Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,499.00
Guitar Center
$2,499.00
Amazon
$3,557.00
Reverb
$1,999.00 New
$1,429.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,499.00
zZounds
$2,499.00
Thomann
4.6 (5)
$1,899.00 $1,888.00 $11.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,299.00

Average Price: $2,359

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson '80s Flying V". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Embrace the spirit of the ’80s with the Gibson '80s Flying V, a guitar that defined an era of heavy metal and hard rock. This iconic instrument is a tribute to its 1984 predecessor, designed to deliver the raw power and distinctive aesthetics that made it legendary. The guitar boasts a sleek, pickguard-less mahogany body paired with a mahogany SlimTaper neck, ensuring a comfortable yet lightning-fast playing experience. The rosewood fingerboard with medium jumbo frets allows for effortless bends and solos.

At the heart of this beast are the ’80s Tribute humbuckers, engineered to capture the fat, high-octane sound of a time when guitar solos ruled the airwaves. These pickups are versatile, delivering both searing distortion for heavy riffs and clear, lush tones for cleaner passages. Finished with a gloss nitrocellulose coating, the Flying V not only looks striking but is built to age gracefully, providing a vintage feel over time.

Whether you're a seasoned shredder or new to the rock scene, the Gibson '80s Flying V is a no-nonsense machine, ready to take your performance to electrifying new heights. With premium hardware like the Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, this guitar delivers exceptional reliability and sustain, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • SlimTaper mahogany neck for fast playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard with medium jumbo frets
  • '80s Tribute humbuckers for powerful, versatile tone
  • Lightweight mahogany body for warmth and richness
  • Premium Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
  • Gloss nitrocellulose finish for a vintage look and feel

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Flying V
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium, Nickel
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.695"
Nut Material Graph Tech
Bridge/Tailpiece Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar
Tuners Grover
Neck Pickup Gibson 80's Tribute Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson 80's Tribute Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson '80s Flying V best suited for?

The Gibson '80s Flying V, with its powerful '80s Tribute humbuckers, excels in rock and metal genres, delivering aggressive tones and sustain that are ideal for heavier styles.

How does the Slim Taper neck profile on the Gibson '80s Flying V affect playability?

The Slim Taper neck profile provides a fast and comfortable playing experience, making it easier to navigate complex riffs and solos, especially suited for players who prefer a thinner neck.

What is the tonal characteristic of the Gibson '80s Tribute humbuckers?

The Gibson '80s Tribute humbuckers offer a hot output with a rich, full-bodied tone that emphasizes mids and lows, perfect for cutting through mixes in live and recording settings.

Is the Gibson '80s Flying V suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson '80s Flying V offers high-quality construction and sound, its unique body shape and professional-grade features may be more suited to intermediate and advanced players.

Does the Gibson '80s Flying V come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson '80s Flying V comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for transport and storage.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trying the NEW "80s" Flying V from Gibson | Is It As Good As the Original?

Video thumbnail for Trying the NEW "80s" Flying V from Gibson | Is It As Good As the Original? by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trying the NEW "80s" Flying V from Gibson | Is It As Good As the Original?

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson 80's Explorer & Flying V - Fire Breathing 80's Reissues! by PMTVUK

Gibson 80's Explorer & Flying V - Fire Breathing 80's Reissues!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Gibson 80s FLYING V (Should You BUY IT?) by Play and Trade Guitars

Gibson 80s FLYING V (Should You BUY IT?)

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Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson 80s Explorer and Flying V: Product Review and Video Demo Playthrough by The Music Zoo

Gibson 80s Explorer and Flying V: Product Review and Video Demo Playthrough

The Music Zoo

The Music Zoo

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson 80's Flying V Ebony by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson 80's Flying V Ebony

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Gibson 80s Flying V Demo by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Gibson 80s Flying V Demo

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Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson 80s Flying V | zZounds by zZounds

Gibson 80s Flying V | zZounds

zZounds

zZounds

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte - Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte - Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson '80s Flying V.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have installed Gotoh locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability, paired with custom Seymour Duncan Nazgul/Sentient pickups for a more aggressive 80s thrash tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 80s Gibson Flying V is often compared to the Kramer Dave Mustaine Vanguard for its stripped-down, no pickguard design, appealing to thrash enthusiasts.

    Source
  • One owner compared the Flying V to the Gibson SG, ultimately choosing the V for its iconic shape and aesthetics reminiscent of the 80s tribute series.

    Source
  • Some users find the Explorer more comfortable for seated play compared to the Flying V, suggesting personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between these models.

    Source

User experience

  • A user who previously owned a white 1984 Flying V notes a particular fondness for the no-pickguard aesthetic, indicating a strong visual appeal among vintage enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the lightweight design, noting it weighs around six pounds, enhancing comfort for longer playing sessions, especially with a slightly longer strap for taller players.

    Source
  • The design and visual appeal of the Flying V were inspired by the goth series, which initially sparked interest in potential buyers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Flying V provides excellent neck access and is noted for being comfortable to play while sitting, with the output jack placement being convenient for seated playing.

    Source
  • Some users express a preference for a smaller, rounded headstock and suggest a string-through tailpiece for a neater appearance, though these features are not present.

    Source
  • The 80s reissue Flying V is equipped with pickups similar to Dirty Fingers, appealing to players seeking a gritty, high-output sound for fast, aggressive styles.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 80s Flying V's design is particularly suited for punk and metal genres, offering excellent comfort when playing seated with the V's wings resting on the leg.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson 80s Explorer and Flying V: Product Review and Video Demo Playth | The Music Zoo

themusiczoo.com

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