Gibson Flying V

Gibson Flying V

If you’re searching for a Gibson Flying V for sale, you already know the promise: unmistakable style, effortless upper-fret access, and roaring humbucker punch that cuts through any mix. From vintage Gibson Flying V Korina legends to Gibson USA Flying V workhorses and Gibson Custom Shop Flying V reissues, Chicago Music Exchange carries one of the nation’s strongest selections—new, used, and collectible—each photographed, weighed, inspected, and professionally set up.

Shop Gibson Flying V → · Shop Gibson Custom Shop → · Shop Used Gibson Electrics →

Why Players Choose the Flying V

  • Ergonomics built for leads: Deep cutaways and a compact treble-side horn put the 15th–22nd frets right under your fingers.
  • Commanding tone: Dual humbuckers deliver focused mids, tight lows, and singing sustain—perfect for classic rock, blues-rock, metal, and hard rock.
  • Stage presence: The Flying V silhouette reads from the back row—an instant statement on stage and in photos.
  • Versatility: Roll back the volume/tone for glassy cleans, or stack gain for articulate, harmonically rich overdrive.

How the Gibson Flying V Came to Be

Unveiled in 1958 as part of Gibson’s forward-looking “Modernistic” designs (alongside the Explorer and the elusive Moderne), the Flying V was decades ahead of its time. Early Korina builds defined the template: lightweight feel, powerful PAF humbuckers, and a futuristic look that would later become a rock standard. A 1967 reissue brought the V back with mahogany construction and a sleeker pickguard, cementing its place in blues-rock and hard rock history. Since then, Gibson has produced USA models, artist runs, and meticulous Custom Shop reissues that honor those cornerstone eras.

Popular Gibson Flying V Models & Variations

  • ’58 Korina Flying V (Custom Shop Reissue): Typically Korina body/neck, vintage-spec neck carve, long pickguard, historically voiced PAF-style humbuckers. Collectors and purists prize this for touch sensitivity and airy attack.
  • ’67 Flying V (USA & Custom Shop): Mahogany body/neck, short pickguard, hotter humbuckers; the classic cherry, white, or ebony aesthetic with punchy mids.
  • Gibson USA Flying V (various years): Modern production with 22 frets, 24.75" scale, Tune-o-Matic/stopbar, and pickups like Burstbucker, ’57 Classic, 490/498 depending on year.
  • Limited/Artist editions: Periodic signature and limited finishes appear (check our current listings for specs, weights, and electronics).
  • Budget pathway: Players often explore Epiphone Flying V for entry-level value with the same outline and strong gigging potential.

Specs That Shape the Flying V Sound

  • Tonewoods: Korina (’58-style) = airy, immediate response; mahogany (’67-style & many USA models) = thicker mids and sustain.
  • Pickups: PAF-inspired sets (Custom Shop) emphasize clarity and bloom; modern Gibson USA pickups offer more output and bite.
  • Scale & Neck: 24.75" scale, typically medium-to-slim carves for fast playability.
  • Hardware: Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece; some runs include different tuners or lightweight hardware.
  • Layout: 2 humbuckers, 3-way toggle, individual volume controls, master tone—classic Gibson control scheme for blending and cleanup.

Artists & Famous Uses

The Gibson Flying V is a hero’s guitar: Albert King and Lonnie Mack brought the V to blues royalty; Jimi Hendrix wielded Vs on stage for searing leads; hard-rock and metal legends like Michael Schenker and K.K. Downing turned it into an arena staple; modern rock stylists and indie-leaning players continue to pick the V for its focus, clarity, and unmistakable vibe. If you’ve heard saturated leads that still speak through a wall of guitars, you’ve heard a Flying V do its job.

Year/Era Notes (What Shoppers Compare)

  • 1958–1959 (Korina originals): Ultra-collectible, lightweight feel, PAF nuance—holy-grail territory.
  • 1967–1970s (mahogany era): The reissue that put the V into mainstream rock; strong midrange voice and iconic finishes.
  • Modern USA: Greater consistency, contemporary necks and hardware, and updated humbuckers.
  • Custom Shop & Murphy Lab: Period-correct construction, nitro finish work, and vintage-accurate electronics for deep-cut fans.

(Every CME listing includes exact weights, detailed photos, and in-hand notes so you can evaluate feel and tone between years.)

Pricing & Value

  • Gibson USA Flying V (new): typically low-to-mid $2k range depending on finish and year spec.
  • Gibson Custom Shop Flying V: commonly upper-$4k into $10k+ depending on reissue year, spec, and finish work.
  • Vintage Gibson Flying V: pricing varies widely; ’58 Korina examples are blue-chip collectibles.
  • Used Gibson Flying V: strong value—save while staying close to new spec, with CME’s pro inspection and setup.

(Ranges are general; check our product pages for current pricing and availability.)

Quick Chooser: Which Flying V Fits You?

  • Classic blues bite / vintage sensitivity: ’58-style (Korina) Custom Shop
  • Rock & hard rock punch: ’67-style (USA or Custom Shop)
  • Best bang-for-buck workhorse: Gibson USA Flying V (recent runs)
  • Entry pathway: Consider Epiphone Flying V to capture the feel on a budget
  • Collector grade: Custom Shop Murphy Lab and documented vintage Flying V

Why Buy from Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange has one of the best selections of Gibson Flying V guitars available—new, used, vintage, and Custom Shop. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Curated inventory with pro setups, accurate specs, and exact weights

  • Transparent photos and in-hand notes for each guitar
  • Trade-in & financing available; fast, insured shipping
  • A Gibson-savvy team that knows ’58 vs ’67, pickup voicings, neck carves, and year-to-year nuances

Gibson Flying V FAQ

What are the most popular Gibson Flying V models?
Top searches include ’58 Korina Flying V (Custom Shop), ’67 Flying V, and Gibson USA Flying V in cherry, white, and ebony, plus select artist/limited runs.

Korina vs mahogany—what’s the tonal difference?
Korina (’58-style) tends to feel airy and immediate with complex overtones; mahogany (’67-style) emphasizes thicker mids and long sustain.

Which pickups come in Gibson Flying V guitars?
Custom Shop reissues use PAF-inspired sets; USA models vary by year (e.g., Burstbucker, ’57 Classic, 490/498). Check CME listings for exact electronics.

Is the Flying V comfortable to play sitting down?
Yes—use the V’s inner “leg notch” on your thigh or play in classical position. Standing balance is excellent due to the V’s center of mass.

Are used Gibson Flying V guitars a good value?
Absolutely. Used Flying V models provide top-tier tone and playability at friendlier prices. CME lists real photos, weights, and condition notes.

What does a Gibson Flying V cost?
Gibson USA Flying V typically lands in the low-to-mid $2k range new; Custom Shop reissues run higher; vintage Flying V pricing depends on year/condition.

Do you carry Epiphone Flying V?
We often stock Epiphone Flying V as an accessible gateway into the style. Browse current inventory or contact our team.

Gibson Custom Shop

The Gibson Custom Shop represents the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship, dedicated to producing exceptional instruments that honor Gibson's rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This specialized division meticulously crafts vintage Gibson reissues, faithfully recreating iconic models like the Les Paul Standard, SG, and ES-335 with incredible attention to detail. Their Vintage Original Spec (VOS) series is particularly renowned for its historically accurate construction, hardware, and aging processes, offering players the look, feel, and sound of coveted vintage guitars. Beyond meticulous recreations, the Gibson Custom Shop also fosters creativity through unique designs and collaborations, ensuring a diverse range of high-quality Gibson electric guitars and Gibson acoustic guitars that cater to discerning musicians and collectors worldwide.

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Gibson Electric Guitars

Power, precision, and timeless American craftsmanship—Gibson electric guitars have defined the sound of modern music for over a century. From the soulful warmth of the ES-335 to the soaring sustain of the Les Paul and the unmistakable bite of the SG, Gibson electrics are built for players who demand character, resonance, and expressive tonal range. These instruments aren’t just tools—they’re touchstones of rock, blues, jazz, and alternative music, trusted on stages and in studios around the world.

Every Gibson electric guitar begins with premium tonewoods, hand-selected finishes, and meticulous attention to detail backed by decades of luthier tradition. Gibson’s legendary humbuckers deliver rich, dynamic output with creamy highs, articulate mids, and tight low-end response, making them equally at home driving a tube amp into sweet saturation or offering shimmering clarity in clean settings. Modern models balance classic feel with enhanced playability, improved hardware, and versatile electronics designed for today's artists.

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Gibson Explorer

Bold, unmistakable, and built for players who refuse to blend in—the Gibson Explorer stands as one of the most iconic electric guitars in rock history. Since its debut in 1958, the Explorer has become synonymous with fearless tone and futuristic design, favored by boundary-pushers spanning metal, classic rock, indie, and alternative scenes. With its radical angular silhouette, powerful humbuckers, and resonant mahogany body, the Explorer delivers soaring sustain, tight low-end punch, and cutting mids that slice through any mix.

Modern Gibson Explorer models stay true to the original spirit while offering exceptional playability, premium craftsmanship, and upgraded performance features. From vintage-style models with period-correct appointments to contemporary versions optimized for high-gain and touring reliability, the Explorer remains a statement piece—both visually and sonically.

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