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Hi,
I’m starting to GAS for an explorer and have begun to look around for information on them before I decide (at some point in the future) on making a purchase. I really like the look of the korina models although I wouldn’t rule out others where the wood grain can be seen (e.g. flamed tops, etc). Plain painted tops are out.
I know that Gibson is the obvious choice, but what other recommendations do forum members have? I have had several Tokai LPs and a strat which are great, so their EX105 is a possibility. Hamers (if they can be found) have beautiful flamed tops too. But what other manufacturers or builders can people recommend? Are there any UK builders who have made great replicas? What are the preferred specs, etc?
At this stage, I have no firm ideas on specs or prices. I’m just gathering my thoughts. So, if anyone can point me in the direction of useful info and guidance, I’d be very grateful.
Cheers Guys.
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Comments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzla5UqL25U
Tokai prices seem to have rocketed recently. Not much between their copy and a Gibson.
They do both plainer wood and flame top (or veneer, I think) models, both cheap and expensive.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
My only suggestion would be - don't get a "Clapton cut" Explorer with a sawn-off body.
I had a Bacchus one which looked really nice, but I hated it. The balance was all wrong, it felt like it weighed a ton although it can't have been much heavier than a slightly portly SG. I sold it almost immediately.
But the case is certainly like carrying a decorator's table, and if it's even slightly windy it easily becomes a sail... with a risk of a wrist injury if it tries to get away from you.
You can get form-fit gig bags for them - which make it amusingly obvious what type of guitar you've got - https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_gigbag1_explorer.htm (Won't fit a Dean, though.)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
As for sitting down, obviously it depends where your sitting. If you’re on a stool they actually balance really nicely, but if you’re on anything with arms the pointy bit gets in the way.
I would LOVE to have one again but as a home player these days it ain’t happening.
I think it's one of the few guitars Gibson haven't really bolloxed up over the years with weird finishes or robot tuners or ugly scratchplates (I am including the E2 in my thoughts, it looks fine).
Now someone will come up with some hideous misguided limited edition to prove me wrong.
After seeing the one in the classifieds the other day I’d be hitting up @GSPBasses for a korina model, his one was an absolute beaut!
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/178912/
My head said brake, but my heart cried never.
Moving them in a case isn't good at all. The only thing that is worse is my Gibson Thunderbird, but since I have an SUV now, I don't worry.