Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $8,599

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 21, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the world of vintage elegance with the 1958 Gibson Flying V, a masterpiece that stands as a testament to Gibson's innovative spirit during the golden era of electric guitars. With its striking design and premium korina wood construction, this rare gem not only redefined the aesthetics of electric guitars but also set new standards in tone and playability. Its limited production run adds an exclusive allure, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The 1958 Gibson Flying V is more than just an instrument; it's a slice of music history that continues to inspire generations of musicians.

Key Features:

  • Korina wood construction for superior tone and resonance
  • Iconic V-shaped design that broke the mold of traditional guitar aesthetics
  • Limited production run, adding to its exclusivity and collector's value
  • Vintage 1958 model, a testament to Gibson's innovative era
  • Sought-after by collectors and musicians for its historical significance and unique sound

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Flying V
Finish Natural
Year 1958 - 1959
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape V-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Flying V
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What makes the 1958 Gibson Flying V unique among electric guitars?

The 1958 Gibson Flying V is renowned for its distinctive V-shaped body and limited production run, making it highly collectible. Its Korina wood construction contributes to a unique tonal quality, and the guitar's innovative design was ahead of its time, influencing many future guitar models.

What type of pickups are used in the 1958 Gibson Flying V?

The 1958 Gibson Flying V features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, which provides a powerful and warm tone, suitable for a wide range of music genres from rock to blues.

Is the 1958 Gibson Flying V suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 1958 Gibson Flying V is well-suited for live performances due to its striking design and robust sound. The guitar's string-through body and set-neck construction ensure excellent sustain and playability on stage.

How does the neck profile of the 1958 Gibson Flying V affect playability?

The neck of the 1958 Gibson Flying V is set-neck construction, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. This design provides stability and ease of access across the fretboard, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

What genres of music is the 1958 Gibson Flying V best suited for?

The 1958 Gibson Flying V is versatile and well-suited for rock, blues, and metal genres. Its powerful humbucker pickups deliver a rich, full sound that cuts through mixes, making it a favorite among guitarists in these styles.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Show & Tell with Joe Bonamassa's 1958 Gibson Flying V at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Show & Tell with Joe Bonamassa's 1958 Gibson Flying V at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Show & Tell with Joe Bonamassa's 1958 Gibson Flying V at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage Faves with Joe Bonamassa | 1958 Gibson Flying V by Guitar Center

Vintage Faves with Joe Bonamassa | 1958 Gibson Flying V

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa demos his 1958 Gibson Flying V by Guitarist

Joe Bonamassa demos his 1958 Gibson Flying V

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Axes & Artifacts: 1958 Gibson Flying V by Premier Guitar

Axes & Artifacts: 1958 Gibson Flying V

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson Flying V | Friday Fretworks by Chris Buck

1958 Gibson Flying V | Friday Fretworks

Chris Buck

Chris Buck

Video thumbnail for "From The Vault" - 1958 Gibson Flying V by Emerald City Guitars

"From The Vault" - 1958 Gibson Flying V

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson Flying-V - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1958 Gibson Flying-V - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson Flying V - what an amazing find! by GuitarPoint

1958 Gibson Flying V - what an amazing find!

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom 1958 Mahogany Flying V Reissue VOS - Walnut - Can I haz this? by 60 Cycle Hum

Gibson Custom 1958 Mahogany Flying V Reissue VOS - Walnut - Can I haz this?

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V - American Musical Supply by American Musical Supply

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Flying V - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Flying V (1958-1959).

User experience

  • The 1958 Flying V has a chunkier neck with more shoulder compared to the '59 Les Paul, offering a distinct playing feel due to its un-bound neck.

    Source
  • Some owners have transitioned from early 2000s Epiphones to Gibsons and noted significant quality improvements in recent Epiphone models, suggesting a step up in manufacturing standards.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Flying V's tone is described as having a Strat-like focus, with a slightly quacky sound, differentiating it from the warmer Les Pauls.

    Source
  • Epiphone Flying Vs from the early 2000s feature Grover tuners, offering reliable tuning stability, but are generally considered mid-tier imitations of Gibson models.

    Source
  • Recent Epiphone models, like the 2020 Flying V, have improved in quality with superior pickups compared to those from the early 2000s, enhancing their tonal performance.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the asymmetrical V designs for better lap stability compared to the original Gibson model, highlighting differences in ergonomic preferences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 1958 Flying V features smaller frets, contributing to its unique playability compared to other vintage Gibson models.

    Source
  • The 2020 Flying V models are recognized for their exceptional pickups, making them a strong choice for those prioritizing sound quality in their purchase decision.

    Source
  • The placement of the input jack on newer models is often cited as an improvement for playability, reducing interference during seated play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its powerful yet stratty sound profile makes the 1958 Flying V suitable for players seeking a distinct tonal edge, possibly in blues or rock genres.

    Source
  • Many players find the 1958 Flying V comfortable in a classical position, making it a versatile choice for seated play despite its unconventional shape.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For unseen purchases, current Epiphone Flying Vs are recommended over older models due to notable advancements in build quality and components.

    Source

Other

  • The 1958 Flying V is noted for its iconic status in guitar design, influencing aesthetics in media such as cartoons, movies, and video games since the early 1980s.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson only made 98 Flying Vs in the 1950s – which makes this ’58 Flying V one of the rarest electric guitars to come out of the company’s factory | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The 1958 Gibson Flying V is a rare gem with only 98 units produced, making it a collector's dream. While its iconic design and storied history are a major draw, potential buyers should be aware of several modifications and issues. The guitar has been refinished multiple times, and the neck has been altered, resulting in a narrower fretboard. Despite these changes, the V retains its original hardware and electronics, which contributes to its authentic tone. However, the missing factory serial number and repairs on the headstock are noteworthy concerns. Overall, it remains a fascinating piece for enthusiasts, but with some caution needed due to its modifications.

Axes & Artifacts: 1958 Gibson Flying V - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1958

In the video titled "Slash’s First, Last, Best: Gibsons, Dirt Pedals, and Dream Gear" on YouTube, Slash mentions the 1958 Gibson Flying V guitar at 3:34 as one of the best instruments in his collection, thereby confirming his use of this specific gear.

See how Joe Satriani uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Satriani

As seen on his official website, Joe has a classic 1958 Gibson Flying V in his collection.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at about 20:02, Joe talks about how he got the guitar, and the previous owner's. The guitar was originally owned by Amos Arthur (founder and former owner of Arthur's Music Store), the guitar bounced around owners until around 2012-2013 when Joe purchased the Guitar from Norm Harris of world famous Normans Rare Guitars.

Joe also owns other 1958 Flying Vs, one of which he calls the "trash bag" and details in this video from Guitar Center.

See how Pete Townshend uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

"Sometime in 1975 or earlier, Joe Walsh (who had also given Pete his Gretsch Chet Atkins, Fender Bandmaster and Edwards volume pedal) gifted a 1958 Gibson Flying V guitar to Pete. This guitar was used on The Who By Numbers, as can be heard in his blistering leads on songs like In a Hand or Face and Dreaming From The Waist, as well as 1980 for Empty Glass and in 1982 for All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes, on at least Slit Skirts.

On the cover of Chinese Eyes, Pete appears with this guitar held upside down. (He is also photographed in Psychoderelict photo sessions — and repeated in the Coolwalking liner — with a Flying V, but this is a borrowed white-pickguard model.)"

See how Albert King uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Albert King

Guitarist, Singer

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine
Color/Finish: Natural Year: 1959

According to an article by Vintage Guitar® magazine, written by Wolf Marshall, Albert King’s first Gibson Flying V was a 1959 Korina model. This guitar was stolen and replaced by a custom build from Dan Erlewine before it was eventually recovered, being the first of many V style guitars he would dub Lucy.

See how Rick Nielsen uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Rick Nielsen

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 26:43 in the gibson "the collection: Rick nielsen" video we see one of two of the original 1958 flying vs he owns. The other is a 59 refinished in cardinal red seen at 29:10.

See how Tomo Fujita uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Tomo Fujita

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Tomo Fujita can be seen using a 1958 Gibson Flying V in a video posted on his YouTube channel, titled "Every Gibson FLYING V Player in 9 seconds."

See how Tyler Armstrong uses Gibson Flying V (1958-1959)

Tyler Armstrong

Guitarist

The Band Feel

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "A Vintage Guitar Parade with The Band Feel's Tyler Armstrong | Rig Rundown" by Premier Guitar, Tyler Armstrong is seen playing a 1958 Gibson Flying V guitar at 0:17. He further discusses this guitar at 1:55.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Flying V (1958-1959), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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