Happy birthday to the Gibson Flying V

[Nora]

On Jan. 6, 1958, Gibson patented the Flying V guitar, which immediately attracted axe grinders like Lonnie Mack and Dave Davies, and southpaws such as Jimi Hendrix and Memphian Albert King.

''The Flying V, along with the Futura (Explorer) and, initially, the Moderne, made up a line of modernist guitars designed by Gibson’s then-president Ted McCarty. These designs were meant to add a more futuristic aspect to Gibson’s image, but they didn’t sell well. After the initial launch in 1958, the line was discontinued by 1959. Some instruments were assembled from leftover parts and shipped in 1963, with nickel- rather than gold-plated hardware. In 1967, Gibson reissued the guitar in mahogany with a larger pickguard and the original bridge in favor of the a stopbar tail piece, common to most Gibson models. Like other Gibson guitars the Flying V’s headstock is angled at 17 degrees to tighten string tension to increase the amount of sustain.''

 

[ElPatanico]

My favorite guitar. I currently own 3 of them. Someday I'll post pics.

 

[Powerage]

I don't own one, but I want one. Sadly never even had the chance to play a V. KK Downing and Dave Mustaine sold me the idea.

 

[Nololob]

My music theory teacher keeps saying how brilliant Andy Powell is with his Flying V and I agree with him.

 

[Lynch]

When I first started playing back in the 80's, I dreamed of having a Flying V. Then I played one at a guitar shop one day and it didn't take long for me to realize, the FLying V was meant for one thing, playing in concert ONLY. Practicing/playing while sitting down was quite possibly the most uncomfortable thing I've ever done while playing. That design is NOT sitdown friendly.

Tell ya what though, IMHO, NO ONE looked cooler playing a FV than Randy Rhoads




^^^ yes, I realize that isn't a gibson FV, but I didn't feel like doing any sort of searching

 

[Khor1255]

Other than being a pain in the ass playing while seated it has to be the coolest design of solid body electric guitar ever. This was a brilliant body style ahead of it's time. Happy birthday V.

Also, hell that third guitar looks just like a book. Amazing.

 

[METALPRIEST]

 

[Chevelle]

For some reason when I practice I always stand up when playing electric and sit down when playing acoustic.
I have three Gibson electric guitars but always wanted a Flying V and an SG (red).
I will probably never get either since I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more guitars.

 

[Khor1255]

Oh come on. You know what they say about promises.

In honesty I don't think I'm worthy of owning any Gibson but if I ever get any spare change or can drop enough 'casual' hints to my entire family who knows? I mean, if it's a gift it would be insulting for me not to play it...right?

 

[ElPatanico]

When I first started playing back in the 80's, I dreamed of having a Flying V. Then I played one at a guitar shop one day and it didn't take long for me to realize, the FLying V was meant for one thing, playing in concert ONLY. Practicing/playing while sitting down was quite possibly the most uncomfortable thing I've ever done while playing. That design is NOT sitdown friendly.

Tell ya what though, IMHO, NO ONE looked cooler playing a FV than Randy Rhoads




^^^ yes, I realize that isn't a gibson FV, but I didn't feel like doing any sort of searching

This is simply NOT TRUE. While the V is DIFFERENT from playing a Strat style or LP style guitar, once I got used to the guitar and figured it out, it was actually EASIER to play than these other guitars.

Now, when I grab for one of my "strat style" guitars, or even a Les Paul, it takes some getting used to.