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I am considering picking up a '58 korina explorer reissuie Epi, and I know right off the bat that I want to upgrade the pups to Duncans, which would sound best, the '59s, Seths or antiquities? or ???????

Thanks!

It really depends on what you want from your pickups. If you want a nice warm pickup with *plenty* of mids, go with the Seths. I have a '58 Epi quot;Vquot; (I don't think its Korina though), and that is the bridge pickup. I love it in that guitar!

If you want a little more treble and bass from your pickup, try the '59.

They're both really nice pickups and *well* worth it IMHO!

They will all sound good, but my choice would be the Seths or Ants.

I agree with Gripweed and Jeff. The Seth will give you a fatter, thicker tone with more mids but less treble and looser bass than the 59. The 59 will give you mor etreble and bigger tighter bass response but a little more open midrange voice...more of a slightly steely honk to the 59's midrange. I love them both and use them both and either one will deliver fabulous tone.

The 59 reminds me of Clapton's tone on Wheels of Fire...particularly Crossroads.

The Seth reminds me of Clapton's tone on Fresh Cream although Clapton probably had the nichel covers off of his alnico 2 pafs in the Les Paul he used for that recording. That would result in a slightly more aggressive and slightly brigher tone.

Lew

I'm not sure on the details of the Korina in the Epi's, but I'm sure that they are less than top quality. I also think that they may be composite - not entirely Korina. Sandwiches, fills, neck is something else etc...Korina definitely has it's own sonic mojo though...

The Epi V's and Explorers are bleached mahogany and/or northern ash bodies...NOT real Limba wood, with a Korina finish...that said I think any of those would be good choices!

I'd go for seth's but thats out of personal taste because i like a thicker sound, what is it exactly your looking for.

I'd probably use 59/Jazz in nickel. With the big dense body, you want as much clarity as possible, so that's what I'd probably try first.

Thanks Guys!

I am looking for a solid classic rock to maybe Pop sound. Definitely not metal.
I play through old 70's HIWATTS. I didn't know what difference the Korina would make as I have a Gibson LP with antiquities, and a Gibson LP custom with a '59 Bridge and APII Neck. I just always wanted a nice explorer and came across this one that is a good deal. So If I get it I will replace the cheapo hardware and atleast have a good quot;playerquot;.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserI'd probably use 59/Jazz in nickel. With the big dense body, you want as much clarity as possible, so that's what I'd probably try first.

I have that set in my LP and it is a great set of pickups in that guitar!

It would also be a fantastic classic rock/pop sound too!


Originally Posted by the guy who invented fireThe Epi V's and Explorers are bleached mahogany and/or northern ash bodies...NOT real Limba wood, with a Korina finish...that said I think any of those would be good choices!

From what I've read, Korina is not any particular wood, but the finished look of the guitar-- in other words, not all Korina is Limba. I wonder what Gibson may have been using on the later '83-'84 quot;Korinaquot; Vs-- especially the solid color guitars.

Thanks for the clarification TGWIF. I thought real Limba was a bit optimistic - I just didn't realze how much!!! I know the birdseye maple on my Epi is just a veneer. But Boston J - Gibson, scam people? No way! Not ever!! They are as honest bout their product as Dubya has been about Iraq!!!

I installed Antiquity HBs last week and it is fantastic! What a great combination! The quot;air-ey-nessquot; of the pickups is perfect with the korina. The Guitar is made of Korina, not mahogany, but it is 3 pieces glued together with a nice veneer.