Flying V GAS

[Closed Eye]

For some reason I've been GASsing hardcore for a Flying V of some kind lately and I've been wondering if any of you guys have experience with the guitar:

What are the pros?

What are the cons?

What model (Gibson, Epi, Ltd) would you recommend?

Also, if you've got any crazy a$$ flying v pictures or videos post 'em!

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Flying V GAS

I bought a Gibson V just for playing shows and I must say it's the $h!t. The playability is unmatched compared to my SG's and Strat. And that's with stock Gibby pup's (496r/500t). Ultimate fret access and very light.

My only beef is it doesn't hide my Beer Gut as well as my other guitars...:friday:

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Flying V GAS

At the cost of no small amount of personal embarassment:

It was the 80's.

As DK said - Flying V's are very light and playable, at least when you're standing up. Their tone is a perfect compromise of LP and SG - it cuts well.

The Deans are great guitars, though the headstock is admittedly an acquired taste.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Flying V GAS

I have a Dean flying V (3/4 size body, set neck Made in USA in the 80's)

It's an awesome red colour and it's the comfiest guitar I own, fret access is great for a 22 and sitting down with it isn't a problem because I sit in the classical position. Though, who'd sit down with it? This was made for the stage.

It's a wild red colour and it sounds BRILLIANT. I can take some pics for you and put them here if you would like. Also it comes with the NON lame headstock. A bit like a Gibson V headstock but skinner and with a notch in the tip.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Flying V GAS

The Gibbys balance really nicely on a strap, but you have to play them all uncool and classical sat down

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Flying V GAS

Some are unbalanced, but relocating the front strap button should take care of it. Playability wise, Vs rule, as it's like playing just a neck.

 

[Ez74]

Re: Flying V GAS

this has been on the top of my dream guitar list now for a few years

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Flying V GAS

I love mine. It's the only guitar I've ever played that I actually like the 500T in. Crappy pics, but, oh well....

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: Flying V GAS

Here's mine

 

[BTMN]

Re: Flying V GAS

My first Dean, a Czech made Korina V...

A '96 USA Korina V...

Dean Owner's of America Limited Edition #11/12 2004 V Bass...

I also have two decent early '80s Hamer Vectors and a '97 Arpeggio Guitars Korina V prototype 1 of 10 made before they got the cease and desist from Gibber.

 

[Captain Tightpants]

Re: Flying V GAS

Well, I never much cared for V's too much, till A friend gave me this, now I'm hooked........................

Love that V Custom, too.

 

[Kane17]

Re: Flying V GAS

ah

I love the V

It was the first guitar I bought new.

RIght now I have a Dean ML which is close enough, though does not have quite as much freedom in the upper frets..


Right now I'd love to have one of the wood finish V's

If you cannot tell from my sig, I really like the natural wood look


Though the whole wood finish might look odd on a jackson...I'd also like a jackson-esque V. It is a totally different animal than the gibson/epiphone type ones.



I think my whole V appreciation comes from the fact that they just looked so liberating to play. And it feels that way too...no barriers, no constrictions..Just fly.




Also, I thought mine was pretty versatile. It was the epiphone '58 model. The stock pickups were a little mellow so I swapped it for a DD which was good. Then later I added a pickups booster switch and also a switch to split the coils! It had more freaking options than a Fender Jag LoL.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Flying V GAS

Here's my refinished Gibson Gothic V, I still ahve this one and love it, the others below I have sold off in the past.

Regular black Gibson V customized a bit.

Hamer Korina

Gibson V98

 

[Rowan]

Re: Flying V GAS

I used to have GAS for the V. Then I came to my senses.


Get an Explorer!

 

[Aceman]

Re: Flying V GAS

Anybody got a shot of that faded V that the dude put a plack 3 ply pickguard on - with P-90's!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Flying V GAS

To me, a tall guy, the V still seems about a half foot too long; takes some getting used to. Playing sitting is akward at best. Neck access is great though. If you get a Gibson, you might not like the ceramics PU's (496R - 500t). I put an A8 magnet in my 500T & it sounds much better now, not so harsh & bright.

Some people are passionate about their V's! Like it or hate it, it is one of the great body designs. I think they're okay, but to me a 335, LP, or SG makes a better day-to-day guitar. More comfortable in any position, and not so bulky. But it would be boring if everyone had the same tastes.

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: Flying V GAS

It's the 2nd best design that ever came out of the Gibson factory.

If I'll ever own another Gibson it would be a V.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Flying V GAS

Every time I get GAS for a V, I just spend about 10 minutes playing on my buddies until it passes. You really need to be playing live to get the most out of a V.

 

[Kane17]

Re: Flying V GAS

To me, a tall guy, the V still seems about a half foot too long; takes some getting used to. Playing sitting is akward at best. Neck access is great though.

In reverse of that, I became accustomed to my V early on so when I switched to an SG later, it just felt dinky. I'm pretty tall myself, I also played my friends LP live once, it was just weird, it felt like I was holding a violin on a strap.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Flying V GAS

Another vote here for one of the many V's offered by Dean. Great guitar. My only gripes would have to do with the lack of ergonomics. No tummy cut and I've learned wristbands aren't a fashion statement when playing "chunka, chunka" rhythm stuff on a V -- they're more of a necessity to soften the smack on that hard edge.