Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,230
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description:
The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V is a beautiful tribute to the guitar that shaped the sound of heavy metal. This is not just a guitar, it is a piece of history, embodying the soul of Metallica's iconic albums like 'Kill 'Em All', 'Ride the Lightning' and 'Master of Puppets'. This guitar allows you to tap into the legendary sound that has influenced countless guitarists.
The guitar's aggressive, retro-futuristic styling is a nod to its roots in the heavier genres of music. The bold purple metallic finish captures the spirit of the late '70s, a time of experimentation and unique embellishments. Yet, its timeless design makes it fit for any era, appreciated by daring guitarists with a taste for the intrepid.
The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V is equipped with Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, delivering the growling, biting tone that is synonymous with Metallica's celebrated material. These pickups provide definition under high gain, a sharp attack for solos and a guttural sound for palm mutes, all of which form the foundation of Kirk Hammett's signature sound.
Hardware and components are top-notch, contributing to the overall quality of this guitar. From CTS potentiometers to an Orange Drop capacitor, every piece has been carefully selected to ensure superior performance.
Key Features:
- Meticulous recreation of Kirk Hammett's original 1979 Gibson Flying V
- Bold purple metallic finish with retro-futuristic styling
- Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type humbuckers for a biting metal tone
- High-quality hardware including CTS potentiometers, Orange Drop capacitor, Switchcraft pickup toggle and output jack
- Grover Rotomatic tuning machines with spade buttons
- One-piece mahogany neck with Indian laurel fingerboard
- Kirk Hammett logo on the back of the headstock
- Comes with a black hardshell case with red plush interior.
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Flying V |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother of Pearl Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.692" |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Custom Bridge & LockTone Stop Bar |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic with Spade Button |
| Neck Pickup | Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V?
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The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V features a mahogany neck with a set neck joint, providing a comfortable and fast-playing profile suitable for heavy metal and rock styles.
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What type of pickups are installed in the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V?
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This guitar is equipped with Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type Humbuckers, delivering powerful and articulate tones ideal for hard rock and metal genres.
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Is the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V suitable for beginners?
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While this guitar is designed with professional features, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it suitable for dedicated beginners who are fans of Kirk Hammett or the Flying V style.
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Does the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V come with a case?
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Yes, the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V includes a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
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How does the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V handle tuning stability?
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The guitar features Grover Rotomatic tuners with spade buttons, which offer reliable tuning stability and smooth tuning adjustments, essential for live performances and studio sessions.
Videos
OfficialEpiphone
Introducing The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V
Reviews
PROS
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Legendary design with iconic Flying V shape
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Custom Gibson American-made pickups deliver clear, tough tones
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Period-correct bridge and shorty headstock add vintage appeal
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Plays better than some higher-priced guitars
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Suitable for collectors and Metallica fans
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Great sound and playability on various amps
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Comes with a hardshell case, ideal for Flying V models
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Massive neck preferred by some players
CONS
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Strap locks are poorly placed, causing balance issues
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Intonation may need adjustment out of the box
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Considered expensive for a Chinese-made guitar
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V.
Mods and upgrades
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Some users add thumb bleeders for easier volume and tone adjustments during play.
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Custom pickguards can be ordered from WD Music to accommodate changes in control placements while maintaining the original look.
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Owners have swapped knobs to black chrome tops and removed the fake poker chip for a more personalized aesthetic.
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Some owners plan to upgrade to EMGs for more authentic Kirk Hammett tones, suggesting it's a common mod for fans.
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Owners recommend adding nickel covers for aesthetics and making control adjustments for ergonomic preferences.
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User experience
Comparisons
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The Hammett V differs from the standard production Flying V with its 67' body shape and pickguard, contrasting with the 58' body shape of the regular model.
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The Epiphone model uniquely combines a 70s-style headstock with T Type pickups, unlike any current Gibson production model.
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The Epiphone Kirk Hammett V is noted to be more accurate to a 70s V than some Gibson models, featuring a smaller headstock and volute.
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Value and pricing
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The Kirk Hammett model comes with a case, adding to its value compared to other Epiphone models.
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For $1299, the guitar offers a custom color and premium parts, making it attractive to those not necessarily fans of Metallica.
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It's mentioned that the guitar can often be found used for $800-$900, offering better value than buying new.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some owners find the control placement on the Kirk Hammett V to be tight, which may require swapping for ergonomic adjustments.
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Build quality
Features and functionality
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The Kirk Hammett V includes Gibson T-Humbuckers and Grover tuners, contributing to its unique sound and playability.
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The T Type pickups are described as hotter with a mid hump, suitable for 80s rock tones.
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The guitar includes premium components like Switchcraft jack and toggle, Mallory tone cap, and CTS pots.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Kirk Hammett's signature Epiphone Flying V can be seen in this video and comes in Ebony and Purple Metallic finishes.
Marcos Curiel showcases his Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V in a post on his official Instagram, expressing his excitement about it as a Christmas gift from Kelly Marie.
In this photo from the official Gibson website, SANTA can be seen playing an Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V. The exact model is mentioned on her artist page on Gibson's website.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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