What You Need To Know About Korina

The Basics of Guitar's Most Desirable Tonewood.

Korina, korina! What the hell is it? Well, let’s start there.

Korina is really just the American name for Terminalia superba, or African Limba, the largest tree in the ​​Combretaceae family and native to West Africa. Sound-wise, it’s similar to mahogany—heavy, warm, with a rich low end.  

In the 1950s, Gibson began using the wood to make guitars like the Flying V, Moderne, Futura, and Explorer, some of history’s most collectible guitars. Very few still exist today. Those that do routinely command six figures at auction.

Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Edition 1958 Korina Flying V Murphy Lab Custom Aged Natural

$19,999.00
This is it - one of the rarest and most desirable guitars ever made, brought back through the magic and artistry of the Gibson Custom Shop. The Gibson Flying V™ was way ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1958, and only 81 were shipped that year, but it has become very popular in the years since then. All of the classic vintage Flying V features have been 100% accurately recreated in this Collector's Edition model, right down to the cases, which are just as historically accurate as the guitars themselves. Featuring an ABR-1 bridge with a string-through korina body, Custombucker pickups, korina neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard, two volume and one tone control with CTS® pots and a phone book capacitor, gold hardware, Kluson tuners, and a 4-ply off-white pickguard, with an extra black pickguard and jackplate set in the case. It also features Custom Aging by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab Custom Aged finish treatment, paired with Custom Aged hardware, simulates decades of light play wear, giving it the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era. This limited run of 81 guitars is available only in the USA.

Serial #: 81068
Weight: 8lbs 0.8oz

Body Shape: Flying V
Material: Korina
Weight Relief: None

Neck: Korina
Profile: 1958 Flying V
Nut width: 1.687" / 42.86mm
Fingerboard: Solid Brazilian Rosewood, Hide Glue Fit
Scale length: 24.75" / 628.65mm
Number of frets: 22
Nut: Nylon
Inlay: Pearloid Dots

Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: String through Body - Aged Lacquered Brass Chevron, Ferrules, and Nails
Knobs: True Historic Black
Tuners: Kluson Single Ring
Plating: Gold; Murphy Lab Custom Aged

Neck pickup: Custombucker
Bridge pickup: Custombucker
Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Tone, 500K CTS Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Phone
Book Capacitor

Case: Historic Flying V Brown/Pink Hardshell Case, plus Case Cover
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WHY?

The answer is simple. It sounds good. It looks good. And it’s rare. Prized for its resonance and exotic appearance, korina is difficult to source and even more difficult to work with, so there simply aren’t as many korina guitars in the world as the players who want them. 

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Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Flying V Heritage Korina Reissue Natural 1982

$9,995.00
The following specs were carefully collected and recorded by a skilled technician. For a more detailed description and questions regarding sound, feel, or cosmetic condition, please call to speak to one of our experts.
Summary
Finish Details: Original
Body Material: Korina Body
Body Details: Solid three piece korina body. There is an additional strap button installed between the two body fins.
Neck Material: Korina Neck
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Profile: "C" profile
Neck Thickness (IN): .86" (1st fret), .98" (12th fret)
Fingerboard Radius: 12.00" to
Nut Width: 1-11/16"
Scale Length: 24 3/4"
Neck Details: Set-in three piece korina neck with unbound rosewood fretboard and dot inlays
Electronics: Original Gibson wiring harness with 3-way toggle selector switch, neck/bridge volume controls, and master tone control. The control pot codes date to 1982. The patent number pickups appear to be non-original to the guitar but are the correct type for this model, and they appear to have non-original gold covers installed. There is also a splice in the lead for the neck pickup.
Pickup Measurements: 7.3k (neck), 7.2k (bridge)
Hardware: The tuners are not original to the guitar, and the headstock holes have been reamed out for a 10mm tuner shaft size; the guitar currently has conversion bushings installed. The original tuners and hardware are included in the case. The pickups and covers, knobs, and the heel strap button are also not original.
Weight: 7 lbs 7 oz
Modifications/Repairs: -The pickups have been replaced, and the neck pickup lead has been spliced -There is an additional strap button installed -The heel strap button, knobs, and tuners are not original -The tuner holes have been reamed for 10mm tuner shafts
Case Details: Original hardshell case
Cosmetic Condition: The guitar shows light wear for its age; the finish is glossy with small assorted blemishes. The back of the body has light buckle rash, and there is some lacquer cracking around the non-original strap button between the body fins. There is also some light finish cracking around the neck joint, which is normal, and a small ding on the treble shoulder.
Serial Number: F096
Tech Notes: Plays well with low action and optimal neck relief; the guitar is currently set up with 10s. The frets are wide and low with some light wear, but the guitar plays cleanly. The pot codes date the guitar to 1982.
View Details
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body
Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993 Electric Guitars / Hollow Body

Gibson Limited Edition SG Standard Korina Natural 1993

$4,495.00
The following specs were carefully collected and recorded by a skilled technician. For a more detailed description and questions regarding sound, feel, or cosmetic condition, please call to speak to one of our experts.
Summary
Finish Details: Original
Body Material: Korina Body
Body Details: Four piece korina pancake body with mahogany center.
Neck Material: Korina Neck
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Profile: medium "C"
Neck Thickness (IN): 1st- .83" 12th- .97"
Fingerboard Radius: 12.00" to
Nut Width: 1-11/16"
Scale Length: 24 3/4"
Neck Details: Three-piece korina neck with bound rosewood board and trapezoid inlays.
Electronics: The guitar has Gibson Bill Lawrence pickups. These are probably not original as these are normally seen in earlier guitars (1989-90). The two volume pots have been replaced. The tone pots are original and date to 1993.
Pickup Measurements: neck 7.1k ohms bridge 8.6k ohms
Hardware: Original hardware except for replaced tuners.
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz
Modifications/Repairs: -The pickups and both volume pots have been replaced. -The tuners are not original. -There are six filled holes on the top from a vibrato that was installed at some point.
Case Details: Original hard shell case
Cosmetic Condition: The guitar has moderate play wear. The finish is glossy with light dents, scratches and checking throughout. The metal hardware is nicely tarnished with age. The back of the body has light buckle rash. There are six filled holes on the top from a vibrato that was installed at some point.
Serial Number: 91683406
Tech Notes: The guitar plays well with low action. The frets are tall with minimal play wear.
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Thankfully, we’ve got plenty!

Supply, demand, and a front-row seat for the birth of rock and roll continue to build this tonewood’s mythical quality, but we’ve been stocking up to make sure you have access before it becomes even harder to get.

From late-’70s and early-‘80s reissues to more modern models, our collection of Gibson-made korina guitars spans the brand’s post-1950s output, offering players affordable, accessible versions of the world’s rarest designs. So if you’ve got korina on your mind, just call, click, or stop in our Lincoln Avenue showroom. Now’s the time to bring it home. 

SHOP GIBSON KORINA

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard
Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V Reissue Natural w/White Pickguard

$9,999.00

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