JeffB
Let it B
I've actually had this thing now for about a month and a half. I*just* got my digicam back from a friend tho...pics are below.
Gibson Faded Flying V (cherry). I got it from a local guy who mostly collects. It's a 2005 he bought last year, played for 5 min, and then put back in the gig bag. I got it for $450, and it's brand spankin new. Whomever built this thing, was ON that day. This is by far the best example of a Faded series anything I've seen..or many other Gibson productions for that matter.
It's not perfect of course, it does have some of the sharp fret ends typical of Faded series guitars but it's not nearly as bad as many I've handled. Also it's got a few dips on the edge of the board between frets here and there. The neck is absolutely straight (and has a wonderful medum profile like a 50s production paula neck), everything lines up right (pickguards are often skewed on these), Intonation was dead on, nut & saddles are cut well, and the fret job (playing surface) is very good. No buzzes. I do think the nut could be cut a little deeper for lower action, but I like my action kind of high anyway so no biggie for me.
If it weighs six pounds I'd be really surprised. Absolutely the lightest guitar I've played in years, and like the shape or not, no doubt the V has some serious ergonomic benefits that make for a very comfortable to play guitar. I hardly pick up my dean or tokai these days. I always feel home with this thing.
Most importantly, this one has a stellar piece (es) of wood. Resonance is outstanding, on par with my hamer and R8 and the acoustic tone is loud, clear and punchy. I just love the faded finish guitars. They really ring. It's going to be an excellent platform to make some upgrades on. I believe the covered Brobucker and a covered Jazz or 59 will go in this. Either that or a black Super Distortion and PAF. I might do the lightweight tailpiece and tonepros too. Stock Klusons are absolutely fine. This thing really stays in tune well.
Gibson Faded Flying V (cherry). I got it from a local guy who mostly collects. It's a 2005 he bought last year, played for 5 min, and then put back in the gig bag. I got it for $450, and it's brand spankin new. Whomever built this thing, was ON that day. This is by far the best example of a Faded series anything I've seen..or many other Gibson productions for that matter.
It's not perfect of course, it does have some of the sharp fret ends typical of Faded series guitars but it's not nearly as bad as many I've handled. Also it's got a few dips on the edge of the board between frets here and there. The neck is absolutely straight (and has a wonderful medum profile like a 50s production paula neck), everything lines up right (pickguards are often skewed on these), Intonation was dead on, nut & saddles are cut well, and the fret job (playing surface) is very good. No buzzes. I do think the nut could be cut a little deeper for lower action, but I like my action kind of high anyway so no biggie for me.
If it weighs six pounds I'd be really surprised. Absolutely the lightest guitar I've played in years, and like the shape or not, no doubt the V has some serious ergonomic benefits that make for a very comfortable to play guitar. I hardly pick up my dean or tokai these days. I always feel home with this thing.
Most importantly, this one has a stellar piece (es) of wood. Resonance is outstanding, on par with my hamer and R8 and the acoustic tone is loud, clear and punchy. I just love the faded finish guitars. They really ring. It's going to be an excellent platform to make some upgrades on. I believe the covered Brobucker and a covered Jazz or 59 will go in this. Either that or a black Super Distortion and PAF. I might do the lightweight tailpiece and tonepros too. Stock Klusons are absolutely fine. This thing really stays in tune well.
