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Average Price: $3,295

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Immerse yourself in the audacious spirit of the Gibson Flying V2, a remarkable leap in electric guitar design that boldly redefines the contours of rock. Distinguished by its five-piece maple and walnut body and neck, this guitar stands apart with a visual and sonic signature that commands attention. The "boomerang" style pickups add a unique twist to its sound profile, making it a coveted piece among collectors and players seeking to elevate their musical expression. With craftsmanship that merges tradition and innovation, the Flying V2 is not just an instrument; it's a testament to the daring evolution of the electric guitar.

Key Features:

  • Five-piece maple and walnut body and neck for a distinctive tone and durability
  • Unique "boomerang" style pickups offer a fresh sound dimension
  • Sculpted edges on the body for an ergonomic and visually striking design
  • Versatile sound capabilities, suitable for a wide range of musical genres

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Flying V2 II
Finish Bahama Blue, Cherry, Ebony, Goldburst, Natural, Silverburst, White
Year 1979 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape V-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Flying V
Model Sub-Family Gibson Flying V2 II
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Flying V2?

The Gibson Flying V2 features a set-neck construction with a slim, comfortable neck profile that facilitates fast playing and easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Flying V2?

The Gibson Flying V2 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a powerful, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain, suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Gibson Flying V2 suitable for beginners?

The Gibson Flying V2, with its unique V-shape and distinct styling, may be less comfortable for beginners due to its unconventional body shape, but it offers excellent playability and sound quality for those familiar with guitar playing.

What finishes are available for the Gibson Flying V2?

The Gibson Flying V2 is available in a variety of finishes, including Bahama Blue, Cherry, Ebony, Goldburst, Natural, Silverburst, and White, allowing for a range of aesthetic preferences.

How does the body shape of the Gibson Flying V2 affect playability?

The V-style body of the Gibson Flying V2 provides a distinctive look and can offer improved upper fret access, though it might require adjustment for seated playing due to its unique shape.

What is the fretboard material used on the Gibson Flying V2?

The Gibson Flying V2 features a rosewood fretboard, known for its smooth feel and warm tonal characteristics, enhancing the guitar's overall sound quality.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

This V May Give You Nightmares... | 1982 Gibson Flying V2 Candy Apple Red | Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for This V May Give You Nightmares... | 1982 Gibson Flying V2 Candy Apple Red | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

This V May Give You Nightmares... | 1982 Gibson Flying V2 Candy Apple Red | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson Flying V2 / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1979 Gibson Flying V2 / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1980 Gibson Flying V2 - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1980 Gibson Flying V2 - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson Flying V2, Walnut & Maple by Dream Guitars

1979 Gibson Flying V2, Walnut & Maple

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Flying V 2 walnut presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Flying V 2 walnut presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1980 Gibson Flying V2 / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1980 Gibson Flying V2 / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Britain's Rare Guitars - 1980's Gibson Flying V2 by Britain's Rare Guitars

Britain's Rare Guitars - 1980's Gibson Flying V2

Britain's Rare Guitars

Britain's Rare Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Flying V2.

Features and functionality

  • The V2 is noted for its unique boomerang pickups, which stand out visually and sonically from other Flying V models.

    Source
  • The Flying V2's unique V-shaped single coil pickups are described as thin-sounding, similar to Fender tones, which might not appeal to all players.

    Source
  • The V2 boomerang pickups are described as single coils that look unique but sound weak and anemic compared to standard pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express differing preferences for finishes, with some favoring natural wood layers and others preferring solid colors, highlighting personal taste in aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Owners have reported that the Flying V2 did not gain widespread popularity due to its unique design and sound, but it remains a highly valued collector's item.

    Source
  • Multiple owners express that they eventually switched from the original V2 pickups to humbuckers for improved sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some players suggest using an overdrive pedal and noise gate to enhance the tone of the original pickups, making them more suitable for heavier styles.

    Source
  • Owners mention that later versions of the V2 switched to standard humbuckers due to the weak sound of the original boomerang pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Flying V2 is compared to the Explorer 2, which features standard-shaped pickups, highlighting differences in design and sound between the two models.

    Source
  • The Explorer version of the V2 featured standard-shaped pickups, unlike the unique boomerang pickups of the V2.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar has been noted for its aesthetic appeal, making it highly desirable among collectors and those interested in the guitar's history rather than just its playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

CRAVE Guitars Feature – 1980 Gibson Flying V2

craveguitars.co.uk

The Gibson Flying V2 is a polarizing piece of guitar history, with its unique aesthetics and rare, vintage appeal. While it boasts distinctive looks and intriguing design elements, such as boomerang pickups and layered wood construction, its unconventional sound and awkward ergonomics may not suit everyone. Collectors might appreciate its rarity and originality, yet its commercial failure and divisive reception underscore its niche appeal. If you're open-minded, this guitar might just be a fascinating addition to your collection.

What is this thing, and what is it worth? - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Gibson Flying V2 is an intriguing piece from the late '70s, a period that's often considered bleak for Gibson. The V2 stands out with its unique five-piece body construction and innovative "boomerang" pickups that aim to blend single-coil clarity with humbucker noise reduction. Despite its bold design, the guitar's historical context might deter some collectors. However, its rarity and distinctive features have begun to capture the attention of enthusiasts, with natural finish models fetching between $2000 and $2250, and custom colors commanding even more. A quirky treasure for those who appreciate its peculiar charm.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Syu uses Gibson Flying V2

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

At a Vintage Salon in the ESP Museum in February of 2017, Syu can be seen trying out vintage Gibson guitars. At 1:14, you can see him playing a 1980 reissue of a Gibson Flying V V2.

See how Pappo uses Gibson Flying V2

Pappo

Singer, Guitarist

Pappo's Blues

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "PAPPO Y HOY NO ES HOY - DIABOLICO PLAN EN VIVO - BADIA & COMPANIA 1987," Pappo is seen playing a Gibson Flying V2 guitar during a live performance of "Diabolico Plan."

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 V2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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