Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V Electric Guitar
Crafted from a korina wood body just like the original Flying Vs, this Epiphone delivers classic looks and tone with gold hardware and alnico humbuckers.
Overall User Ratings (based on 49 ratings)
Submitted November 28, 2016 by jason t in chesapeake, VA
"One of the New ones"
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Most of the reviews on here were for the last release of this guitar and were several years old.... I received my 2016 edition today and here are some thoughts..... It's gorgeous!!!! I've always liked Epiphone archtops and hollow bodies, and this guitar is right there with the fit and finish.... everything is perfect, frets are properly dressed, no sharp edges... absolutely beautiful. Playable right out of the box, though I did lower the strings a bit. It was intune and perfect intonated right out of the box. Of course I'll put real strings on it soon, but the out of the box performance was impressive. The sound was ok.... the pickups were snappier than I thought.... but with those cleartone strings what could one expect? Playability was perfect... low action, zero buzz... I love the fat neck. This guitar is a kick in the pants to play. It needs straplocks. The leg-rest rubber piece is a welcome addition. I love this thing and would buy another.
Musical Background:
guitar, banjo, uke, drums, sax....30 years
Musical Style:
Used to play metal... last 15 years more rock and blues.... fun happy stuff.
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Submitted February 18, 2017 by Tony Hines in Ofallon, MO
"Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V Guitar"
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This guitar is beautiful, plays great right out of the box. I am really impressed. The pickups aren't great, but i did not expect them to be. If you want a V with that 1958 holy grail appearance and a great platform to upgrade on. This is it !!!! I am going to strip mine and replace everything with higher quality components. it will be like a 3 to 8,000 dollar gibson reissue guitar without the logo. Who cares? If it plays good and sounds good..... it is good !!! I buy a guitar to play it and get inspired not to sit and look at it !!!! Overall this guitar is a GREAT VALUE !!! I wouldn't hesitate to buy another !!!
Musical Background:
Been playing guitar for 40 years, Gig regularly, classic rock, weekend warrior !
Musical Style:
Classic rock, blues,
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Submitted July 5, 2022 by a customer from startmail.com
"Excellent Korina Flying V, plays and sounds great."
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I'm astounded at the quality, and the pickups sound great too, Epiphone is improving each year it seems. There isn't anything on this guitar that needs to be changed, the frets are level and the nut is cut correctly. It's a beautiful, light weight, resonant, easy playing guitar that sounds great. I couldn't believe how fast ZZounds ships, it arrived yesterday - SUNDAY, which was totally unexpected. This is the 4th of July today, so I'm home playing the guitar all day, thanks to ZZounds fast shipping! I like it so much, I'm going to order a Korina '58 Explorer next. I never thought I'd ever own a Flying V or an Explorer, but thanks to Epiphone's China factory I can afford them. The Gibson versions cost $5,000-10,000USD, so this is less than a tenth of the cost, yet almost the same playing experience. Get yours while you can, they may not keep making them? Korina is a limited resource, so they will likely go up in value.
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Submitted February 19, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com
"Solid Korina Body! Sustain for days"
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I have seen some reviews suggesting this is not a solid korina body, I had mine all apart to line the cavities with copper tape, and the grain goes all the way through, easy to tell it was 2 massive pieces of wood joined in the middle. The V shape allows these slabs of wood to resonate like a giant tuning fork with a nice soothing sustain. I made one minor change to mine by adding the white poker chip switch plate to make mine look more like Amous. I changed to 9-42 cobalt slinky strings and it plays like butter, the action is so smooth, I love playing it.
Features
The shape has a learning curve, I play seated a lot, and getting a comfortable position takes some practice, I sit slightly side saddle to get it in the right spot.
Ease of Use
I swapped strings out for 9-42 super slinky cobalt strings and left the action where it came from the factory and it plays super easy with no buzz and a very light feel. The tone is amazing because the entire body has this wonderful resonance which is amplified by the tuning fork shape.
Quality
This guitar has a very easy feel about it, it is super light, and the switch and pots are all nice and smooth.
Value
Compared to its Gibon sibling this is an amazing value and the two bodies have to be nearly identical.
The Wow Factor
This is exactly what I wanted, a replica of my birth year guitar, the quality is outstanding, and I have no complaints. I keep mine in its case, it is a larger-than-normal case but well worth protecting my investment.
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Submitted March 3, 2018 by Mark Garner in Covington , LA
"Wow... This Is One Awesome Axe!"
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(This review is for the current limited edition model that is exclusive to Zzounds & AMS.) I do a ton of research before buying a guitar. I want to read as much information and as many opinions as I can find. I read a posting on a gearhead forum where a person quotes a reply he received from Gibson USA regarding this model. In summary it stated the original mass-production run of this guitar (1998-2011), and distinguished by the white pick guard, featured an alder body with a Korina (African Limba) veneer on the front and back with a mahogany neck. The limited edition model, distinguished by a black pickguard, is made entirely of Korina with the body being made of multiple pieces with a veneer of a more attractive grade of Korina on the top and bottom. I found several photos of raw African Limba online and the grains were consistent with the grain on the sides of my V. So, if you want a V that is 100% Korina, then YOU WANT THIS GUITAR. The body is as light as a feather - the lightest electric guitar I have ever played. The strings are "through the body" and the sustain is magnificent. There is a rosewood binding on the fretboard so there are no sharp edges with which to contend. The neck plays and feels great. (It's advertised as a "slim taper" but it's a bit chunky.) The intonation was perfect on 5 of the 6 strings, the other required only the slightest adjustment. I had to lower the strings a bit but that's always the case with a guitar built overseas. The tuners are period correct and work fine - smooth and tight. The rest of the hardware is good, no complaints here. I found the 'Epiphone Alnico Classic' neck pickup to have a nice smooth quality that sings when you crank the distortion. I wasn't really impressed with the 'Classic Plus' bridge pickup so I'll eventually rip it out and install a Seymour Duncan 'Phat Cat' P-90. (In the middle position, my preferred setting, the "clankiness" of the bridge pickup is softened by the neck pickup.) My only real complaint is with the positioning of the front strap button. It puts the guitar in an awkward position and makes it difficult, at least to me, to reach the upper frets. When I installed strap locks - a necessity on this True Beauty - I moved the button to the back by the heel and the improvement was immediately noticeable. There is a little bit of neck dive on this model but I use a suede backed strap which helps greatly in this regard. I almost bought this model several times over the years and I'm glad now that I didn't. An alder bodied V with Korina veneers isn't a Korina V. This limited edition model is close as you can get to a 1958 V without dropping $4,000+ for a reissue or $400,000+ for an original. (It's almost half the price of the recently released Joe Bonamassa "Amos" model). Remember that this guitar is a Limited Edition. GET IT WHILE YOU CAN. Oh wait, I forgot to mention something; the "Wow Factor". This guitar is VERY PRETTY (& SERIOUSLY COOL LOOKING, too).
Musical Background:
Former semi-pro now a stay-at-home jammer.
Musical Style:
Rock, especially British rock from mid 1960's to early 70's. Beatles, Yardbirds/Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jimi...
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Submitted October 8, 2022 by a customer from GMAIL.COM
"Affordable Epiphone Korina flying V"
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I give this Epiphone Korina flying V guitar a 8-9 out of 10 because mine arrived in great condition. After owning the big brother Gibson 1983 heritage Korina flying V I can say this is much closer to that V than the early Korean ones with white pickguard . All Korina wood .I see at least 5 pieces making up the body . Veneer s on the top and back these are sweet replicas of our beloved Korina flying V guitar s.fretbord is straight and quite pretty with lots of swirls.This guitar plays perfect no dead spots or buzz's
Sound
This Epiphone Korina flying V is a nice addition to anyone wanting to try out a flying V type guitar. the pickups that came with work great but if you're one of those that like to mod your guitar this is just the guitar for you easy to upgrade change the parts if you want I'm using it just the way it is and I'm enjoying it it sounds fantastic
Features
Being a string through body guitar you feel the resonant when you pluck the guitar you can feel it definitely in the wood it resonates well the frets are jumbo easy to press down the action is easily set with an abr1 type bridge
Ease of Use
This guitar has two volume knobs and one treble the pickups on the bridge or 18 points something in the pickup in the neck is more around a 10
Quality
The factory in China has really come a long way Epiphone is now making guitars out of total Karina these guitars seem to be pretty strong I've been playing on mine everyday now for a whole year it's holding up the new ones don't have the logo on the back but they're the same quality they're just not part of that limited edition logo on the back but that's okay the new ones are just as good
Value
This product is well worth the money they're charging $599 The next step up is $9,9999 for the Gibson Karina guitar right now I would definitely never spend that kind of money get one like to see if you love it then look around if you ever want to get one in or maybe build one yourself or have someone build it play this one for a while and enjoy it
Manufacturer Support
Yeah this is the third Epiphone Guitar I bought I'm very happy with Epiphone I have two of their flying bees and I have one Zach wild camo Les Paul it's a custom guitar made by Epiphone
The Wow Factor
The wow factor is the Gold hardware the beautiful Karina wood the nitrous cellulose finish it's got a mother of pearl inlay that says Epiphone it's definitely roaring and soaring into the future
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Submitted February 24, 2022 by a customer from comcast.net
"Korina V"
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I have 40 years playing experience. Before I start my rant. zZounds has been outstanding through all this mess. It's a manufacturing issue at Epiphone in China.I bought this flying v on back order and waited a few weeks for it to arrive. The guitar arrived. As soon as I opened the box I seen cracks in finish on both sides of the nut. I read about this issue on other reviews. There was also a rub mark from packing across the entire headstock. I was disappointed. I requested to have it returned. No issues from zZounds. I also had the Korina Explorer on back order as well. A week later it shows up. Now I'm opening the box all paranoid expecting to see the same issues after reading more reviews on line and at other sites. As soon as I took it out of bag it was stored in there it was. Another guitar with a finish crack in same location. These guitars are awsome for price but but but. They are packaged very poorly from China. Needless to say The Explorer was returned as well. I'm trying my luck again on the explorer with another on back order.PS I've seen several of both models for sale online with the cracks at same location. This cracking issue also shows up at the neck joint on body. There's a definite issue with this run of Korinas. Hopefully the my Explorer on backorder will arrive un-cracked.
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Submitted May 26, 2009 by a customer from stephens.k12.ga.us
"Great bang for the buck"
I love this guitar. I would replace it if it were ever stolen
Sound
The Only reason I give the sound an 8, is because when you roll the volume back to get a cleaner tone, it gets really muddy, almost like you were turning the tone knob down to 0.
It also has some hum when both volumes are turn all the way down.
When the pickups are turned up to 10, it has the kind of tone you would expect out of a v. Sustain for days
Features
Came with a cheap cable.
the features are pretty basic. It is a copy of a guitar built in 1958.
Ease of Use
This guitar plays great! NO it does not play as well as the Gibson model, But the Gibson model is selling for 12000+ these days!
Quality
This guitar is very well made. I can always depend on it. I gig out with it at least once a week with many of those being "outdoor" gigs, which play hell on guitar.
Value
this guitar sells at a very modest price. Look at the Gibson version then look at the epiphone version. you would probably save close to $11,500. No Joke
Manufacturer Support
Never called them
The Wow Factor
I have lusted after a guitar like this for 20 yrs. I just need Epiphone to make one I could afford
Musical Background:
Active Musican, Recording Engineer, Record producer, Music Director
Musical Style:
Rock, country,Gospel,blues
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Submitted February 9, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Classic V Rocker, Well Worth the Pittance"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I've owned Gibsons, PRS's, Fenders, and Hamers but this was a first Epi. I was shocked at the quality and playability of this guitar. Investing a couple more dollars for pick-up and upgraded hardware and you've got a truely great guitar. But if you don't want to invest a few more dollars, it's a hell of a deal right off the shelf.
Sound
Great sustain, very easy to play. Could use a little more fret work but not bad. I changed the pick-ups out, put in Rio Grande Buckers and got rid of the squeal. Great tone in the neck postiton and very usable tone control.
Features
Pretty standard features, tone, volume and three way switch. Gold hardware and klusion copy tuners. Some complain about the tuners but I never experienced a problem. Stayed in tune without issue.
Quality
Fit, finish and build on this guitar was excellent; especially for the price. The korina made the guitar extremely light but didn't dissapoint on the tone. I've got a PRS McCarty with the brazilian rosewood neck and fretboard and this guitar was very comparable once the pick-ups were changed. A lght but very sturdy guitar.
Value
This guitar is an incredible value.
Manufacturer Support
Never had a problem...don't know
The Wow Factor
Tell you what, this a great looking rocker with tons of sex appeal. Classic looks and very playable with lots of tone. I wish I still had it but some low life sob broke into my house in Memphis stole it along with several others. I'm looking for another at the right price...seems they've gone up in price.
Musical Background:
Active "Hobbist" Musician
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Blues
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Submitted August 30, 2012 by Randy S in Jacksonville Beach, FL
"Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V Guitar"
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The guitar looks great and sounds good. I'm still getting acclimated to the thicker neck. I will install strap locks ASAP as the screws have stripped out on all my EPI electrics, Les Paul, Explorer and Thunderbird.
Musical Background:
Playing 37 years, Guitar and Bass, Professional
Musical Style:
Rock+
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Submitted March 12, 2017 by Warren deMartini in fort Klamath, OR
"Epiphone Korina Flying V"
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I bought a Brent hines limited edition Flying V. It was purely heavy metal only so I sent it back. Next I bought thevepiphone Korina Flying V.. wow I'm still in shock. It plays excellent. A bit different to hold but it plays as good as my Strat if not better. It depends on what ur playing. I was trying to buy a V to plat Albert kings music without buying a big dollar Gibson.. I'm very happy with this epiphone Korina V very nice. This V plays it all.....rock on
Musical Background:
I play at home but I also play the harmonica/harp
Musical Style:
Blues- 60-70s rock, acid rock..
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Submitted June 11, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com
"The Korina V is a Resonant Beast"
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1958 is my birth year and this guitar was a special gift to me. This guitar is super light and very resonant, almost like a massive tuning fork the body projects a full-bodied acoustic tone. I like the pickups, I get great tones especially when I push the overdrive. I will probably get it rewired so I can go out of phase. I did change the poker chip to white to be more like Joe's 58, Amos. I did get an Epiphone case for it, a perfect fit and well worth it. I could not be happier and will be getting the Korina Explorer, it is on backorder atm.
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Submitted January 5, 2023 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Korina V"
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I got mine after they were on back order (several times)Amazing reproduction of an iconic ax !! I like these more than the 60’s/70’s variants . I’m waiting on the case .Fit and finish are top notch , frets are nice . And guitar was set up nicely when it arrived .I love mine , and think you’ll want one in your collection .
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Submitted March 13, 2012 by Steve T in Tokyo, NA
"Great with a few modifications."
I couldn't agree more with some of the other reviews that describe the Epiphone pickups as muddy. They lack any character whatsoever, so in order to stay within a reasonable budget, I replaced the stock pickups with Golden Age "Parsons St" H/B from Stew-Macs. Even before looking at new pots etc, I could hear a distinct difference immediately. Real Gibson '57 Classic clarity. My only other gripe is with the Grover tuners which are excessively heavy, and cause the head to drop to a position somewhere between the waist & the knees! I can't find a satisfactory replacement, but have been advised that the Steinberger gearless tuners (fitted to Gibson Firebirds and apparently some Flying Vs) do a great job of restoring the balance (Also sold by Stew-Macs). That said, the neck & body are first-rate, with a decent fret job and acceptable plastic nut. The hardware is of good quality (for the price). Mine sounds very Bluesy now, but it could certainly be cranked up for any hard rock tones if required. The "Korina" finish is nothing like the original Gibson color, but more of an orange tint, still, it looks really classy with all the gold hardware, and it sure makes for a great conversation piece. I like it, but I don't think I'd bother replacing it if it were lost or stolen. Epiphone's own Explorer runs rings around it for balance, and to my mind, appearance. Good value for money though.
Musical Background:
Playing 46 years. I have 7 electric guitars including a Gibson Korina Explorer, and a Gibson Firebird '76.
Musical Style:
Blues, Classic Rock through to U2.
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Submitted February 22, 2018 by Chris S in Cincinnati, OH
"First Impressions"
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Unboxed this bad boy last night and played for about 30 minutes to get a feel for it. Have to add that I initially ordered this about a month ago and it came two days later with the nut broken, not the best first impression of the guitar but breaks happen. Told zZounds about it and they promptly shipped another one.
First thing I noticed was this thing is a beauty to look at, great finish, smooth frets, no loose pieces anywhere. The neck is nice and chunky, kind of like my Les Paul neck but slimmer and faster. Before I talk about the pickups I do want to mention that its all personal preference but I thought the stock pickups were horrendous if I am being totally honest. It sounds like its being played underwater in all 3 positions, no sparkle or jangle, just boring and kind of muddy. I plan on changing those anyway so I wasn't disappointed. The electronics could definitely use an upgrade as well (I think that accounts for the lousy pickups partially).
Overall, I was concerned that the guitar would be bad out of the box based on some reviews I have read but I was pleasantly surprised to an extent. The finish is beautiful, I feel like I got one of the more fine tuned examples thankfully. I plan on investing a few hundred bucks to upgrade the sound to my liking but overall I think it is a great value for a fraction of the cost of a 80's reissue by Gibson.
Musical Background:
Playing guitar/bass for 15 years, gig out every now and then
Musical Style:
Classic rock, blues, funk
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Submitted February 9, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"really cool guitar in a sea of guitars. tweaking it to your specs will make it an even more playable"
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i would definatly replace this if lost or stolen. as i've said, there are minor issues that are easily solvible. what i like most about it is, it's stunning to look at, and very playable.
Sound
i'm gonna get a new bridge p/u. way too much feedback! also, pots are really scratchy. easily replaceable
Features
absolutly beutiful guitar. i can't stop looking at it!
Ease of Use
extreamly playable, really nice neck. needs better tuners. they say grover on them, but i've used grovers, and these don't match up
Quality
aside from what i already stated, this guitar is an exellent value. imput jack is going to be an issue.
Value
great value. but you will need to do a little tweeking, at least i'm going to
Manufacturer Support
never needed it, yet
The Wow Factor
all you have to do is look at it. i've wanted one for some time, and it was well worth the wait!
Musical Background:
living room rock star
Musical Style:
classic rock
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Submitted May 22, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"For real"
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I will never, ever, EVER, get rid of this guitar, it's my dream.
Sound
The price on this istrument at its price is the best quality/diversity you will get
Features
The set comes with all you need, a wrench for the neck. They include a cable, but not huge great quality, lets be real, you don't buy this for the free cable.
Ease of Use
I bought a les pual standard from epiphone, and I no longer have it. This guitar is much easier to play, and so much more quality.
Quality
I say if you like standing out amoung guitarist, go with this guitar, it is my main axe. I've been playing for 5 years and is one of the most unike sound and style in its class.
Value
similar offers wont compare, get them while they are here.
Manufacturer Support
never had to use support
The Wow Factor
The color, to me, says I go everywhere, and look sexy doing it.
Musical Background:
active hobbyist
Musical Style:
alternative, rock, metal, blues, some country/blue grass
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Submitted March 3, 2021 by a customer from outlook.com
"Yes!!"
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Epiphone got this right. Newfangled fingerboard but ok.This V has the vibe, look and sound. Additional cost... maybe beef up the pickups, but this is a very cool guitar. Highly recommended.
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Submitted June 29, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com
"Fulfilling a long over due dream at an affordable price!"
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100% Satisfied. I will be getting it set up properly, and one day adding some 57's, but for now, it's amazing value and a dream come true.
Sound
For the price, this guitar looks as amazing as it sounds! I'd be a liar if I said they were the "best" pickups ever, but they do a nice job as is, and can always be upgraded. The guitar is a dream come true, and I am happy with it's sound. You can hear me play it @ myspace.com/GryNpa.
Features
Awesome speed knobs, great 3-way switch, it's simply fantastic. The Grover's might not be the top of the line, but they do a great job keeping it in tune (after a mild tweak to the bridge.)
Ease of Use
If you CAN play, you will LOVE this guitar. My hands fly on it, feels great. It's light weight for a stage, and I do use it hard on stage. I've had it for a few gigs now, it's great. If you are not experienced, don't give up, this guitar is for people that know what they're doing a little, those guys will love it.
Quality
The best bang for the buck there is! I hope to endorse these guitars one day and work with Epiphone, to be honest. myspace.com/GryNpa. It will be a permanent part of my arsenal, and it will NOT be the last I purchase. If you are thinking about buying it, BUY IT!
Value
If you own one, you know what I am talking about. BUY THIS GUITAR!
Manufacturer Support
Although the products arrived unharmed, the case and guitar came on separate days, which was a little strange. I called and asked for an explanation, and received a mild cocky attitude from the rep who answered the phone. However, I will not base my experience on one person's mistakes. They did deliver the guitar on time at least, and I love it.
The Wow Factor
This guitar is dripping with "sex appeal" It's sexy all by itself, in it's case, and it plays and looks sexy in my hands. lol
Musical Background:
musician, performing artist, producer, video director, owner of Fern Ave Ent. (myspace.com/GryNpa)
Musical Style:
Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz
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Submitted March 22, 2017 by Warren DeMartini in Fort klamath , OR
"Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V"
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Had it couple weeks, the guitar sounds great no complaints there but quality it started cracking in the top side of the neck then a piece/chip fell off. I have 6 epiphones only had 2 troubles ever. I called ZZ they are more like AAAwesome totally understood wanted to ship another same day....now that's service.....thank you zZounds
Musical Background:
Home strummer, played on and off guitar 50 yrs. harmonica 45 yrs.
Musical Style:
Blues and classic rock..
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Submitted July 28, 2021 by Thomas L in AIEA, HI
"2016 Epiphone by Gibson 1958 Limited Edition Korina Flying V Guitar"
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I am a new owner of the Epiphone black pick guard Korina Wood Flying V guitar with gold hardware. My guitar arrived in perfect condition. It had been set up with Diadarrio 10- 42 action lowered to perfection, neck straight and intonated ,After owning the1983 Gibson Heritage Korina Flying V guitar , I can't believe how close this is to it. I lowered my pickups immediately , being played thru a Marshall 20 watt DSL with 4x12 1960A cab & 1938 2x12 cab .It sounds really clean I roll back the treble side[bridge] by half to the rhythm side [neck]. This guitar is well made close to the Joe Bonamassa Flying V Amos .
Sound
The Epiphone Co. in China is producing really nice guitars these days. For the price of their cheap labor costs , The quality has risen quite a bit in the last 10 years. This Epiphone 1958 Korina wood flying V is of excellent quality for the cost. I paid more because mine was new old stock ,Set up perfectly by the guitar shop owner from Japan. I will play this guitar till I am no longer to play. Along with my memories of the 1983 Air Born Again Gibson Korina flying V guitar.
Features
This flying V has a strip of rubber so the guitar does not slide down your leg while sitting down to play it. The neck is quite thin compared to the baseball neck of the past, this is smooth and fast neck. The fret board is Pao Ferrow with a hidden growth ring on the fretboard.
Ease of Use
This light weight guitar has excellent coverage of the top frets 22 in total. The strap buttons are arranged like the original ones in 1958. Either way with a strap the V dives down . The black pick guard was used to identify the Heritage Models coming from the Kalamazoo , Mich. in 1981-83 Explorers Moderns And V's were all black pick guard.
Quality
The Epiphone 1958 Korina Wood Flying V is crafted very well. I noticed no flaws or damage. The body has a nitrocellulose finish on the body from top to bottom. The bridge is really much like the original sent out by Gibson in 1958.
Musical Background:
guitar playing / collecting Blues to Heavy Metal I love to Practice daily .
Musical Style:
Blues With Rhythm and Lead guitar , Epiphone Zakk Wylde CAMO guitar , Jeff Hanneman ESP / LTD JH-600 Kahler guitar with EMG pick
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Submitted December 25, 2021 by a customer from rocketmail.com
"My 2021 Flying V Korina"
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Received my V after waiting for about a month and it was worth it!. It's a great looker and plays great. And I think they will only increase in value.
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Submitted January 10, 2022 by a customer from msn.com
"This is NOT a 2016 guitar!!!"
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The guitar itself is very enjoyable to play. The fit and finish is good. However the pictures show it being a 2016 guitar. It is not. It's a 2021 run. I reached out to zZounds and they apologized and said it is the stock picture from the manufacturer. I still think that zZounds is responsible for the picture but it is what it is. I believe you will like the guitar regardless of the year manufactured.
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Submitted December 25, 2015 by Bob G in Pensacola , FL
"One of my favorites"
I have a 58 Korina Epiphone V along with a les Paul studio, several Strats and tele's, to me the V has the warmest, smoothet sound of all my guitars, it feels so natural and easy to play, I love playing it, A friend of mine builds and restores guitars, the V came to him really beat up and in real bad shape, he spent several yrs working on it as a project, he did such a awesome job. He gave it a new life,
Musical Background:
Been singing and playing Guitar off and on for 25 yrs, play lead in our Church praise band. 80's rocker doing the praise thing.
Musical Style:
Rock, 80's hair bands, Christian rock, Blues, jazz
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Submitted December 9, 2016 by Joe Abrams in Phoenix, AZ
"Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V"
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Decent guitar, very light compared to other korina guitars I've had. High e string would not stay in nut when tuned. Nut had to be fixed by luthier.
Musical Background:
Guitar - jam at home
Musical Style:
Blues
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Submitted March 4, 2012 by Mark S in Rochester, NY
"Epiphone Korina Flying V"
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Excellent guitar for the money... I was amazed amazed at how fast they were able to ship it out to me. I was thinking that the origianl pickups would need to be changed but I am completely satisfied with the sound. Very nice playable neck and excellent sustain . For those that complain about the difficulty playing a V style guitar all I have to say is that it forces you to sit in a proper playing posture so not a huge issue. I would recommend this guitar to anyone.
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Submitted January 19, 2018 by Dave Stephens in Somewhere, WA
"Problems out of the box"
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You open the box, the guitar looks really great, but you're cautious because this model has known China quality problems. Sure enough, the nut is cut so deep, playing an open E chord everything frets out and sounds like a bad sitar. So much for the "inspection" tag, nobody inspected this. The neck was set with a noticeable back bow too. I can replace the nut, but am requesting some refund because this one shouldn't have passed quality check. I will check the truss rod to see if it actually works, if it doesn't, I'll send it back and hope someone actually takes a few minutes to make sure the guitar actually works without having to fix anything. The pickups are pretty bad, but I didn't buy it for the sound. I'm going to completely rewire the guitar, put my own pickups in it, and change some of the hardware to improve the sound. The stock pickups are bland, muddy, no sparkle or bite, but what do you want for this low price? Really, this guitar should sell for about $350. BTW, these are not solid body korina, the only korina on it is thin slabs over top and back. Neck is maple. If you're looking for any kind of authenticity, its not there, but to get that you basically have to pay decent money to a luthier to build you one with real korina wood and neck, Gibson doesn't even make theirs correctly, no korina at all. I just got this one to demo on Youtube among my 50 other videos showing off my work. I'm 68 and always wanted a V, should have grabbed the Korean ones they made in the 90's but couldn't deal with it not working sitting down, oh well.
Musical Background:
Been playing guitar since 1965, sometimes professionally, mostly not.
Musical Style:
Blues, Jump Blues, classic rock, easy jazz.
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Submitted March 6, 2017 by Mike D in Oswego, IL
"1958 Korina flying V"
Love it, especially the cost difference between the Gibson. Only issue I had is the pickguard has a hole in one of the bridge bolts and is off 3/16." I was told to retun it or live with it. Still can't find one?
But other than the cosmetic issue it's is a fun guitar. Just wish someone caught it.
Musical Background:
35yrs
Musical Style:
Rock, blues etc
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Submitted March 10, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com
"do yourself a favor"
have you just read what I said???!!!!
Sound
trully great. awsome punch!
Features
I bought a hard case for may guitar and it rocks.
Ease of Use
even my dad could get a good solo out of this.
Quality
really amazing. gibson quality.
Value
no commets
Manufacturer Support
not yet
The Wow Factor
I got the ebony and it is the most beautiful guitar out there
Musical Background:
something nice
Musical Style:
metal, rock, hard rock
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Submitted November 28, 2014 by Xavier P
"Soar HIgh With The 'V'"
By far this is the best guitar I've ever owned. The stock pick ups sound great whether clean or with dirt. A common issue would be the neck, it has a 1950's profile meaning it is thicker, and neck heavy. However the cool 'retro-future' looks of this beauty more than makes up for it!
Check out a quick demo of this beauty!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsjqm4xqgTg
Musical Background:
I have been playing for 15 years
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal, Nu Metal, Funk
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Submitted March 21, 2006
"Korina"
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Sound
It has a nice ring for me. The sustain is there, but it is not overpowering. It is eay to get a good tone with this.
Features
The three-mode switch is noce, and the tone knobs are helpful. I would like a whammy bar on it, but ohter than that, it was awesome.
Ease of Use
Pretty easy for a good sound. Almost all string types float on this guitar.
Quality
The mode switch broke within a month, and the neck twisted in a year, but the neck was from the cold (i;m from alaska). the switch could be a little stronger.
Value
It is awesome
Musical Background:
recording musician
Musical Style:
rock
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