. He had another one painted black which he later gave to the guitarist in a band called Eire apparent.
@@wretchedrider2157 He found them in a pawn shop in England.
Those body wood lines look pretty good, like a fine furniture, liked it more than the original G Korina. What I cannot stand is that cheap satin look on the headstock, all the rest, great
How does this compare to the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Signature '58 "Amos" Korina Flying V?
Picked up one of these used on reverb... A beautiful guitar in the pics... But the seller didn't pack it well, and UPS appeared to have thrown the box down a flight of stairs before running it over with one of their trucks... Causing two cracks on each side of the neck pocket. Such a shame. A beautiful guitar. I was sad to send it back... 😢
Beautiful Korina, it will definitely be my next guitar, I hope it arrives in Peru soon. a hug, I love your channel.
The frets aren’t magnetic. The Epiphone guitars feature a dual action truss rod (2 rods, stacked vertically) and the fretboard sits directly on top on the truss rod. Not so on a Gibson…..single action truss rod that is buried in an arcuate channel deeper in the wood beneath the fretboard. Therefore, your less likely to pick up a magnetic pull from the Gibson’s truss rod from the fretboard side. Flip a Gibson, and lay a magnet on the center of the BACK of the neck, and get back to me. 😉
I’m a professional luthier. I’ve had all of these guitars apart at one time or another. And I also build custom solidbody guitars.
Why are these selling for almost half of what they originally sold for on Reverb?
Those are the old run without the upgrades.
Just thought I would chime in here and say what I just noticed if you look at the time 16:30, you can see a bulge in the pickguard close to the selector switch. I know you said the wiring was short and tricky to get in there... Did you miss this Trogly? If you haven't sent it on, maybe try to fix that?
could you check out the Larry Carlton L7
Ordered a lefty one yesterday, can't wait for it to come in!
Is this a "special" batch of BurstBuckers made just for these Epis??
That bridge almost has a modern sound to it
The Trogster playing some Mr. Crowley! I'll give you an A for effort on that one bud. :)
I just bought a Gibson Explorer tonight. I can't wait to get it.
I sent mine back. So much wrong with it.
Bummer, did you get it from Sweetwater or some other online retailer?
Gibson garage
What’s up with it being in a Gibson box? Never saw an epiphone shipped in a Gibson box…
Nice "Mr Crowley" riff! 🤘
Great sounding guitar. Shame to get it to that price point it has to be made in Chyy-na.
I almost buy this one. But then i choose the 2022 exclusive Zzounds Olive Drab Green. 58 model but the wiring is WAY much better than this korina. Mine has quick connect probucker cables. It also has epiphone logo under the pickup base plates. Clean CTS pots soldering, and more.
It just suck it doesn’t come with a case
I have one & I love it. Epiphone really nailed it with this & the explorer!
Almost $1500 USD once tax and shipping is added in most states. Made in some sweat shop in China. And the new Gibson has had the audacity to call Henry J greedy.
Unbelievable.
"Sweat shop"? Fake news. They're modern shops that vary little with a high-volume American assembly line.
@@stratolestele7611 nope sweat shops. Let's see you get buy on $25 to $30 per day. That's $3 per hour. Real news.
@@woperholiccost of living son. Cost of living. Modern manufacturing in China has raised the standard of living in China in a way they've never experienced. Average yearly wage was around $330 before widescale manufacturing took root there. It's now close to $10k.
I'm no fan of the regime, or any communist or dictatorial government for that matter, but setting that aside, there are many, many more opportunities for the people of China to do much better than previous generations.
@@stratolestele7611 fact remains that $3 per hour is ridiculous. The cost of living in most Chinese cities has skyrocketed in the time frame you mention.
That’s a cold solder joint on the output jack, Trog. If you don’t blame Epiphone for this then who would you blame??
Doesn't look worth 1,300 bucks!
Laurel is such a nasty cheap-looking wood. Has no place on a guitar at this price point.
The laurel board is EXACTLY why I won't buy one..... I would have gladly paid more for rosewood or ebony. Laurel just doesn't feel good on my hands. Same thing with the bonamassa 335. The laurel felt uncomfortable.
How about a light Korina Les Paul ???
$1300 for a mass produced Chinese knockoff of an unpopular guitar. That’s honestly disgusting, I’m sure it’s not a bad guitar but neither are many guitars a quarter of that price, and it’s still not a “real” v, it’s a chibson.
Lol
Sounds great!!
1300$ great?
@@wrenchhead6840 I meant the actual sound of the guitar.
Agreed James!
Love the show but I've never been a big fan of your amp settings... this time was different. Sounded huge
Wow! That is light! 🏆🎖
Aloha from Hawaii really enjoyed the video I've been thinking about getting one of those since I did replace mine with the American Music supply with the black pickguard and also got the green one with the silver logo on the top the olive drab great video
I have the lefty version, first one Sweet Water got in. You described it very well. I am very impressed with mine. The pickups are THE sound , matches very well. It’s not necessarily better than my Gibson V, it’s its on thing and a keeper.
Well, got to say that guitar is nice. Best sounding Epiphone I have ever heard. For that money though it should sound good, just my opinion. Never played a Flying V. I have played a Gibson Explorer.
The older Epiphone Flying Vs are solid korina, I have one, but no veneer! Crazy rumors perpetuated by the internet, never once does Epiphone ever advertise them as a veneer, only idiots in redet spread conspiracies.