Pricing and availability
Average Price: $2,700
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Gibson Flying V History is a celebration of iconic design and modern craftsmanship, perfect for guitarists who crave both vintage allure and contemporary playability. This limited-edition electric guitar pays homage to Gibson's storied past while offering new-age innovations for today's musicians. Crafted with a sleek Grade-A mahogany body, the Flying V History is sculpted for comfort and style, making it an ideal companion for those long gigs or jam sessions.
The neck, featuring a SlimTaper profile, ensures a fast, smooth action that guitarists love, reminiscent of the golden era of rock 'n' roll. Meanwhile, the 1-piece rosewood fretboard, adorned with a 120th Anniversary banner at the 12th fret, provides a touch of elegance and historical significance.
At the heart of this guitar are the '57 Classic humbuckers, engineered to deliver the quintessential PAF tone, from warm, clean chords to fiery leads. The nitrocellulose finish not only enhances the guitar's vintage look but also improves its tonal qualities, allowing the wood to breathe and resonate naturally. With its slightly smaller headstock and balanced design, the Flying V History offers an exceptional playing experience, whether you're on stage or in the studio.
Key Features:
- SlimTaper mahogany neck for fast playability
- 1-piece rosewood fretboard with 120th Anniversary inlay
- '57 Classic humbuckers for vintage PAF tone
- Nitrocellulose finish for enhanced tone and vintage aesthetics
- Lightweight, contoured mahogany body for comfort
- Made in Nashville, TN with limited edition status
- Includes Gibson hardshell case and Limited Lifetime Warranty
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Flying V History |
| Finish | Aged Cherry |
| Year | 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | V-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Red |
| 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
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson Flying V History best suited for?
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The Gibson Flying V History is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its powerful humbucking pickups and distinct V-shaped body, which provide a strong, aggressive tone and striking stage presence.
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How does the set-neck construction of the Gibson Flying V History affect playability?
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The set-neck construction enhances sustain and provides a smoother transition between the neck and body, making it easier to access higher frets and improving playability, especially for lead guitar work.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Flying V History like?
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The Gibson Flying V History features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that offers a balanced feel for both rhythm and lead playing, catering to a wide range of playing styles.
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Are the pickups on the Gibson Flying V History suitable for high-gain applications?
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Yes, the dual humbucking pickups on the Gibson Flying V History are designed to handle high-gain applications, delivering clear, punchy tones with minimal noise, making them ideal for heavy rock and metal.
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Is the Gibson Flying V History a good choice for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson Flying V History offers excellent playability and tone, its unique body shape may not be the most comfortable for beginners. However, it is a great choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a distinctive style and sound.
Videos
Sweetwater
Gibson Flying V History 2014 Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound
Gibson Flying V History 2014 Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Flying V History.
Other
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Despite its iconic status, the Flying V was initially a commercial failure, contributing to its rarity and appeal today.
Source
Build quality
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Users have mentioned that some Flying V models come with a custom paint job which, while aesthetically pleasing, can affect collector value.
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Mods and upgrades
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There's a mention of challenges with the output jack placement on some models, like the Jackson Rhoads V, impacting comfort when sitting.
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Use cases and applications
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Flying Vs are noted for their suitability in live performance due to their light weight and ease of upper fret access, enhancing stage presence.
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Norlin-era Flying Vs have been favored by notable guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde, suggesting their suitability for rock and metal genres.
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Comparisons
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Several players prefer the sound of Gibson Flying Vs over Jackson RR V models, citing a richer tone despite the Jackson's faster neck.
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Jackson and ESP models adjusted the lower horns and input jack placement for better comfort and functionality compared to the original Flying V.
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Owners often find the 1983 models superior in feel and sound to other guitars, including a 2017 modern double cut and a 2006 SG.
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User experience
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Owners report that playing a Flying V seated in the classical position provides comfort and enhances access to higher frets.
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Some players find the arm position on the V body uncomfortable, impacting playability during extended sessions.
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The Flying V's design can make sitting difficult, but using a strap or playing in a classical position improves comfort for many players.
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Users with multiple Norlin-era guitars note consistent quality, dispelling some negative myths about the 1980s models.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users note that some V models experience neck dive, though this can be mitigated with a strap that has enough friction to hold the position.
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Features and functionality
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The 1958 style Flying V includes a rubber grip pad on the lower bout, making it easier to play sitting down compared to the 1967 style, which lacks this feature.
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The original 1950s design of the Flying V is favored by some owners over current models for its aesthetic appeal.
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The 1983 Flying V is equipped with Shaw pickups, which are highly sought after for their distinctive tone.
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The 1967 and 1976 Flying V models have a preferred pickguard design compared to more recent models, according to multiple owners.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
151
1990 Gibson Flying V
It's a Gibson Flying V.. I call it the Devil's Violin. I got it for three reasons: 1. The Sound. 2. The fretboard. It's a wide, glide and buttery ride (the first use of "buttery" to describe a fretboard). 3. The way it hangs on me when I play live, like perfectly balanced love or a dependant or something. The best live guitar I've played.
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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