Overall User Ratings

"One exceptionally fine instrument! Not to be overlooked!"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
The Korina's hardware is top-notch. It has the classic Gibson and Les Paul options--three way selector switch, tone and volume knobs. With the humbuckers, those features really mean something, far more than single-coil set ups. You want to dive bomb with whammy bars, you're out of luck here. But that feature is vastly overrated. String-through bodies with set necks over a static bridge gets you much further in my opinion.

Quality:
It's the quality of the instrument that jumps out at you when you first handle it. Superb wood in the body neck and head. A solid body--no bolts affixing the neck allowing for better sustain. Outstanding, sparkling gold die-cast hardware used for bridge, pick-ups, and tuning pegs (no pearl or plastic there). A very well crafted guitar.

Value:
If this guitar was listed as double its current price, I'd understand it. It is a steal for $499.

Desirability:
The Epiphone 1958 Korina has a truly classic look to it, more elaborate and impressive when you behold it in person. It's an aesthetic combination of a 1950's automobile and a bowling alley floor lacquered and unscarred. None of the impersonal, mass produced sensibility of the Jackson V's with the Korina. You can't help but feel you've found an old treasue with flawless features and modern gears. You can rock the hell out of this instrument if you're a metal head, and you can look like an artist playing it if you're into another genre. I wouldn't trade it for any other V model, or anything else.

Sound:
Played through a Marshall, it's got real balls. While the instrument has a more dated look to it, it is not dated in its electronics. The sound can be fat and rich, or sharp, or blaring. The humbucker sounds one gets from the Korina V are comparable to the output one gets from Seymour Duncans in a Jackson. Plenty of raw, full, heavy kick--a real rocker--and plenty of tones to choose from. Handles distortion exceptionally well, far better than a single-coil Stratocaster.

Ease of Use:
If you're accustomed to playing guitar, the V handles like any other. If you are more inclined to sit and play deliberately, perhaps recording, a more traditional body type would likely be more accomodating. The volume and tone knobs on the Korina V are below the bridge, but that's no different from SG's or Les Paul's; you have to reach a bit to achieve your setting. However, the humbucker selector switch is even with the brigde making it easy to go from sharp to fat tones in a snap. The V guitar is very playable.

Support:
I had to cancel my on-line order for this guitar shortly after I made it because I unexpectedly had to throw the money towards some new all-weather tires. The customer service gentleman I spoke with couldn't have been more helpful. I re-ordered the same instrument the following week on-line and got my guitar in less than 48 hours.

Overall:
I've played for 25 years. I own guitars and/or basses by Charvel, ESP Fender, Hofner, Ovation, Takamine, Jackson, and BC Rich. I've explored the Epiphone line for a few years and own their SG G400, Les Paul Standard, Casino hollow-body, and now their Korina V. I would suggest their Korina V is the best made instrument I've yet played from Epiphone--though if the V isn't for you, go with the G400. Epiphone makes good stuff at prices that won't kill you, and if you buy something in the $350-$650 range, you'll be pleased; DON'T go lower on ANY brand. After 25 years of shopping and playing, I've found Epiphone is perhaps the best mid-priced instrument for value, variety, quality, and capacity. And you can always customize, but I've never felt I had to.

"GUITARISTS! THE ALNICO FLYING-V IS BACK!"

Feature:
just the basics came! i would have liked a floyd rose! but i dont really need it,and i never liked messing up KORINA-WOOD!

Quality:
this FLYING-V will be on the road and in my studio,it'll go with me to MY GRAVE...SORRY SON!

Value:
ABSOLUTELY! this product is WORTH EVERY PENNIE!

Desirability:
i rate this guitar at a 10 or more,everything about this axe is mind blowing,looks, playability, sound, engineering.

Sound:
ive played alotta rock and metal! 30 years to be exact! i cant even come close to the sound that this V produces! its got everything you'll want. STRINGS-thru-the-body. ALNICO magnets and that easily overdriven sound thru a 50 watt MARSHALL TUBE THAT-IS! youll get the old GIBSON SOUND! trust me! SO IF YOU WANT TO SOUND LIKE URIAH HEEP,JIMI,CLAPTON,AND OR THE SCORPs BUY THIS ONE NOW!!! in fact im buying a black one for my back-up! and use it for strictly d-tuning!

Ease of Use:
the only differance i can tell you is you have to get used to playing a flat-top again,when i was so used to using les pauls. as far as needing any changes,DONT NEED ANY!

Support:
ive spoken to their represntatives..while in florida. very nice guys who wanted to hear from an OLD ROCKER LIKE ME! i was impressed

Overall:
I REFUSE TO SELL IT! IM BUYING A BLACK ONE JUST LIKE THIS ONE AND OR STRINGS THRU THE BODY AND LATER THE grandaddie of THEM.all..EXPLORER,KORINA! i wont trade non of these in!