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What are the odds? - Korina Explorer Replica

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
Messages
544
I recently purchased a hand made replica of a Korina (white Limba) lumber Explorer on April 29.
I thought the guitar looked a bit strange as it has white kidney bean tuners, reflector knobs, and nickel hardware instead of gold.

I located the below linked article from Guitar Player that is showing, "published 4 days ago" that is about a 1958 Gibson Explorer that was sold 'new' in 1963.
https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/the-1963-gibson-explorer-from-the-50s
This 58/63 Explorer is appointed with white kidney bean tuners, reflector knobs, nickel hardware, has a reported 58 thickness type neck, and the same pick guard screw pattern as the hand built Explorer that I purchased on April 29.

So, it looks as if the hand built Korina Explorer I purchased on April 29 is a replica of a 58/63 Explorer with appointments similar to the 58/63 Explorer from the Guitar Player article published 4 days ago. What are the odds that a builder would produce a replica of a 58/63 Explorer? Very strange but kinda cool none the less.

EX body frt.jpg

EX tenon.jpg

EX white bean tuners.jpg
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
Messages
544
Guitar was produced in Japan and purchased from a Japanese seller.
Builder is unknown but the seller has been offering some fantastic hand made guitars the past few years.
Whenever the seller offers an example there is typically a very healthy demand for the piece.
I'm fortunate I ened up with this one.

Below is a concept drawing of the board used for the body.
The two body pieces were cut from the same board.
The body was joined at the opposite ends of the board.

EX body concept.jpg



Here is a African hog (Khaya) Moderne in a lefty example that the seller sold about one year ago.
Right after this lefty sold the seller offered a right hand version made with Korina (white Limba) but I missed out on that one.
Moderne lefty hog.jpg


Here is a Thunderbolt/Flying Z that sold late March this year made with Honduran (body and neck).
These are all hand made by the same unknown builder in Japan.
Bolt Honduran.jpg
 
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jb_abides

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Apr 6, 2005
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If you know of any Lefty Korinas coming out from this crew, please keep me clued in!
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
Messages
544
If you know of any Lefty Korinas coming out from this crew, please keep me clued in!

The African hog Moderne pictured above is the only lefty example I have seen offered from this seller but if something pops up I will send you a PM.


The one pictured below sold late Sept. 2021 and I missed it. :(
Honduran body & neck with Brazilian board. Brilliant guitar I'm sure but missing out sure sucks. LOL
Neck was a reported 26mm at fret one.
This unknown builder makes some really nice stuff. :D

LP Sp DC Honduran Braz.jpg
 

jb_abides

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Apr 6, 2005
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5,280
The African hog Moderne pictured above is the only lefty example I have seen offered from this seller but if something pops up I will send you a PM.

Thanks - sorry you missed out on that, I know how that goes.
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
Messages
544
another example from the builder, not my cup-O-tea but I can imagine this one be gone fast

body & neck made with Honduran hog, shaped in the foot print of a '58 V, set-up similar to a LP Jr., and with a TVY finish.

Guy has some imagination and the neck is reported to be a whopping 28 mm at fret 11. :oops:

V Spc. body.jpg


V Spc. hd bk.jpg
 
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bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
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544
seller is offering yet another crazy fiddle.
An Explorer body & neck with LP Special type electronics and stop tail. :D
2 piece Honduran hog body, 1 piece Honduran hog neck, and an Explorer LP Special combo.


EXP Spc..jpg
 

Joe Desperado

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Jun 8, 2004
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1,871
Back to your original post. It seems many replica builders are making the 58/63 version of these guitars these days. I think it’s for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the original 58s are all very consistent in parts and tooling. Secondly the 63 version used parts from 63 which are easier to come by these days (sans maybe original strip tuners…but not impossible).

other than a few minor things I can see from the pictures, it’s actually a pretty close replica build wise. Nice guitar.
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
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Lefty is up to his no good deeds, once again, now offering this Honduran hog DC Jr. replica :love:

Neck thickness is a reported 24.5mm @ fret 1 = CHUNKSTERVILLE

# 1 lefty YP.jpg


# 1 Lefty YP bk.jpg
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
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looks like Lefty is up to his ole mischief once again; he is now offering a Jimi style Flying V made with Honduran hog and Ebony 'board


# 1 Lefty Jimi V.jpg
 

bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
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544
Lefty is now offering a one off hand made example of a combination LP Sp. and a V made with white Limba aka Korina

Body thickness is the same as a 58 V, it weighs in at just under 8 lb. with a neck thickness of .905" @ fret 1 :)

this guy is an animal ....... :ROFLMAO:

# 1 Jr. V.jpg


# 1 Jr. V  bk.jpg


# 1 Jr. V end gr.jpg


# 1 Jr. V hd bk.jpg
 
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bursty

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Dec 25, 2012
Messages
544
Damn Lefty is at it again with a 1954 ALL GOLD replica made with Honduran hog ............. guy is a real sicko ........


Lefty all gold 1.jpg


Lefty all gold 3.jpg


Lefty all gold 2.jpg
 
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