Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

mwalluk

mwalluk

New member
I always wanted a flying V guitar. Nothing screams rock like a flying V and a Marshall. Don't reallly know too much about V's though. What's some good ones out there? I saw a used JACKSON JS30RR for $175 that I might try to pick up. Not looking for anything real expensive.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I just picked up an Epi '58 Flying V on Craig's List, for $150, with a fitted HSC. Put in a pair of used Schaller PU's I got for around $20 each, and I have great-looking and great-sounding guitar that didn't cost much.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

The Epis can be hit or miss, as I understand. They've been reported to have improved in recent years, but then again, just a few years ago you could buy Norlin-Era USA Gibson Les Pauls for under $1K, SGs for $550, and Vs for $400 tops because everyone swore Norlins were crap.

If it doesn't have to be a setneck Gibson (Faded Vs can be had pretty cheap and aren't bad IMO), or new, look for a Vantage FV575. I have one I need to put back together (tried a repaint). These were made by Matsumoku in the 80s (one of the best Japanese factories), and though I'm not much of a V-guy, I did play the crap out of that one.

I've had Gibsons and Jacksons (got a USA KV2 now I can't stand), and frankly would rather have my Vantage up and running. It just played sooo much better.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

Look into the Dean 79 series. Brand new they're around $500. Personally I would insist on a set neck V. Anything less is just a fancy-shaped Strat and will not give you the V/Marshall vibe.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

While not a V player per se, I almost always play a couple in the shops.

Best vvalue IMO - Epi Korina or Gibson Faded

Alternate choice - Dean 79 or Select

After that...maybe a low end Jackson.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

Gamera said:
Look into the Dean 79 series. Brand new they're around $500. Personally I would insist on a set neck V. Anything less is just a fancy-shaped Strat and will not give you the V/Marshall vibe.
Click to expand...

x9000

especially the "fancy-shaped strat" remark...those cheaper bolt-neck Jacksons are very thin and twangy.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I think you get what you pay for in this case. Go with a set neck, either Gibson, Epi or whatever else you find, but they ARE out there. I picked up this one in 1990 for $300.
 
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Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

Carvin's Ultra V is my favorite guitar. I highly recommend it.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I don't know something about those Washburn Vs. It seems very unappealing like the top horns noticeable hump. It's not even a comfort issue it just looks retarded, so why did they add a rather unnecessary feature like that that would steer away customers had it not been for that one flaw?
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I'd sell you my V, but I'm looking for a little more than your budget. :beerchug:
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

$200 isn't my budget, I just saw a couple for under that amount. What are some good pickup combos for Vs?
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

Bridge - I'd say something along the Custom 'range'. Not played a V myself so I don't know their tonal characteristics. If you want a bit heavier then the distortion.

Neck - PG, '59 or similar.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I use to have a Jackson KING V KV2 i bought from a guy on craigs list years ago for 600.00 with case. Great guitar but neck light once i let go of the neck it would swing up and hit me in the face.

side note for me anyway it wasnt like playing a regular guitar it seemed like i was almost picking high on the neck as apposed to the body. Anyway i was playing at a party (5 years ago) and a drunk chick stumbled into it while it was in the G.stand and snapped the neck.

Well i got the last laugh i married that drunk chick 2 and a half years ago :) love her but i still say remember when we were in college and you got drunk at that party and fell into my guitar and broke it. Now every b.day i have or xmass or anniversary when i get a gift i always say is this a new flying v :1:
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I own a Limited Edition V. I would suggest an Explorer or an SG. If you like standing all the time, then a V is okay.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

Hellion said:
I think you get what you pay for in this case. Go with a set neck, either Gibson, Epi or whatever else you find, but they ARE out there. I picked up this one in 1990 for $300.
Click to expand...

Trust me when I say prices have changed dramatically in the last 20 years.

I've had 2 of those since 2000, and paid considerably more than $300.

For some reason, these eventually caught on, despite poor sales when they were introduced back in the early 80s.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

I want another v. I had a Dean that I got very cheap on ebay.. Was Gorgeous! White w/black binding and gold hardware. Looked like the Rik emmitt sig but had one bucker.. man, played good and all.. had to sell do to money woes.
 
Re: Looking for a Flying V - Need help/opinions

^ my shop has one of these. they're asking too much for it or i would've taken it home and turned it into a dry-erase white board by now...
 
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