Back in the 70s I picked up a friends Explorer and I was blown away by the feel of the neck. To this day I haven't found another neck that literally fit like a glove.
These really are gibsons secret weapon. They have that low end like an lp and the growl but without the mid scoop effect caused by the maple top the midrange shines through. It’s like you combined the best of the sgs mid range focus with the lps low end fullness. Imo it sounds better than a hb equipped les paul. But p90s are a different story. They have the low end and more clarity while also having more midrange punch making them ideal in les paul guitars. For me its between single coil lps and humbucker explorers. But they don’t make a better solid body with hbs than these. Theres also the advantage of not having everyone ever play these so you can really make it something of a personal statement rather than being that basic guy who grabs an lp, 335 or sg like everyone else who owns a gibson. They are all great guitars but an explorer is definitely different.
I’m curious to compare them. I think either one will be great. The high end Epiphones have always been better than the lower end Gibsons, so quality should be on par. The specs are quite similar. They have the thicker ‘50s neck (as do the Custom Shop versions). I suspect that will be the biggest difference. I really like the neck on mine. What they call slim taper, feels close to perfect to me. Not modern slim. I do wonder about the price difference between them and the CS Korina models? If Korina is so expensive, how can Epiphone make these with quality Korina?
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have no idea why the pricing is so crazy, best guess are the environmental restrictions in the States, by out sourcing, epiphone can uses woods that are heavily taxed or restricted. I’m sure there is more to the story then that, good news these plants are making some really great guitars.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274i don’t think it actually is an expensive wood. It comes from Africa and can develop pores very easily depending on how it’s treated. My guess is that it’s more expensive because it’s very dependant on how useable the shipment actually is with the rest of the cost being thrown onto the consumer hence 10k prices. I also suspect it’s cheaper to ship it to china from the source. But otherwise i don’t think it’s a particularly rare wood species nor am i sure it’s restricted. That being said epiphone tends to have good wood but it’s usually not pretty. To get that you have to pay for it. And you’ll see on epiphones some of those dark pores that the custom shop will not use. That being said who cares korina or mahogany it’s not 58 anymore. I like the originals but the best looking explorers they make are the custom shop 58 with mahogany bodies finished in walnut stain with the gold hardware and black pick guard.
I'm in a metal band now, and I am seriously thinking of getting this. I have a set of mods I must put on it. So you take off the pickguard, and it's just an open cavity? I mean that's fine, it's an Explorer, so I can cope.
I have a 1991 and it came stock with Gibson 498R and 500T pickups, which were a little hot for my tastes. I swapped them out for a set of Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover pickups and it completely transformed the guitar. Those pickups are far more dynamic and they respond so much better to your playing. It can sound as gentle and clean as a Strat, but can tackle metal as well. It’s the 1959 PAF design, so it’s a take on vintage pickups. It sounds warm with a perfect dose of clarity thrown in.
Just shows that what works for one person, may not work for someone else. You’re in the minority, from what I’ve experienced though. I know people who assumed they’d be uncomfortable, but everyone who plays mine, has likes the comfort and ergonomics of it.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Back in the 70s I picked up a friends Explorer and I was blown away by the feel of the neck. To this day I haven't found another neck that literally fit like a glove.
That’s what this is like. Everybody loves the neck.
I received mine in April 2021!!! LOVE IT!!!
"So do you really need your own explorer, well clearly the answer is yes"
I already have an Epiphone 84 explorer but I love them so much I watched the video anyway.
The high end Epiphones are great. That’s the version with EMGs, isn’t it?
true, i have one with dirty fingers pickups and plays just like a genuine '84 @@aphekrecordingstudio4274
These really are gibsons secret weapon. They have that low end like an lp and the growl but without the mid scoop effect caused by the maple top the midrange shines through. It’s like you combined the best of the sgs mid range focus with the lps low end fullness. Imo it sounds better than a hb equipped les paul. But p90s are a different story. They have the low end and more clarity while also having more midrange punch making them ideal in les paul guitars. For me its between single coil lps and humbucker explorers. But they don’t make a better solid body with hbs than these. Theres also the advantage of not having everyone ever play these so you can really make it something of a personal statement rather than being that basic guy who grabs an lp, 335 or sg like everyone else who owns a gibson. They are all great guitars but an explorer is definitely different.
I tend to agree. My 2 favourites are probably the Explorer and my P90 equipped LP.
It's so funny hearing you say that , I like Metal but I'm a Punk Rock guy and I feel like I have to justify me playing one
Love the name. I’m getting on and going to call it Spiky
Good video. 👍🏻
Would you buy a current Gibson or the Epiphone Karina model. I’m leaning towards the Gibson model. Nice post, thanks!
I’m curious to compare them. I think either one will be great. The high end Epiphones have always been better than the lower end Gibsons, so quality should be on par. The specs are quite similar. They have the thicker ‘50s neck (as do the Custom Shop versions). I suspect that will be the biggest difference. I really like the neck on mine. What they call slim taper, feels close to perfect to me. Not modern slim. I do wonder about the price difference between them and the CS Korina models? If Korina is so expensive, how can Epiphone make these with quality Korina?
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have no idea why the pricing is so crazy, best guess are the environmental restrictions in the States, by out sourcing, epiphone can uses woods that are heavily taxed or restricted. I’m sure there is more to the story then that, good news these plants are making some really great guitars.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274i don’t think it actually is an expensive wood. It comes from Africa and can develop pores very easily depending on how it’s treated. My guess is that it’s more expensive because it’s very dependant on how useable the shipment actually is with the rest of the cost being thrown onto the consumer hence 10k prices. I also suspect it’s cheaper to ship it to china from the source. But otherwise i don’t think it’s a particularly rare wood species nor am i sure it’s restricted. That being said epiphone tends to have good wood but it’s usually not pretty. To get that you have to pay for it. And you’ll see on epiphones some of those dark pores that the custom shop will not use. That being said who cares korina or mahogany it’s not 58 anymore. I like the originals but the best looking explorers they make are the custom shop 58 with mahogany bodies finished in walnut stain with the gold hardware and black pick guard.
Dora has her own show !
TV execs love a good spinoff. 🤔
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 I think it is worthy of a 2nd season.
I'm in a metal band now, and I am seriously thinking of getting this. I have a set of mods I must put on it. So you take off the pickguard, and it's just an open cavity? I mean that's fine, it's an Explorer, so I can cope.
The only problem with removing the pickguard on these, is the pickup selector switch is mounted on it.
I love explorer shaped guitars, but not Gibson Explorers.
should they have vintage humbuckers or modern?
Depends on your tastes. Whatever's right for you.
I have a 1991 and it came stock with Gibson 498R and 500T pickups, which were a little hot for my tastes. I swapped them out for a set of Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover pickups and it completely transformed the guitar. Those pickups are far more dynamic and they respond so much better to your playing. It can sound as gentle and clean as a Strat, but can tackle metal as well. It’s the 1959 PAF design, so it’s a take on vintage pickups. It sounds warm with a perfect dose of clarity thrown in.
To hang it on the wall at your dentist office?
I like my dentist, but wouldn’t be buying him a guitar. 🤔
Everyone should be reminded of what an uncomfortable guitar feels like to play
Just shows that what works for one person, may not work for someone else. You’re in the minority, from what I’ve experienced though. I know people who assumed they’d be uncomfortable, but everyone who plays mine, has likes the comfort and ergonomics of it.
Gibson Bugs…
?