Gibson Flying V Guitar

Gibson Flying V (1958 -1959) 

In 1957 Gibson announced the flying V electric guitar but were only in production in 1958 , the unusual futuristic shape of the guitar fascinated people, however the guitar met with little success. Only 81 Flying V guitars were shipped in 1958 and 17 Flying V guitars were shipped in 1959. In 1962 to 1963 Gibson built more flying V guitars with left over parts from 1958 to 59.

In the late 60s the guitar caught on and started gaining popularity, rock stars started using them such as Jimi Hendrix. The Gibson Flying V guitar became a household name after the Flying V Heritage was introduced in the early 80s. 

The original 1958 and 59 models had 3 knobs in a straight line, korina wood body, 2 hum bucking pickups (PAF), and strings ran through the body, the body shoulders were square at the neck, they had gold plated parts, had white or black pick guards and were made in natural finishes.

Gibson Flying V Mahogany (1966 -1980) 

In 1966 Gibson reintroduced the Gibson Flying V guitar with some changes, they had mahogany bodies, strings did not run through the body they had a stud tailpiece and 2 pickups. 

From 1966 To 1970 these Flying V guitars were made in cherry and sunburst colors, from 1970 to 1980 they made them in various finishes and colors. In 1971 they made a limited edition and called it the Gibson Flying V Medallion, it had quite the same specs but with a numbered limited edition on the bass side of the V. 

In 1981 to 82 Gibson kept on making them with mahogany bodies and strings that ran through the body (no stud tail piece) only 100 were made. Colors were white, black and red.

Gibson Flying V II (1979 - 1982) 

In 1979 Gibson also introduced the Flying V Two, it had a five piece maple and walnut sculptured body, ebony fingerboard with dot inlays, 2 v-shaped pickups, gold plated hardware and were made in natural finishes. In 1982 they replaced the pickups with 2 dirty finger hum buckers.

Gibson Flying V I alder body (1981-1989) 

In 1981 Gibson started production on the Flying V one which was renamed the Flying V '83 in 1983 and renamed again "flying V" from 1984 and on. They had 2 exposed hum buckers, ebony fingerboard, dot inlays maple neck and alder bodies. Discontinued in 1989 .

Gibson Flying V Heritage (1981-1984) 

The Gibson flying V guitars with korina bodies were introduced in 1982 and were more or less reissues or tributes to the original 1958 Flying V's. These models had korina bodies, strings that ran through the body and gold parts. 

Known as the Flying V Heritage and were discontinued in 1984. These electric guitars were made in several colors such as, black, candy apple red,white and natural. 

In 1982 Gibson announced the Flying V CMT, it had a stud tailpiece, 2 pickups, maple body with a curly top with 3 knobs in a straight line. These models were available in natural or sunburst colors. Through the 90s until present Gibson introduced several other Flying V models like: 

Flying V 90 Double (1989-1991) 

Specs: Mahogany body , one single and one double coil hum bucking pickup, Floyd rose tremolo.

67 Flying V (1990 to present) 

These guitars are more or less reissues of the 66-67 models, they have mahogany bodies, some with tune-o-matic tuners, bridge tailpiece, 2 hum buckers and are made in various colors. 

Hendrix Flying V (1991 - 1993) 

The Gibson Jimi Hendrix Flying V was introduced in 1991 and discounted 93, it was a limited edition and only 400 were made. The guitar was black, had 2 hum buckers  Jimi Hendrix signature on white pick guard and a bridge tail piece. In 1993 to 94 Gibson also introduced the Lonnie Mack Flying V, it had a mahogany body with a bigs-by vibrato.

Selling Or Buying Advice

Always consult with someone who knows vintage guitars before buying or selling. Otherwise, I strongly suggest you get a guitar price guide with detailed specs that can change the prices dramatically. Knowledge is everything when you are dealing with old and used music instruments.

> View used and vintage Gibson Flying V guitars for sale.

Gibson Flying V Price Guide (Updated April-23-2021)
  • 1958 - 1959 > $250 000 to $350 000 (Flying V)
  • 1966 - 1966 > $25 000 to $30 000 (Mahogany - Cherry & Sunburst)
  • 1967 - 1970 > $18 000 to $22 000 (Cherry & Sunburst)
  • 1971 - 1974 > $11 000 to $15 000 (Flying V Medallion)
  • 1975 - 1981 > $3500 to $4500 (Available In Various Colors)
  • 1982 - 1982 > $2200 to $2700 (String Through Body))
  • 1981 - 1982 > $4000 to $6000 (Flying V Heritage - Natural)
  • 1981 - 1982 > $3000 to $4000 (Flying V Heritage - Other Colors)
  • 1983 - 1983 > $4500 to $6000 (Flying V Korina)
  • 1979 - 1982 > $2500 to $3300 (Flying V II)
  • 2008 - 2008 > $5000 to $6500 (Flying V 50th Anniversary)
  • 1990 - 2014 > $900 to $1200 ('67 Reissue)
  • 1981 - 1988 > $1500 to $2000 ('83 Reissue - No Pick Guard)
  • 1991 - 2013 > $4000 to $5500 ('58 Historic Collection)
  • 1997 - 2004 > $2200 to $2700 ('67 Historic Collection)
  • 1991 - 1993 > $2200 to $2700 (Hendrix Hall Of Fame - 400 made)
  • 2005 - 2006 > $6000 to $7500 (Hendrix Psychedelic - 300 made)
  • 2002 - 2002 > $3000 to $3500 (Flying V Lenny Kravitz - 125 made)
  • 2002 - 2002 > $4000 to $5000 (Flying V Custom - 40 made)
  • 2004 - 2008 > $3500 to $4500 (Flying V Custom Shop With Figured Maple Top)
  • 1994 - 1994 > $4200 to $5000 (Centennial - 100th Anniversary Model)

Comments

  1. Well, I'm confused with a price of 1974-75 non medalion (suposed is a right year). Can enyone tell me aproximately value? Serial is 400567
    Thanks in advice .....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5:31 PM

    Gibson made lots of models of the flying v with different specs during the 70s and eighties , i wouldn't want to give you a price on what its worth without seeing a pic ....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Any idea what the 1985 custom shop Scorpions Flying V is worth. I also own the Explorer.

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  4. Anonymous1:56 PM

    not in the price guide ...

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  5. V with medallion number 36 all origanl with case any guesses on what it would go for?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:56 PM

      25k any day / 30k any month

      Delete
  6. I have a case for the '81-'84 Heritage V, I want to try and sell it but haven't really a good basis for price. I don't have a V anymore, and even though my Firebird fits, I have its OHSC, so the case is just wasting space.

    I'd appreciate greatly any help you could give.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:02 AM

    can anyone give me an estimate as to what a 1989 flying V should be worth? i know it's not exactly a "collector's item" but i'm looking into buying one... seems to fit the description for the Flying V I alder body described on this page. it's in pretty good shape--used but hey it's 18 years old. serial #83439705 if it'll help. does the listed $750-900 range seem about right?

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  8. Anonymous9:05 AM

    about 1989 flying V... i meant $700-950 range

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  9. Anonymous10:46 AM

    we have a v that might be one of the ones from 58-59 where should we go to find out if its authentic

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous2:15 AM

    I recently purchased a Gibson flying v (the "V")is printed on the head stock cover plate above the nut... as is the Gibson logo across the top of the headstock.What year were these made...I found it at a garage sale ,but i don't see a serial number on it....any info is greatly appreciated.

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  11. Anonymous9:01 PM

    lookin at a v
    it has an ebony fretboard w/moon inlays i havent seen one w/moons
    is it possible its original?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous10:43 AM

    I have a 1988 white gibson V, with 1 humbucker, no tremelo , 1 volume control no tone controls a steinberger lap bar and grover machine heads. Does anyone no whats up with this guitar? Is it rare because I can't find a simular example anywhere.

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  13. Anonymous9:29 PM

    I have a 1994, from the custom shop, Flying V 100th year anniversary. Trying to sell it. They made two models of the anniversary that year. One had all gold inlays, etc... and they were 12K guitars I believe. This one however, is one of 1000 that were made celebrating 100 years of gibson. I need to sell it, great guitar, and in great shape. I can be reached at brock.k@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous4:09 PM

    This site is pretty cool for recent values. Though there needs to be some updates here and there. I am referring in particular to the Gibson Flying V 90 (both the single humbucker version as well as the double pickup version). These guitars in nice shape are selling for at least double the estimated value listed here if you can find one. Anywhere from $1200 to $2000 especially for the white and silver finishes. They were excellent guitars inspired by the Jackson lines of V's with a 25 1/2 " scale and 24 frets on an ebony board with split diamond inlays. The pickups were not very good but they played exceptionally well.

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  15. Anonymous10:25 AM

    How about "The V" from 1983, it wasn't on the list either. Mine was just stolen, and I'd need an estimate of the price for insurance.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous4:55 PM

    hello, got a (2nd chance) offer to buy a 2002 cuwstom V (repainted)
    what would the value be about? don't know if it is ligit. the picture is from another site I think.
    check: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150293276790

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  17. does anyone answer these things or what...?

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  18. Anonymous12:16 PM

    apparently not....

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  19. I have a Flying V, I believe it was part of the 90's series. It has reverse diamond inlays, Ebony fingerboard w/24 frets. It was originally white with a black pickguard, single pickup, one volume and a Steinberger lap piece.
    I had the Flying V refinished with "Indigo Blue" Black base with Purple and light blue flakes. I had it done by Pete Moreno in 2000. I bought the guitar with the unusual fading on the white finish. Usually the whole guitar goes yellowish. It was as if someone's arm was on it and it chemically altered the finish. Before the paint job. I had replaced the bridge pickup with the George Lynch Screaming Demon. SH-12 and I also had installed two Ultra Sonic humbucking single coil pickups. There is a five way switch and on/off and still only a single volume and no tone.
    This guitar sounds awesome and looks like no other Flying V.
    I have been doing some research and found that it was called Flying V double? Makes no sense to me why it would be called that.
    I saw a sales catalog with that Flying V and a SG both with Ebony fingerboards and reverse diamond inlays on the 24 fret necks.
    I am curious why I can't find any information about it.
    I am sure I have the catalog in my magazine collection.

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  20. Anonymous8:45 AM

    I have a 1975 flying v first 2 serial # 00 w/22frets half moon /ivory/inlays/ cherry wood finish/ any idea what that one is worth. in mint condition

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  21. Anonymous4:31 AM

    where can i find a decent v2 with boomerang pick ups that isnt a silly price

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  22. Anonymous7:02 PM

    I'm an artist researching the 1967 flying v Jimi Hendrix favored... I need the exact measurements and they are really hard to find....anyone have suggestions?

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  23. Anonymous4:48 PM

    My friend wants to sell me a Gibson Flying V. It's in pretty good shape. But I wonder what year it is. The only characteristics I can name is the fact it has a blot-on maple neck and I think the body is alder. The body finish is white. Anyone know what year it might be or how much it's worth?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous1:26 PM

    i collect gibson flying v basses and the gibson exp flying v guitar...

    323 632.4512 edwardprzydzil@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous1:19 AM

    i collect gibson flying v basses and the gibson exp flying v guitar...

    323.632.4512 - edwardprzydzial@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous2:19 PM

    I have a Gibson Flying V Cherry Wood Serial #024250580, What year is it? Thank you
    joannesplace12@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous2:53 PM

    I have had my flying v since 1970 i want to know if it is a real gibson the truss rod cover was not on it but the case was correct the serial number is stamped and running up the back of the head stock top side and is 000946 all the numbers i have seen run across the head stock. anyone know about this
    shhmk@frontiernet.net

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous3:01 PM

    Hi!
    I have a V medallion nr 280.Red with everything with in the golden style.Quite nice..
    The tuners and the knobs are not like most original, but clearly a 71-medallion.Searching for the original case,haven´tthat.
    Anyone else with flying v:s with medallion?email:
    vvproduktionhede@live.se
    Sweden

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am confused,
    I used to own a 1964 Flying V. A beautiful rare dark sunburst finish from light natural wood to dark/black - fully verified as genuine - bought from a London shop in the late 70's.
    The axe had original gibson 1958 old humbucking pickups other than 100% original.
    Why isn't this year listed ?

    btw. regret selling it to a chap in Sweden (Nysse) who later sold it on to a band member - where told that it later ended up in Yngwie Malmsteen's hands (and here's the weird stuff) rumour is that Yngwie then cut the wings off and painted it black - talking about destroying something beautiful.

    Boy how much I wish I still had this axe.

    Can I post pics of the axe here or...?

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have a medallion flying V 1971, special edition 208 with original case, email me if you want pics, up for sale to best offer argent-24h@live.com

    ReplyDelete

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