Axes & Artifacts: 1958 Gibson Flying V

Walter Carter talks about the iconic instrument made famous by Albert King and Lonnie Mack while John Bohlinger lays down some mean slide to hear how it barks.
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#gibson #flyingv #premierguitar

[@premierguitar]

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[@andreweskesen9352]

Where did John get that rad shirt 😎

[@robbierussell9536]

Premier:: I have a question. Is there any difference in intonation and sound with FLYING V STRINGS THRE THE BODY . . AS COMPARED TO A STOP TAIL PIECE??? IVE OWNED BOTH CURRENTLY ALL EPIPHONES NO COMPLAINTS

[@cristianarellano3576]

What is the amplifier they are using?

[@carvinblack]

I love how because he is selling it..."A highly effective repair job". But if you were selling to him...."Sorry, that is all I can offer since you butchered the neck joint." 🤣

[@BoozyBeggar]

:D

[@jerrytee2688]

I know huh? But only $395,000 with two Frankenstein screws in the neck joint.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Yep.. bring in a repaired axe to sell its "a piece of shit"... but when a retailer tries to sell you one its " a professionally repaired cosmetic issue that doesnt affect playability "

[@juanvaldez5422]

ContraBand Joe lol

[@markbundy1694]

Tis The Biz!!!! Not Just Guitars but also Cars.... Et Al !!!!

[@jerrytee2688]

I was 13 (1973), Jay Geils Band @ the University of RI, my first real concert and I remember the sun reflecting off the humbuckers of Jay's V. Also the first time I smelled weed.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I've always loved Flying Vs, they sound incredible and they just look so freaking cool.. Great playing as usual, John, just killing it

[@matthewbehrle4428]

I started playing guitar about a year ago and have been religiously watching this channel and John has been someone I looked up to because he was able to not only play the guitar the way I that I want to but he also gets to go around and meet with someone of my favorite musicians and talk with them about the gear they use and why. The reason I mention this is because I was always super self-conscious about how I basically chewed while playing and to see someone else do it was surprising and for it to be John really helped getting over the my insecurities with the chewing thing. So from the bottom of my heart I say thank you.

[@Skoora]

Maybe I just got used to them but I have two V’s and I find them very comfortable to play sitting down. The neck gets put into a very good playing position at that angle.

[@markhoskins]

60 seconds after the cameras are shut off the phone rings, "hi, this is Joe Bonamassa...."

[@TheRealCowlick]

Hahahahaha that fucker gets them away while you're blinking...

[@danielcannon3511]

Probably wouldn't doubt it

[@moimeme7839]

And I’m very glad for him that he can afford it👍😎 that way those incredible guitars are played on stage by someone enjoyin’ them to the fullest. That’s why I bought a “Studio” version Gibson. I don’t play on stage so I don’t need 350 000$ tools, unless it is spare money for me

[@DaveMcLain]

Back in the 1980's I saw one of these in a music shop in central Missouri and I'm almost 100% sure it was an old one. It had been in the case forever with very little neck wear because the headstock was broken off just above the nut. I know now that it would have been an easy fix. I should have bought that guitar.

[@toddflowers8052]

That was great ! Thanks John and Walter ! I have a 2018 Gibson V and love it so, I'm drooling big time over this beauty !

John it's always a treat the interviews, gear reviews, NAMM updates....you Rock!!

[@dexxfilm]

Love John's playing, truly a talented dude.

[@TheTubification]

Hearing and seeing that gave me a quick shiver down the spine. Sounds great and an awesome piece of history - Thanks for that john.

[@tomaburque]

Is that a Dumble he's playing through? That rig may be worth more than my condo.

[@BoozyBeggar]

I think it's worth my life a few times over, actually.

[@markviereck4547]

Tom A $385,000. Because of the neck repair.

[@runrabbitrun4342]

$395,000 i don't see it, Just don't see it. I'll take a echopark Fly V and call it a day.

[@erikvaldur3334]

DETRIK. FX. Right. I got an Epi re issue of this guitar for 6 or 7 hundred bucks a year or two ago and it's pretty nice. I think AMS still has em. Saved me 394,400 bucks or so too. It's my first Epi and no complaints at all. It is a gorgeous guitar that plays nice.The neck feels very close to my 91 Paul neck. Good tone too.

[@sugarlife485]

if it is it sounds like shit

[@papasmamas1]

Very well recorded, i can really feel the grain of the amp.

[@ebay9302]

There is something about "Carter". He just relaxes you, disarms you, a master salesman of the highest respect...

[@shook9042]

I love that room at Carter Vintage. Place is epic and a required visit if you're in Nashville!

[@coletricklejr.7083]

Truth! 👍

[@realgoodmind]

When I saw this come through Carters i was hoping you guys would get a sit down. Unreal

[@RockHardRiffs]

I recently picked up an “Original Collection” Flying V. Incredible guitar!

[@allthings1150]

I love your REAL, jamming in the beginning; raw, from the heart and full of emotion!!! I love that raw blues, especially live like you just did.

[@bachoff]

I love to watch John's interview. He's always in awe and gives a lot of respect to his interviewees. An awesome guitar player too!

[@likemeonfaceboot]

THANKS ! ..for the great views of the back of this guitar- it verified a certain detail I'd been hearing about ..;)

[@kevinleonard2368]

I keep buying all the most popular classic models...Les Paul, Strat, Tele, SG, but I always gravitate to my Gibson Flying V. So fun to play!

[@angryheb1]

John is a very underrated guitar player and yes that guitar is very spanky big time! I love it 🤘😎🎸

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Great as always John!

[@aaronmattis]

Anyone else drooling over the McPherson in the background?

[@jcserrano1663]

You are Amazing John 😍😍😃😃🤗🤗🎸🎸

[@myriad926]

More of these videos please!

[@supersonico9364]

The tone man! That’s THE tone it’s like time traveling 👍

[@mikelembo6657]

Walter Carter seems like a really cool guy. Probably a great guy to just sit and listen to all the great stories he probably has.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

That's a great sounding guitar. The original 58 style is my favorite.

[@edringo9442]

Love the playing. Really mature.

[@mattheweastel129]

Fantastic tones John, great guitar

[@mikegogel78]

One of my dream guitars ✌🏼❤️🤘🏼

[@darrylcole5575]

Me too.... and I'm not picky and would take any vintage korina gibson.....

[@SwirkH]

For all those who complain about Gibson prices nowadays - that 58' V brand new would be $2,865.22 in today's money. I just checked how much is brand new Flying V in natural finish on Gibson's website, and it's currently 1,699$.

[@ethanwelles]

Almost the same price as originally sold, just add three zeros to the end. Niiiiice guitar though!

[@Albee213]

Flying V's are the most comfortable guitar to play sitting down once you get used to it and the best part is they come with their own stand built in. How did the case cost almost 1/3 the price! Imagine buying a Gibson now and the case is $1,000.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Nice blouse John! You rock!

[@ronfrey6639]

Neat one... the kalamazoo factory burned up supposedly 96 vs were made only and less of the explorers and When I met Billy Gibbons and spoke about that Moderne he told me to my face he wanted it refinished to which I said Send it back to Gibson to which he said if he did he would never see it again.. I said I did not want to be known as the guy that refinished a million dollar guitar but if he absolutely wanted it done I know who could do it which was Michael Stevens at the time. Gibbons knew that already he was just pulling my leg and I knew that going in..... I think the moderne Mr Carter is speaking of is the one Billy Owns and its questionable because its so rare. That said I saw original photos of that since with the owner which was out of Houston I believe and Im not so certain it might not be real......... That guitar had turned this swamp green color I did not see it in person at the time nor ever but saw photos of that one and it had the G logo not a full Gibson logo like this one.. I was invited to go to lunch with someone that hung around Billy alot then and he could afford to hang around and play so I went of course as fast as I could go.. Im hindsight Im glad I said absolutely not it should not be refinished because if in fact that is real its priceless as they burned up in a factory fire and only the ones left are still around.... To make it more difficult the pick guard material much less parts wiring and correct Pafs would be nearly impossible to fake especially the guard material... I had a chance to buy a large piece for 4 grand it would have Yielded 6 guards but I did not have the scratch...late 90s..... Ive seen several real Vs in person and one Explorer no one yet has produced any color photos of Billys Moderne but ive seen Black n Whites of it and to me it looked like it could be real.. That one had a G on headstock it might be a Bolan as Bolan has been building for Billy forever..... But the only thing that says other wise is the photo of that guitar in black n white and at that owners house standing outside.. I think Billy or one of the originals who were buying guitars then took that photo as Kenny Courdre was in the photos or some of them He wrote Francine and that was a popular song which made the Top quite famous early on and I am thinking He found it or through the other collector buyers around Houston and if anyone would have turned that up it would be them........ The other person I think of Found a 58 V and 58 dot neck 335 at a pawn shop in Mexico with Billy and both were Dunked in latex white house paint.. I mean inside the 335 and all neck ect they dunked the bodies and painted the necks.... The collector said areent you going to buy these Billy and Billy said NO they are shot... He bought them took them to Michael Stevens in Austin Tx and the 58 v was taken back to orginal finish and sold for 25 grand and the 335 dot neck was so badly painted they said lets do custom airbrush work on that one and give it to Eric Johnson who played it on the ZAP promotional video ......! I saw the dot neck 335 and when it was finished it was so neat looking Killer guitar.... I never saw the V but I think it was finished and sold already by the time the dot neck was done.. Max Crace might have done the art work im not sure.... have to ask... Billy had a V and an Explorer and I was told he had kept some in his Moms attic in Houston and one day went up to check on them look at them and the explorer was not in good shape nor the other ones binding blew off necks or guards melted warped ect I cried when I heard that story which is why they told me I think to see my expression... Billy if you are reading this give me a thumbs up will ya Allan you two I know your out there out there out there Allan found Pearly Gates for Billy That old 58 burst thats another story though..... Found at a Horse stable for expensive horses in West Houston Allan bought it and tormented Billy until he paid him in cash for it and if I told you the amount you would all cry... I was asked not to so I wont..... Its hard to quit something you love and walk away ......So I came back......

[@billmiller7138]

Fairly sure the G Moderne is a Bolan. And if Billy tells a story it's a story. No end to Billy's stories.

[@johndeaux3703]

TL DR

[@beerman7079]

Jesus christ your rambling on

[@Mamo878]

Btw, they sold it. Listed at $395k.

[@markbass354]

sounds great John

[@ivanrohal7489]

Killer sound. Total beauty.

[@bearzden]

Nice..glad there's at least one other V floating around out there..Joe's got 2..thanks Mark..✌

[@UnlimitedPossibilities345]

Cool vid on an actual piece of electric guitar history. Lots of peeps don’t like them, and that’s okay, they aren’t for everyone, still an amazing piece of gear. I love all the trolls talking smack about vintage gear, it’s funny how we’ve never heard of these guys, since they know so much about music. Don’t like the price? There are plenty of more affordable options available. Complaining about it being repaired? Would you rather it was still broken? Show me one person, car, piece of furniture, house, etc, that is 60+ years old that hasn’t been repaired.. Dude’s style is not what I’d choose, but I’m confident enough not to bash him about his taste or style. If you don’t like it, don’t watch, it’s just that simple. Thanks for showing us a sweet piece of guitar history.

[@larryn1875]

Sitting with a Flying V...Boogie Nights!!!

[@thomasconrad2630]

Nice guitar ..nice playin'..I'm a V man all tha' way! Thanks for the post! very cool!

[@mitchelljohnson9548]

My friends dad traded a 1 year old Les P . for a explorer in 1959 . All that exists is some bw pics. The music shop was glad to do so . Crazy stuff.

[@JourneymanActor]

Nice playing John.

[@greglawrencemusic]

A once in a lifetime opportunity...and that's it? You had the owner's permission to take it for a spin and all you did was back it out of the driveway. -COME ON MAN! (Good interview you lucky bastard. Thanks!)

[@_o__o_]

Ace Ventura forever.

[@iwishiknew10]

Allllllll righty then!!!

[@mauimikey2491]

Spot on ace Ventura!!

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Excellent Guitar Playing . John I’m Usually Critical Of Many Guitarists But Not You .... You Are Really Polite , Friendly , Easy To Talk To , Keep Up The Great Work .... Try To Interview Yngwie ( I’m on You Tube trying to make noise on my guitar 🎸.... )

[@SkeeterMcBeater]

That pink case lining is really slick.

[@glenkepic3208]

1965, i'm 8 and watching Shindig. The Kinks show up and play Tired Of Waiting, Dave with a Flying V, arm in the fork. Had a Lonnie Mack single before but this was the first V I saw being played. Two here now (IBZ RR Sr and Cort Arrow). ha, Dave's, story was it was a LA shop window hanger bought because his guitar was lost by the airlines. $100. Last I heard he still had it.

[@nickroyalprince2163]

After Carter Vintage sold this beautiful Flying V the person who purchased it sold it to Emerald City Guitars in Seattle, Washington. The original owner of this guitar was Don Doss, who was a guitarist down in Texas. Emerald City Guitars has a video of this guitar plugged into a Vox AC30HW1H. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKipnoyOqdR2i9k/

[@azt3ca]

Korina Vs with vintage PAFs sound amazing. They have a sting, with sweet and round highs, they’re more focused than maple top Les Pauls in my experience.

[@marcaononymous]

great playing dude!

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

Rock on John

[@TheChadPad]

Another thing about the guitar on the right, it's got a smaller body than the 67, and it's a new pickguard design that'll come out without having to take the bridge off

[@hathawayhappinesslovesoul4718]

One of the reasons Albert liked it because it was so symmetrical

[@markbundy1694]

That Guitar Has Serious Bohls!!!

[@lilian896]

🎸AWESOME🎸

[@tonelok]

And through a Dumble no less??!!??

[@Goomer]

The 58 looks so much better than the reissue style wise.

[@minorsnow5306]

R.I.P. Albert King

[@BOOMER-DAD]

Rock on John !

[@oneofthefew1777]

Loved the video, do you guys know what strap that was in the case ?? I've been looking for one like that FOREVER!!! If you know please share, thank you

[@michaeleaster1815]

12:23 "We had this one priced at $395 K ... because of the broken neck"

[@mattrock12]

Insaaaaane. Just, wow.

[@johnwanderin3872]

Well, if it’s an original ‘58 V with a production run of 98...

[@mattrock12]

@@johnwanderin3872 Right. Very rare indeed. And I guess someone is willing to spend as much. (just hope whoever does purchase it plays and enjoys it as much as Mr. Bohlinger, rather than put it behind glass.) Cheers!

[@johnwanderin3872]

Johnny Cab people like me will wish they had them but can’t afford them

[@francoforte-67]

@@johnwanderin3872 Wow. 98 sold back in 1958? Amazing And how much Explorers?

[@philhood4604]

I have Custom Shop ‘59 Flying V, one of the best guitars I own

[@theshotgunscientists]

The body shapes are also different on those two v’s. Look where the neck meets the body the 58 has more of a shoulder.

[@Twirlyhead]

I used to own a Gibson Flying V and your excellent demo has only served to reassure me that I was right to get rid of it.

[@maxpuppy96]

Playing through a Dumble Overdrive Special doesn't hurt.

[@sean_shimmer]

They call me the midnight rambler

[@yak6896]

Not a big fan of V's but holy shit. I am now.

[@jetcheneau5811]

I never got the "you can't play a V sitting down" thing. I rather liked being able to rest the arch on my thigh and play at that angle. Made going back to a Tele kind of awkward tho

[@johnwanderin3872]

Never been much of a V fan but I love the Explorer and Firebird as far as “non-traditional” shapes go for guitars and they sound better than the V to me

[@bobrivera4378]

very very nice,... have one in my hands now.... perfect in every way,... does not have the custom drywall screws in the neck,,... love to get some feedback on it...

[@Backcountryhunter]

V’s are fine but you give me Allen Collins and his 58 Explorer and I’m AOK

[@darrylcole5575]

I would love a moderen or futura....

[@bennyh4950]

Amen to the mighty AC and that bad azz explorer. If i could own 1 historic guitar that would be it.

[@dumpygoodness4086]

​@@bennyh4950 FUN SECRET no one seems to know: if you use an Explorer, versus most other body shapes, your picking-hand ELBOW rests on that upper point.... which allows you to TILT the entire guitar up [for playing leads etc] for more neck access etc! I LOVE that aspect of it. On most guitars, you must use your fretting hand to turn the guitar or tilt it up to see what you're playing, etc!

[@ivorharden]

Theres the old saying that a Gibson sounds better when the neck is reglued together

[@OzziePete1]

I think that relates to repairs in the nut to headstock area, which is a common problem with Gibsons. They fall to the ground, the headstock just taps the ground & the string tension and percussive hit combine to crack the neck, right under where the headstock starts to slant away from the neck. The guitar is then taken for professional repair, the cracked area is glued and/or rejoined properly and it is stronger in that area than before. Can even improve the sustain response of the guitar.

[@ivorharden]

@@OzziePete1 I've watched a TMS video with Schenker & Hammet and they both said the same thing.

[@samunden]

Love the Flying V. What other guitar looks as at home whether you are playing some Albert King or Scorpions riffs?

[@billville111]

Grace Potter is one of the few people that can pull off playing a V

[@ryemill7787]

Is that an extra 75 cents or dollars for the case?

[@historiclp4577]

I think Albert King chose the Flying V, was ,besides him liking the sound and everything, was that, Albert King was left handed, and with the limited choices of left handed guitars.He chose this since it would look and feel the same on him,flipped around played left handed

[@Johnlemmo451]

What is the name of the store?

[@TRGP331]

I wish stop tailpieces were never put on a V. They NEED to have a string-thru setup.

[@Stefan-]

Do what ive done get a Dean V instead (got a few myself) they have string thru and in line volume/tone like the 1958 V and no ugly plastic covering the top, often flametop, binding etc.

[@switch62586]

Joe Bonamassa probably bought it already. 😂

[@gregmartin1757]

Alrighty then! Didn't know Ave Ventura could play.

[@stephensmith4480]

They sold this very Guitar to Emerald city Guitars. It`s still on their website for $392.000 Reduced from $410.000

[@dontstop2517]

Now i wanna hear the same with mammuth gauge, open G tunning trough an revv or a engl

[@chowderpilot3843]

The '58 Flying V has one unique feature - a string-thru-body - which is different from any other Gibson solid-body guitar, including most later model Flying V's...🤔

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

Not true

[@antoonhermans8953]

with an amp like that it does not matter wich guitar you play , even an 80 dollar guitar from donner would probably sound great .

[@meatsuitsublimator8506]

Interesting choice, going with the slide! Made that monstrosity make sense!

[@billgorrell6166]

The V is symmetrical. Of course it was easy for Jimi and Albert to turn them upside down.

[@garycoates4987]

with that pickguard control layout and top mounted jack placement it's almost the first strat copy, I always thought that was McCarty getting competitive

[@harrypeters8306]

The price is shocking, so let me compair this flying V to a guitar is recently purchased. For 20.00 i purchased a 1990s peavey g90, with a floyd rose setup, it has 2 single coil and one humbucker plus a coil tap switch, 24 frets and original case. I paid 50.00 for a setup, it is a very accurate instrument as well it has a powerful presence, the pickups being potent and bright with pinpoint clarity. It has a low radius fret board and fairly wide neck. All in all she's a dream, one that came true, you see out there in in world, is waiting for someone to find a 1959 les paul or another flying V, and if im persistent enough to find one, im pretty sure that i won't pay much more than 20.00 bucks! I know im compairing honda to rolls Royce, if i had the money I'd buy the half million dollar gibson, and im sure there's nothing like the real thing, just be aware, any great guitar at any price is worth having, loved and played until death do us part!

[@tremoo5987]

Ha, comes to shred on a guitar, ends up getting roasted for his shirt and hair.

[@ebay9302]

May I suggest muting the open strings. You need a good ear for slide, as most players don't realize that and is why very few players can do it. Good luck...

[@eltigre8978]

This original old style V is much better looking aesthetically speaking. With neck joining the body at the 22 fret or so. Also love the big V tailpiece/through the body. And Lastly, the knobs 3 in a row......oh, and the round jack plate at the end of the lower V.........all this looks SO MUCH BETTER than the later ones. Yeah, maybe there were neck issues? Hey, Custom shop still makes em this way. Just look at Art Menezes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZrOmXecm65mn7M

[@bernardogui3933]

it is interesting the way to try to sell the guitar. Not sure if it is collectible at all really.

[@Innerspace100]

Through my speakers, at least, it sounds a bit like a Telecaster with a supercharger attatched. Twangy like a Tele, but with a bit more "oompf"...

[@1978garfield]

I want to see John on a cheap POS guitar and a crappy amp. I bet he still sounds great. I wonder if the string through body bridge on the original and the wood changed the tone vs the 60's model? Amazing it is worth that much with the hardware store repair.

[@slw59]

Andy Powell