Gibson Flying V Electric Guitars

First released in 1958, the famous Gibson Flying V Electric Guitars are some of the most intriguing electric guitars around. With a unique V shape to their bodies, they are easily recognizable at a distance. The first issue of the Flying V though was not a success and the line was discontinued in 1959. After somewhat a moderate redesign, but keeping original shape and look, Gibson restarted manufacturing Flying V again in 1957, which had become standard Gibson Flying V electric guitars, also called V Factor.

Gibson Flying V electric guitars were first created with mahogany wood; the guitar's back was rounded instead of cut out. With African wood that has a lighter weight than mahogany, known as limba or korina wood, Gibson got rid of the mahogany wood to make the guitar less difficult to hold for extended periods of time. This particular type of wood was new for manufacturing guitars and with its lighter mass, Gibson decided to try it on the new style of futuristic guitars, such as the Gibson Flying V electric guitars.

Even though the first attempt at selling Gibson Flying V electric guitars was a marketing failure, several guitars were sold immediately to guitarists that wanted to have an instantly recognizable guitar in their possession while performing. Some of the first buyers included Lonnie Mack and Albert King and later in 60s they more guitarist joined them, including Jimi Hendrix and Dave Davies, who began to use Gibson Flying V electric guitars as well. The Jimi Hendrix's Flying V was sort of one of a kind as it was the "Psychodelic" Flying V with very distinctive colouring. The use of Flying V by popular musicians and guitarists helped to lead to the revival of the Gibson Flying V electric guitars. With a strong sound and a unique look, it was not surprising that famous guitarists would be attracted to the V shape.

With the re-issuing of the guitar in 1967, Gibson made a few changes and updates so that they would sell better. They updated and improved the pickguard, added a stopbar tailpiece, and got rid of the bridge from the first Gibson Flying V electric guitars. There is a seventeen-degree angle for the headstock string tension that can be increased in order to boost and sustain the sound. Coming in Cherry, Natural, Ebony, and Classic White, these unique guitars are still being produced and have a strong future ahead for them.

You can see current listings for Gibson Flying V Electric Guitars below: