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Which of these Explorers are more collectable?

civman1

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2003
Messages
12
A 1976 58' reissue explorer or
a 1983 '58 reissue korina explorer?

What are the tonal differences and overall physical differences (other than the wood)?

Where to find either of these instruments for sale, other than ebay?
 

guitarzandstuff

New member
Joined
Dec 9, 2002
Messages
591
civman1 said:
A 1976 58' reissue explorer or
a 1983 '58 reissue korina explorer?

What are the tonal differences and overall physical differences (other than the wood)?

Where to find either of these instruments for sale, other than ebay?

The 83 is currently more collectable... I do not of the differences other than the wood and possibly pickups.

Gbase??
 

burstman59

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Joined
Mar 10, 2002
Messages
1,753
Both the 76 and 83's are collectable but the 80's korina versions are probably more valuable due to the wood. There were two versions of the early 80's korina Explorers. The " Heritage Korina Explorer " and simply the Korina Explorer.These can be natural white limba " korina " or custom colors such as black,white or red. The earlier 81-82 Heritage version usually carries an inked stamped #, Gibson in pearl as well as plastic button kluson type tuners with screw in bushings abr-1 bridge and can have a white or a black guard. I have only seen white. The later 83 Korina version has an impressed ser # gold shaller tuners an abr-1 and a black guard and knobs. most have a custom shop decal under the finish on the back of the headstock. I have owned both versions. These usually have non matched 3 pc plank body although I have heard of a few with 1 pc bodies although I have never seen one. The original 1976 issue Explorers were a 3 pc plank mahogany body with a 1 pc big 58 style neck. again I've heard of two pc bodies but have never seen one. The 76 had an abr-1 and a single ply white guard. I think the 76 is the best bargain but most that come up for sale are often modified. There was also another explorer made in 83 called the " Explorer 83" but these are often mistaken for korina versions. These were made of poplar and had a maple neck and finished in soild colors with exposed coil pickups but with an newer nashville bridge and the Gibson script in Gold decal under the finish. There is two of these for sale right now on ebay and the guy is listing these as korina and I'd bet they are the cheaper 83 poplar wood version.
 
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