My Guitar Notes

electric · solidbody

Flying V

Flying V — video still
Video still: Guitar Center
MakerGibson
OriginUnited States
Typeelectric · solidbody
Introduced1958
PriceUSD 2499 (2026-09)
Maker founded1894
Statuscurrent

Gibson's arrow-shaped solidbody, a design from the late 1950s that rock and metal players adopted.

Watch

YouTube video Guitar Center · 2024-05 — Joe Bonamassa shows and plays a 1958 Gibson Flying V.

Why it matters

The Flying V has moved in and out of the Gibson catalogue since it was introduced, and it now sits among the standard models again. The shape puts the bridge further from the body edge than a Les Paul and gives good access to the upper frets, which is part of why it found a home in hard rock and metal. Original late-1950s examples are collector pieces; the current models are the practical version.

Note

Futuristic V shape; 1958 originals are unicorns, modern standards rule hard rock and metal.

Specifications

  • Scale length: 628.65 mm (24.75 in)
  • Neck shape: SlimTaper

Before you buy

  • The V shape needs a stand and does not sit on a knee easily
  • Body weight varies between examples more than the shape suggests
  • The range runs from standard models to Custom Shop builds

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Jimmy Franklin · 2026-07 · 37,398 views

    “In this video, we're putting that question to the test.”

    Tone and playing comparison across several levels of Gibson Flying V.

  • YouTube video Joey Jones · 2026-03 · 17,317 views

    “IMPROVE YOUR PLAYING WITH MY GUITAR COURSES: JOIN MY PATREON & GET TABS AND BACKINGS OF MY TUNES ON HERE: GEAR I USE: Tele: Tele Pickups: Tele Compensated Saddles: Favorite Tele under $1000: Bass: Amp: Delay: Solo…”

    Playing demo and take on the Gibson Michael Schenker Flying V.

Sources

Related models

Same era

Same body shape / configuration

See also