Gibson / Explorer Korina Custom Shop / 1983 / Natural / Guitar
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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...
ATB Guitars, UK 
Hello we’re ATB Guitars.
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