Gibson / Explorer Korina Custom Shop / 1983 / Natural / Guitar

How about this then? We only need to use one finger to count the number of these we have seen over the past 10 years. Less than 100 of these rare and desirable beauties were built in 1983 and is by far, the rarest of the 1983 Korina re-issues. This is a Near SUPERB 1983 Gibson Custom Shop Edition Korina Explorer re-issue with what I beleive to be the original, over sized hard shell case and most of the original hardware.

It is very reasonably priced too because of the following two issues - the Shaw pickups and pickup mounting screws have been swapped out with some unknown pickups that say ‘Patent Applied For’ on the bottom (could be Burstbuckers?) and at one stage this Explorer had some kind of a locking nut system fitted that has left 4x small filled holes in the face of the heastock (see pictures). Everything else as far as I can tell (I’ve never had one of these before) is original including the frets and finish which is actually in very nice condition.

 It plays brilliantly well with a nice fat neck and the real amazing thing is it is so resonant - even when played acoustically. It is also a lovely weight at just 3.4Kg, this korina certainly makes a real difference to the way these guitars sound and compared to the mahogany body Explorers we have had here it has a really open sound.

There is some fnish checking, mainly on the top and some dings here and there and a small amout of clearcoat worming on the back but nothing too serious. Shaw pickups are relatively easy to find out there too should you wish to restore this aspect. All 3 pots are original and from what I can read date to late 1982. There is even a girls name in the neck pickup cavity that if you do a search, you will find this is what happened at the factory with these guitars in 1983!

Serial number is 80623534 and this is right next to the Gibson Custom Shop logo along with ‘Made in USA’ stamped on the back.

Guitar plays and sounds really nice, it is well set up and I do not think the new owner will be disappointed. I also think it will be difficult to find another very quickly!

If you are looking for an investment, this should be up there with them as it is a guitar with a strong cult following and values have performed well over the last few years...

Instrument sold

ATB Guitars, UK  

Contact name:
Mike Long
Brands:
Languages:
English
Specialties:
Vintage Gibson, Fender and Martin from 1940's-1970's
Opening hours:
24 hours

Hello we’re ATB Guitars.


We are one of Europes leading sellers of vintage and rare guitars. We only sell vintage Gibson and Fender electric guitars from 1950 until 1975 and have an extensive inventory to browse in our bricks and mortar store in Cheltenham, UK or in our online web store.

Payment and p/x:

All prices are in UK GBP £ Sterling. Payment can be made by Paypal, bank transfer, cash, or money order cashiers cheque etc. 


Should you not be absolutely delighted with your purchase you may return it to Cheltenham, at your own expense, within 7 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. The item must not have been altered or tampered with in any way, and it must arrive in the same condition as it left us.

Postage and shipping:

We ship within the UK by Royal Mail Recorded (small items under 2Kg), TNT or UPS and Worldwide by Royal Mail Airmail Signed For (small under 2Kg) Parcelforce, UPS or FedEx. All shipping prices include expert packing, cartons and packing materials but not insurance which is typically around 2% of items value. Currently approx shipping rates for a single guitar are as follows:

UK excluding Northern Ireland and Highlands £29
Most of mainland Europe £49
U.S.A. £129
Asia £149 - £190
Rest of World including S. America £149 - £275

 

 
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