7 Shocking Facts And Latest 2024 Models That Define The Gibson Flying V's Unstoppable Legacy

The Gibson Flying V remains one of the most polarizing and instantly recognizable electric guitars ever conceived, a radical design that was initially a commercial flop but has since cemented its status as a rock and metal icon. As of December 2025, the V-shape continues to fly high, with Gibson's Custom Shop pushing the boundaries of aesthetics and limited-edition runs, proving that this futuristic design is far from a relic of the past. The latest releases are a testament to its enduring appeal, combining vintage specs with eye-catching modern finishes.

This article dives deep into the most recent, must-know updates for 2024 and 2025, exploring the newest models, the technical specifications that make the V unique, and the surprising history behind the angular instrument that defined the look of heavy music. Whether you're a blues purist or a metal shredder, the Flying V’s story is a compelling chapter in guitar history.

The Essential Gibson Flying V: Biography and Key Specifications

The Flying V is not just a guitar; it's a statement. Conceived during Gibson's mid-century effort to create "Modernistic" guitars, its initial failure led to its eventual cult status. Here is a quick profile of the instrument's key data points:

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• Original Release Year: 1958
• Designer: Ted McCarty
• Initial Body Wood: Korina (African Limba)
• Current Standard Body Wood: Mahogany (often one-piece)
• Neck Profile: Varies by model, often SlimTaper™ or '50s Rounded
• Fingerboard: Rosewood or Ebony (on Custom models)
• Pickups: Typically Gibson Humbuckers (e.g., '70s Tribute Humbuckers, Burstbuckers)
• Hardware: Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stopbar Tailpiece
• Defining Feature: The radical, symmetrical V-shaped body, designed for maximum fret access and visual impact.

The original 1958 models, alongside the Explorer and Moderne, were too futuristic for the market, leading to a quick discontinuation. It was the 1960s reissue, often in Mahogany, that caught the attention of blues and rock pioneers, setting the stage for its legendary status.

Latest 2024/2025 Custom Shop and Artist Flying V Releases

Gibson's Custom Shop continues to be the primary driver of fresh and unique Flying V models, often utilizing high-end materials and striking finishes. The trend for 2024 and heading into 2025 focuses on dazzling finishes and artist collaborations that celebrate the V’s rock legacy.

1. The Dazzling Custom Shop Sparkle Series (2024)

The most eye-catching 2024 releases have come from the Custom Shop, focusing on highly sought-after, non-traditional finishes. These models often feature a One-Piece Mahogany Body and a multi-ply bound body, elevating them to a luxury status.

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• Silverburst Custom: A highly anticipated return of the iconic Silverburst Gloss Nitro Finish, giving the V a dark, aggressive, and vintage-metal aesthetic.
• Gold Sparkle Custom: Featuring a solid mahogany body and a vibrant, glittering Gold Sparkle finish, offering a blend of vintage construction with a show-stopping look.
• Purple Sparkle Custom: Another Custom Shop offering, showcasing a deep Purple Sparkle finish, often available through specific authorized dealers as a limited run.
• Glacier Blue Sparkle: A Custom Made 2 Measure (M2M) option, this light blue sparkle finish provides a unique, icy take on the classic V shape.

These models confirm that the Flying V is not just for black or white finishes; the demand for unique, high-quality Nitro Finish sparkle guitars is strong among collectors and players alike.

2. The Iconic '70s Flying V in Classic White (2024)

For players seeking a more vintage, workhorse V, the 2024 release of the Gibson 70s Flying V in Classic White is a highlight. This model is a faithful recreation of the V's resurgence era, featuring key period-correct specifications:

• Neck Profile: SlimTaper™ neck, known for its fast, comfortable feel.
• Fingerboard: Bound rosewood fingerboard.
• Pickups: A pair of uncovered 70s Tribute Humbuckers, designed to deliver the high-output, aggressive tone characteristic of that decade.

3. High-Profile Artist Signature Models

The Flying V’s aggressive shape makes it a natural fit for signature models from metal guitarists. Two recent models stand out:

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• Richie Faulkner Flying V Custom: Released in 2023, this Custom Shop model for the Judas Priest guitarist is a modern metal machine, featuring an ebony fingerboard and high-gain pickups, solidifying the V's place in modern heavy metal.
• Adam Jones Flying V Collector's Edition: A collaboration with the Tool guitarist, this model is part of a series of highly collectible, art-focused instruments.

The Legendary Players: 5 Icons Who Defined the Flying V

Despite its slow start, the Flying V was adopted by some of the most influential musicians in blues and rock, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. These legends used the V to forge new sounds and visual identities:

1. Jimi Hendrix: The Custom Left-Handed V

The most notable early adopter. In 1969, Gibson built a unique, one-of-a-kind left-handed Flying V for Jimi Hendrix, solidifying the guitar's counter-culture appeal. Hendrix's use of the V, often painted or customized, demonstrated its versatility beyond the blues.

2. Albert King: The Blues Trailblazer

Long before metal, blues legend Albert King was perhaps the most influential early player of the V. He used the original 1958 Korina model, playing it upside down and backwards (as he was left-handed), proving the guitar’s sustain and unique tone were perfect for his groundbreaking blues style.

3. Lonnie Mack: The First Rock V

Often credited with one of the first rock guitar instrumentals, "Memphis," Lonnie Mack was another early pioneer who adopted the Flying V, helping to establish its credibility in rock and roll circles.

4. James Hetfield: The Metal Standard

In the world of thrash metal, James Hetfield of Metallica is synonymous with the V. His use of various V-style guitars, including his own signature models, cemented the angular shape as the definitive silhouette for heavy music.

5. Keith Richards: The Unexpected Rocker

While known for his Telecasters, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones also wielded a Flying V, adding to its cult status and demonstrating its appeal across different rock genres.

Flying V vs. The Competition: Why Choose the V?

The Flying V is part of Gibson's trio of "Modernistic" guitars, alongside the Explorer and the Moderne. While all are visually distinct, the V offers unique characteristics that set it apart from its siblings and the classic Les Paul or SG:

• Superior Fret Access: The V-shape offers arguably the best upper-fret access of any Gibson, making it a favorite for lead guitarists who frequently play past the 15th fret.
• Weight and Comfort (Standing): The Flying V is generally lighter than a Les Paul or an Explorer due to its reduced body mass.
• The Sitting Challenge: A common point of discussion is the difficulty of playing a V while seated. Unlike the practical SG or Les Paul, the V requires a specific technique, often resting the lower wing between the legs, not on the lap.
• Tone Profile: While sharing the Mahogany body and Humbuckers of many Gibson models, the V’s unique shape and reduced wood mass can contribute to a slightly brighter, more aggressive attack compared to the "beefier" tone of the heavier Explorer.

Ultimately, the choice of the Gibson Flying V is often driven by its visual impact—it is the ultimate guitar for a performer who wants to stand out. The latest 2024 and 2025 releases, especially the vibrant Custom Shop Sparkle finishes, ensure that this iconic, revolutionary design will continue to inspire guitarists for decades to come.