December 2001 Issue - Gibson Flying V Collection - 21 V Salute
By Larry Meiners
The Flying V guitar was designed by Gibson during 1957 and officially introduced and shipped to dealers in 1958. This model was a sales bust and less than 100 Flying V guitars were produced by 1960. Today this vintage Gibson model is highly demanded by collectors and players. By 2001, Gibson has produced 35 different Flying V models. Many famous guitar players are associated with the Flying V, including Lonnie Mack, Michael Schenker, Rudolf Schenker, Jimi Hendrix and others.
Flying V guitars embody a timeless design and are not for the me-too
guitar player. Playing a Flying V demands an independent personality and
the collectors of these guitars can be very obsessive. Shown below are
21 fine Flying V guitars in the collection of Mr. M. If you think you
have too many Flying V guitars, think again. By the way, Rudolf Schenker
has over 70!
Can you guess the models in the picture? Here's a head
start… the first Flying V on the left is a 1967 Cherry model and the next
is a 1971 Medallion Flying V. For more information on all Gibson Flying
V models made from 1958-2001, buy the Flying "V" - The Illustrated
History of this Modernistic Guitar book available now for $19.95
at JK Lutherie, 1-800-344-8880. Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top wrote the
Foreword for the book and Billy's original 1958 Flying V is pictured on
the cover.
Copyright © 2001 Larry Meiners All Rights Reserved