The 1958 Flying V is one of the rarest and most valuable guitars to ever come out of Gibson. Produced in incredibly small numbers, this guitar was not a commercial success, as very few people knew what to make of it. Its big pointed features and larger than life presence were like nothing anyone had seen before in the guitar playing world. Despite originally failing to sell, musicians slowly began to catch on to the Flying V's unique appeal. Not only was the unique body shape an eye catching stage piece, it also provided a comfortable ease of access to the higher frets - with absolutely no material in the way right up until the 22nd fret - the flying V became a go-to instrument for wailing blues guitarists as well as hard rock and heavy metal shredders.
While being decidedly uncomfortable to play sitting down in the conventional manner, the V can be perfectly comfortable in a more classical position - more upright, with the V resting either side of the right leg. Needless to say, as the utility of this guitar was discovered it gradually became a household name among guitarists and a weapon of choice for many great guitarists such as Billy F Gibbons, Albert King, Eddie Van Halen and Zakk Wylde to name a few.
This, a modern recreation of the classic 1958 Gibson Flying V bares all the hallmarks of what made this guitar great in the first place. The Korina body is well balanced, the comfortable 50s C profile neck is easy to navigate and the two Humbucker pickups are capable of generating all the high gain fun one can muster.
There is tarnish on the pickups covers, bridge and "V" string through plate and a light crackling from the pickup selector due to being in storage for some time. The action is fast and low, with about 80% life on the frets. The humbuckers have a nice clarity to them. Much more than a show piece, this flying V is a joy to play and sounds as good as it looks.
Brand: Epiphone
Model: Flying VYear: 1999
Country: Korea
Case: OHSC
Serial: U990XXXXXXX
Colour (Body): Natural
Colour (Neck): Natural
Finish Type: Poly
Body Material: Korina
Neck Material: Maple
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Nut Material: Plastic
Scale Length: 24.75"
Fret Number: 22
Neck Radius: 12”
Action: 1.8mm
Neck Profile: medium 50s C
Nut Width: 42.8mm
12th Fret Width: 52.1mm
1st Fret Depth: 20.5mm
12th Fret Depth: 23.4mm
Pickups: Humbucker
Resistance: 7.86k neck / 7.84k bridge
Electronics: Original
Knobs: Silver Top Original
Pickguard: 3 ply original
Hardware: Gold plated
Weight: 3.04kg
