Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • "She knew what she'd created": Back to Black
  • Trower's '80s supergroup
  • Music theory tricks
  • Stage Tour game
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Bass Guitars

Epiphone introduces Ltd Ed Korina Flying V, Explorer and Explorer Bass guitars

News
By Michael Astley-Brown
Published 9 November 2016

Lightweight new models pack classic looks and tones

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

Epiphone has announced three tasty-looking additions to its limited-edition line: the Korina Flying V, Explorer and Explorer Bass.

All three guitars promise rich tone and light weight from the korina bodies, while Epi’s Alnico Classic humbuckers are aboard the guitars and XR XT humbuckers feature on the Explorer Bass.

As with Epi’s recent koa Les Paul Custom and Wildkat models, we like the look of these. A lot. It’s a shame the Explorer doesn’t have a white pickguard for total Edge vibes, but hey, you can’t have everything.

The trio is up for sale exclusively at American Musical for $549 apiece in the US, but should hit stores around the rest of the world soon. Read on for the full skinny from Epiphone itself…

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Flying V

Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Flying V

PRESS RELEASE: The Flying-V electric guitar was first released in a very limited run in the late 1950s and today original Flying-Vs are some of the most expensive instruments on the vintage market. Now, Epiphone introduces the legendary Flying-V profile to a new generation featuring an all Korina (also known as African Limba) body with modern hardware and superb vintage voiced Alnico Classic Humbuckers.

The Ltd. Ed. Korina Flying-V is made from solid Korina and finished in Antique Natural. Featuring a "1960's" SlimTaper D-Profile neck with a 24.75" scale and the Flying V's trademark "V" headstock. The Korina Flying-V is powered by an Alnico Classic humbucker in the neck position and an overwound, slightly hotter Alnico Classic Plus in the bridge position. Alnico Classics are similar in tone to the "PAF-style" humbuckers found in rare vintage Flying Vs and Les Paul Standards, and are made with Alnico-V magnets for a higher output with enhanced mids and highs.

Hardware includes a gold solid nickel LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and traditional Flying-V style String-Thru Body "V" metal plate along with an Epiphone all-metal non-rotating ¼” jack.

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Explorer

Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Explorer

PRESS RELEASE: The original line of Explorer electric guitars were also released in a limited run in the late 50s and like the Flying V, the Explorer was one of the more radical designs of its time. Embraced by classic rock and metal fans, the Explorer remains one of the most popular and coveted designs in Gibson and Epiphone's long history.

The new Ltd. Ed. Korina Explorer is made from solid Korina and finished in Antique Natural. The neck has a classic "1960's" SlimTaper D-Profile, a 24.75" scale, and features the Explorer's trademark headstock with a 60s era "Epiphone" script logo.

The Ltd. Ed. Korina Explorer is powered by an Alnico Classic in the neck position and an overwound Alnico Classic Plus in the bridge position. Controls include individual volume controls for each pickup and a master tone, all with vintage-style Black "Top Hat" knobs.

The Explorer's gold hardware includes legendary Grover Mini-Rotomatic machine heads with a 14:1 ratio for fast and reliable tuning and a LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and StopBar tailpiece.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Explorer Bass

Epiphone Ltd Ed Korina Explorer Bass

PRESS RELEASE: As a complement to the Epiphone Explorer, check out the one-of-a-kind Ltd. Ed. Korina Explorer Bass which features Epiphone XR and XT humbuckers carefully wound to reveal the full tonal range of the Korina body.

XR and XT humbuckers offer bassists exceptional power and range making the new Korina Explorer bass one of the most versatile electric basses on the market today.

Controls include individual volume pots for each pickup and a master tone, all with vintage-style Black "Top Hat" knobs. Hardware includes an Epiphone fully-adjustable flush mounted bridge and tailpiece combo along with an Epiphone all-metal non-rotating ¼” jack along with Epiphone Premium die-cast machine heads and gold hardware.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Read more
Epiphone Joan Jett Olympic Special
Electric Guitars Epiphone brings back the Joan Jett Olympic Special and gives the single-pickup powerhouse an all-new look
 
 
Gibson Custom VOS Reissue 1971 Flying V Medallion
Guitars Gibson unveils Custom Shop reissue of a Michael Schenker and Kirk Hammett favourite
 
 
Gretsch Electromatic Limited Edition Black Limba Jet and CVT
Guitars Gretsch’s play for hard-riffing rock players continues with the “exotic” black limba Jet and CVT
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
Epiphone Marcus King El Dorado Limited Edition
Artists Marcus King’s signature Epiphone is a stunning dreadnought acoustic inspired by his first-ever guitar
 
 
Harley Benton Aged Series
Guitars Harley Benton is making hand-aged relic'd guitars for under 250 bucks
 
 
Latest in Bass Guitars
Bass Guitars Ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted pays his respects to the late, great Cliff Burton
 
 
Lemmy in trademark mic action
Bass Guitars “Experience the gear that created their unmistakable sound”: Motorhead exhibition set to open with interactive element
 
 
Harley Benton JB-62HA
Bass Guitars “Its build quality is miles ahead of any other new instrument at this price”: Harley Benton JB-62HA review
 
 
Laney Audiohub Lineup: combos for guitars, bass, keyboards, e-drums and more
Guitar Amps Laney welcomes all instruments to the party with refreshed Audiohub lineup
 
 
MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01:  Amy Winehouse performs during the show at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007 at the Olympiahalle on November 1, 2007 in Munich, Germany.
Artists Amy Winehouse “knew exactly what she had created” with Back to Black, says her former bass player
 
 
Jackson and Charvel Sleep Token Signature Models: the Jackson Monarkh and Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass V are designed for low-end metal riffing.
Artists Jackson and Charvel’s Sleep Token signature models are officially here – and are officially kind of insane
 
 
Latest in News
Bit Layer
Tech This free multiband bitcrusher is a surgical tool for lo-fi sound design
 
 
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 22: Photo of Stevie WONDER; Stevie Wonder promoting the album Songs In The Key Of Life, dressed as cowboy (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
Artists Stevie Wonder surprise releases four previously unheard songs from 1976's Songs in the Key of Life
 
 
Bass Guitars Ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted pays his respects to the late, great Cliff Burton
 
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear of Nirvana accept the Video Vanguard Award onstage during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Artists Nirvana's Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl reunite at the 2026 VMAs as Madonna and Taylor Swift win big
 
 
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - SEPTEMBER 25: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during The Unraveled Tour kick off at PeoplesBank Arena on September 25, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
Artists Olivia Rodrigo kicks off her Unraveled tour with a “one of one” heart-shaped guitar and a surprise solo
 
 
Fred Again
Artists Fred Again slams AI music: "I've felt no pull whatsoever to even try it... the process is the magic"
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...