Flying V · Original
Flying V
A radical V-shaped solid body introduced in 1958, with two humbuckers and a set mahogany neck. Aggressive, angular and light, with a biting rock voice that made it a metal icon.
Quick Specs
- Model Family
- Flying V
- Production Years
- 1958–Present
- Body Shape
- V
- Neck Profile
- 60s-slimtaper
- Scale Length
- 24.75"
- Nut Width
- 1.695"
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Pickups
- HH
- Typical Weight
- 7 lbs
- Country of Origin
- USA
Overview
A radical V-shaped solid body introduced in 1958, with two humbuckers and a set mahogany neck. Aggressive, angular and light, with a biting rock voice that made it a metal icon.
Body
- Body Shape
- V
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Top Material
- None
- Binding
- None
Neck
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Profile
- 60s-slimtaper
- Thickness Notes
- —
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius
- 12"
- Scale Length
- 24.75"
- Nut Width
- 1.695"
- Number of Frets
- 22
- Fret Type
- Medium Jumbo
Pickups & Electronics
- Neck Pickup
- Burstbucker 2
- Bridge Pickup
- Burstbucker 3
- Configuration
- HH
- Controls
- 2 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Related Pickups
Hardware
- Bridge
- Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece
- Stop Bar
- Tuners
- Vintage Deluxe
Weight & Feel
- Weight Minimum
- 6.5 lbs
- Weight Maximum
- 7.5 lbs
- Typical Weight
- 7 lbs
- Left-Handed Available
- No
Who Is It For?
Rock and metal players who want a distinctive, aggressive-looking and sounding guitar.
Strengths
Distinctive aggressive look, light and resonant, powerful humbucker tone.
Things to Consider
Uncomfortable sitting down, awkward balance, limited body contact.
Production History
- Production Years
- 1958–Present
- Country of Origin
- USA
- Notes
- Introduced in 1958 alongside the Explorer; a radical design that became a rock and metal icon.
Similar Models
Explorer
1958–Present- Family
- Explorer
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7 lbs
A radical angular solid body introduced in 1958 alongside the Flying V, with two humbuckers and a futuristic shape. Light, resonant and powerful, it became a hard-rock and metal icon.
70s Flying V
- Family
- Flying V
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7.5 lbs
A recreation of the 1970s Flying V, with a different body profile and T-Top humbucker voicing than the '58 original. It captures the look and tone of the decade that made the V a hard-rock and metal icon.
Firebird
1963–Present- Family
- Firebird
- Neck
- 60s-slimtaper
- Pickups
- HH
- Weight
- 7 lbs
A reverse-body solid body with neck-through construction and mini-humbucker pickups, introduced in 1963. Distinctive, bright and chiming, with a unique tonal character unlike any other Gibson.
Common Questions
- What is the Flying V?
- A radical V-shaped solid body introduced in 1958, with two humbuckers and a set mahogany neck. Aggressive, angular and light, with a biting rock voice that made it a metal icon.
- Who is the Flying V best for?
- Rock and metal players who want a distinctive, aggressive-looking and sounding guitar.
- What neck profile does the Flying V have?
- The Flying V features a 60s-slimtaper neck profile. Learn more about the 60s SlimTaper.
- How much does the Flying V weigh?
- The Flying V typically weighs around 7 lbs.
- Is the Flying V still in production?
- Yes, this model is currently produced.
Source notes: Sample data — verify specifications before publication.