How to revive an Epi '58 Korina Flying V Bass

[Mark Porter]

Hi everybody!
My wife bought me an Epiphone '58 Korina Flying V bass for Xmas and,as cool as it is to look at,it just doesn't have a real good tone.It lacks warmth and definition.The biggest issue is that the p/u's come pre-wired to the pickguard,along with the knobs and p/u toggle switch,so I can't simply change out the p/u's for something better like some EMG's. I've heard that changing out the capacitor(s) is an option,but I have no experience with this kind of mod, and I wouldn't know what type of cap to replace it with to get the kind of warm tone that I'm looking for. Suggestions?

 

[testing1two]

You could have a new pickguard made and then add whatever pickups you like, as long as they fit within the pickup routing in the body. Here are a couple of companies that make custom pickguards:

Pickguard Heaven: Prices - Flying "V" Type - Gibson and Epiphone

Custom Pick Guards

I don't think a simple tone capacitor swap will yield the kind of results you're hoping for. In the meantime there is something you can try that doesn't cost anything: adjust the pickup heights. The methodical way to do this would be to measure the distance between each pickup and the string while pressing the string down on the last fret. Then raise (or lower) the bass and treble sides in small increments and then see if things get better or worse. A good starting point is 7/64" on the bass side of each pickup and 5/64" on the treble side of each pickup.

 

[Mark Porter]

You could have a new pickguard made and then add whatever pickups you like, as long as they fit within the pickup routing in the body. Here are a couple of companies that make custom pickguards:

Pickguard Heaven: Prices - Flying "V" Type - Gibson and Epiphone

Custom Pick Guards

I don't think a simple tone capacitor swap will yield the kind of results you're hoping for. In the meantime there is something you can try that doesn't cost anything: adjust the pickup heights. The methodical way to do this would be to measure the distance between each pickup and the string while pressing the string down on the last fret. Then raise (or lower) the bass and treble sides in small increments and then see if things get better or worse. A good starting point is 7/64" on the bass side of each pickup and 5/64" on the treble side of each pickup.

I never considered the possibility of having a new pick guard made. I've done business with Terrapin before, and they did right by me, however lately I've seen a lot of online complaints about them, so, hopefully their service isn't caving since the owner passed away a couple of years ago.I think that's worth investigating. I WILL try option #2 in the meantime. Both great suggestions and I can't thank you enough!

 

[Mark Porter]

Those are both great suggestions. I've done business with Terrapin before and they did right by me. Option #2 definitely a good one for me to investigate as well. I'll start making some inquiries. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[testing1two]

Great! Let us know how things turn out.

 

[Hopkins]

I never considered the possibility of having a new pick guard made. I've done business with Terrapin before, and they did right by me, however lately I've seen a lot of online complaints about them, so, hopefully their service isn't caving since the owner passed away a couple of years ago.I think that's worth investigating. I WILL try option #2 in the meantime. Both great suggestions and I can't thank you enough!

I just placed an order through Terrapin recently. I have no complaints at all.