Should YOU Buy A Flying V??! (Pros and Cons!)

I recently obtained an Epiphone Korina Flying V guitar, and wow, does it impress! As an owner of a Flying V shaped guitar, and in case you're possibly interested in one, I overview for you the most noticeable pros and cons of this guitar and give you a moment of advice on if you should get one or not. Hope it helps!
Follow me on Instagram! @seanzippers

[@daumantasdaniel1929]

4:04 The only thing you need to hear

[@brycehall463]

Daumantas Mykolaitis 😂

[@ethanmchael8917]

Hell yesh

[@Bikewithlove]

2 words: Wolf Hoffman.

[@cameronvollans2878]

Pros: they look fly asf Cons:

[@williamcharlesschneider4825]

Pun intended? 😂

[@_nuclearnoodle_5757]

ugly, uncomfortable, too big, sounds like shit, only 22 frets.

[@b00neDawg00]

Cons: playing sitting down

[@darthjarjarbinks8953]

Nathan Boone It’s not that bad.

[@ethanmchael8917]

@@b00neDawg00 that's a pro. Put the wings between your leg and it's super comfortable

[@space_ace_1]

The question isn’t should you buy a Flying V, but rather what brand should you buy

[@bass_n_guitar_8682]

Space_Ace_1 a Jackson

[@space_ace_1]

Dom900 000 Jackson is good but there’s also Dean

[@Taco_TranZit]

Space_Ace_1 Jackson

[@RoachDoggJr2112]

Dean or Gibson/Epiphone

[@jerrumite4425]

Gibson or schecter.

[@eeshsinger]

also a big pro for me as a lefty is you can easily convert this to a lefty guitar

[@Bathory_Bear]

@The Negative One did you have to get a new nut?

[@johnmallios551]

You're just suppose to play classical style (not just with a V.) What happens is playing an electric flat causes your wrist to bend and limits your flexibility. Hell, when you play any electric standing up, you're playing classical style. Bought that guitar too; love it.

[@disengagetattoos5074]

I agree I can stretch out chords and have massive reach when I play my V's opens up a whole new world of playing guitar honestly

[@rikhelgason2629]

John Mallios I agree, some guitar mag said the same in a list of tips to play better, I’ve done since and it really helps

[@reaper1869]

Classical style is easier in my opinion

[@peterjohnson4932]

I'm 62. I've been playing a V as my #1 guitar since I was 19. There are no cons.

[@clips1071]

Yeah but is it fun to play seated ?

[@peterjohnson4932]

@@clips1071 Yes, and perfectly comfortable too. The bottom of the guitar rests on my left leg. My right leg goes between the wings. The video just showed all the WRONG ways to play while seated.

[@reverb508]

@@peterjohnson4932 Isn't that how this guy was playing it at the beginning of the video? He calls it "classical style"; sitting on your left leg with the bottom wing between your legs. Are you doing something different than him? Genuinely curious because I'm intrigued by the V, but worry about ergonomics.

[@peterjohnson4932]

@@reverb508 The V was never designed to be played sitting down, but yes, when seated it's most comfortable to play "Classical" style.

[@otavio048]

Do you want to own the world's most awesome guitar? Yes? Then buy one

[@lucianoponzano]

Hahahah I loved the change of intonation in 4:07. Should you buy a Flying V? HELL YEAH! Awesome review Sean. Thanks!!

[@Wodiac]

Except there’s no such thing as a cheap Flying V

[@otavio048]

The ltd v50 by esp

[@Wodiac]

Oliver Shreds yeah, but it’s just not a Gibson or an epiphone, thanks though!

[@Wodiac]

Lawyer Morty that one is more a metal guitar lol

[@otavio048]

@@Wodiac yeah but it plays awesomely and sounds great with distortion/overdribe

[@YoursTrulyThe1Pony]

That's why I'm buying Jackson pro series king v

They’re great playing guitars and very comfortable to play. They’re very well balanced on the strap, too.

[@arschflugkoerper007]

I love mine. Best thing for rehearsal and stage. Super light and comfortable yet powerful as a Les Paul

[@leaharrington4472]

❤️ my Flying V. About 6lb, all mahogany, perfectly balanced, plays like butter, I never want to sit down while playing it. I actually prefer it for blues and rock rather than metal, but the body shape allows a much more ergonomic wrist position for the picking hand. And yes, the look is a calling card. Absolutely do not fail to swap the strap buttons for strap locks.

[@marvinmealer4993]

I love Albert King's Flying V. If it was good enough for him, it'is good enought for me.

[@ASSman864]

Yes sir

[@spunbearing65]

Classic. All those young Stratocaster devotees trying to sit in with him and never getting near his sound. Then they ask,"how do you get your sound,Albert?".

[@spunbearing65]

If were him I would have answered, "If I was you I would look into a place called Macdonald's. Thats the only place you can sizzle boy!"

[@johnhendricks8140]

Albert King made look good with his killer blues lines.

[@bensblues]

@@spunbearing65 well he got his sound from having the strings reversed and a few other things. He played strats too and still sounded like him

[@anuranjnirmal]

Nice video sir. Last part rocked. Hell yeah!! You should buy a flying V

[@unknowninfinium4353]

One thing about the Con I wand to address is, classical style is the only style one should use. I used to play the standard style. I am serious about the guitar. Years and years of bunching back have caused some problems on my back and spine which thankfully I took measures to heal up otherwise they would cause permanent damage. Yes I was hunched over looking at my fingers and ignoring the pain. Sitting in classical using a guitar support not stools cause they are harmful, is the best way. Flying V aaves your back makes you look cool and it looks like an Axe. You feel like a winner of Arnold's body building challenge, Olympian challenge, Body Building award of the year. Weight lifting and future HULK award winner.

[@zlobert9877]

I am a tall guy (6'3) and i had problems with my right hand playing sitting down,and explorers seem to be the only shape that fits me. Do you think the flying v would suit me in classical position for my right hand?

[@c0nga]

the final words are what convinced me

[@mattyylongg]

Great review man!

[@m.shannon7838]

A right angle cord ran behind the strap will fix that playing sitting down problem you're having.

[@phreak1118]

I have an ESP V and the input jack is on the upper wing. No problems when sitting.

[@thesjkexperience]

I built my own out of white Limba, wound the pickups, etc. Loads of fun to play and actually great for slide.

[@gabrieldelacruz4278]

I own a Cort VX-2V Rhoads Flying V and I feel ok with it. The jack is located on the upper (longer) fin and good thing that I'm a bit oriented to play one while sitting. I'm used to be a Strat guy but I prefer my V over my strat copy for now. It also gave me the right V for me.

[@hudzamacona8908]

That’s it I’m getting one

[@1sttvbn]

Just bought a Gibson ‘70’s white Flying V. $2118.70. Love it! Plays great. I got the action so low, I’m using .008’s. Super fast neck. Thank you Gibson.

[@tonyschram1260]

Your right, totally badass🤘

[@87BruceH]

I owned a Flying V, I would use a strap and sit down, you just sit the guitar on the outside of your right leg, with your legs turned to the left. It sounds weird, but it worked perfectly.

[@AndyDion]

Hell Yeah! Nothing looks badass like a V

[@lucyfer_the_bat]

i mean v shape is cool but i personally love warlocks cause they look so cool and they don't seem to have the seating issue

[@skyypineda1567]

As a classical guitarist, although it may look the same while sitting down "classical style", it certainly does not feel like a classical guitar due to the dimensions of the body. It feels a bit more stiff and awkward than if you were sitting with a classical guitar. You get used to it, but personally I prefer to stand up while playing it. I agree though, it definitely has that cool factor for sure!

[@williammckee6165]

In the UK Dave Davis of the Kinks guitar got lost on route to the USA he popped into a shop but didn't like what he saw but then he saw a Flying V in a second hand shop and bought it that rekindle the love of the Flying V back in the 60's and every body wanted one

[@sophiascott3549]

My parents went to a Mississippi All Star concert and the lead guitarist gave my parents their flying v guitar so now we have one.

[@LewisShieldsUS]

First guitar I missed. A 73 for $350. Keeping the missed guitar count low is good. If you already look good, expect staring. Great show, thanks.

[@marcotixxx]

my first electric guitar was a flying v. got myself another one a few years later. after sitting all day playing a flying v in the studio today i thought i should get a regular-shaped guitar so i can comfortably play/record while sitting down. nope. not gonna happen. i'm getting myself a v-shaped bass next :P

[@macadance92]

My Flying V bass arrives tomorrow!!

[@spectrebeanz9470]

200th sub, great vid.

[@SeanZetterlund]

thanks man!@

[@blairbluesandothernews]

great conclusion! and good point about the neck crack, something to look out for. how is the tuning on these things generally would you say?

[@vmat1000]

if you have to ask, don't. btw, i'm 'old' at 61 and have dug them since seeng The Kinks on TV in '65 or so. Then Wishbone Ash in late '72 then Michael Schenker in '74. Bought an Ibanez RR Sr in '82 and also a Cort Arrow. Gigged the IBZ in the early '80s and in '05. i'm a fan.

[@thysdreyer6886]

The V is the best guitar for me , I love the design and sitting down and playing it

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

"Hell Yeah!" , the Dude abides🤘🏼

[@joeabrenica4467]

Nice men! I got the Joe Bonamassa “Amos” Korina V & The Korina V (like the one youre holding), both guitars are very well made! Epiphone guitars really stepped up! It puts my 2017 Gibson Flying V HP to shame!🤘☹️🤘

[@gagelink4963]

@3:10 I have a theory that that's why Randy Rhoades liked flying Vs (so much that his signature guitar was a flying v variant) because they pretty much forced you to play classical style and he started off learning classical style anyway so it was comfortable for him, BUT that could also Have nothing to do with it and it is just a theory.

[@Giants588]

@@gagelink4963 I never bought an HP model. To me, that's a gimmick. I've always bought the traditional models. The electronics are the same in all of them. Also, you may be paying anywhere from $500.00 to $1,000.00 less. Gibson has gotten rid of their their former CEO, and they're starting fresh. Get rid of the HP, and buy a 2019 traditional Flying V natural. I'm sure you'll be happy that you did.

[@davetaperek2206]

@@gagelink4963 he liked the v-style, but it was too large for his small frame, so he had Grover shorten the lower wing.

[@wrenchtheroo6557]

Just received my richier faulkner flying v, might be the best guitar ive ever had

[@sr-0537]

I bought a Dean vx flying v. Its my first electric guitar, i kinda suck at it but i hope I will eventually get better haha

[@davetaylor5119]

I’ve had my #1 Guitar a faded Flying V for 12 years since new and fortunately no hairline cracks at the neck joint. It’s also been gigged a lot, the finish has began gracefully aging though. Must be the thicker finish of the standard models

[@Knightmare-gz9ls]

Faded V didn't get a poly clear coat. They were satin finish. Yours one of the first year ones with the cresent moon inlays ?

[@johnhendricks8140]

A Flying V is made to play while your standing I played one with a strap and hags perfectly evenly, Im tempted to buy on.

[@RichLunaMusic]

As a classical guitarist, I think the V would be a great thing to have but I’m more of a rhythm guitarist and I feel like this would be more suited for someone who does leads a lot.

[@rocklee5434]

*Cough cough James hetfield cough cough

[@wiwiksundari8668]

Thank you very much indeed, Sir. Very nice playing. *sorry for my English grammar. I love The Kinks & I know that Dave Davies from Kinks is the very first one of the BrItish guitarist that had & played Gibson Flying V (with the white pickguard) back in the 1960s. And Noel Gallagher from Oasis used the Flying V too. So I'm now very tempting want too buy the new Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V. Hope that mid-price new Epiphone guitar have a bit that an "old mojo/vibe" likes the original vintage Gibson Flying V. Thanks

[@spunbearing65]

Put a Steinberger leg rest on it and it sits to your adjustment

[@spunbearing65]

Oh Hell,someone just had to ask if I ever seen a Steinberger leg rest mounted on a V and the answer was yes. Some player had a reissue (1980? Correct me if Im wrong) korina wood V and was killing it standing up.

[@niteshades_promise]

my 1st guitar was a vantage v. regret selling. v is only guitar i can sit n play🎸🍻

[@Nobody-on6gt]

Hell yeah!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi again, forgot to ask, how are the pickups? I play alot of classic rock, Beatles, Stones, AC/DC, Green Day, Metallica, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath...

[@seansilverton4178]

The finish crack at the neck joint on the v explorer sg and les Paul is probably caused by glue creep. If hot hide glue was used this wouldn't be a problem, except hhg doesn't lend itself to a mass production factory setting.

[@danielbodin9388]

Got it. Put in better pickups. Love it!

[@craigpennington1251]

This guitar sounds awesome with the Vox amp.

[@coccyxtank931]

Would love to buy the exact same model, but there are none to find anymore in any store

[@crimsonchrome3012]

is it a slab body? im not a big fan of slab bodies......with the strap pin on the heel and wing tip does the guitar lean in or out from the body like sgs want to ?

[@ryj2848]

I play sitting on the floor a lot. I guess that would be impossible or just really uncomfortable with this style guitar. Thoughts?

[@C_Masi]

The neck joint crack is because on Gibson models they use nitrocellulose as a finish which dries out and cracks easily. Tons of gibson guitars get this issue not just the flying v. I have seen many SGs and explorers with this crack. I have never seen these finish cracks on the epiphone versions because they use more modern glues and finishes (polyurethane) and these are more stress tolerant and they tend to be stronger and last longer.

[@abelstrd]

Even with it's imperfections 😉👍

[@61jr33]

Have you tried the Brent Hines epiphone v?

[@jamesredruth9723]

Epiphone is not a subsidiary of Gibson anyone who said so is wrong I spoke to epi rep they are a guitar built under license from Gibson utilizing their designs and technology that is all , other than that they build a very good guitar pricewise the pick ups are just as great the , string action is almost exactly that of a Gibson ,Ive played Gibsons that had major issues , then Epi's that outplayed a gibson , Pros being along with the not so Gibson price tag , but upon buying a EPi you get a cheaper price guitar just as good a construction maybe not made entirely in the US , but a Epi flying V Karina is just as good as the real thing the sound is great the shape is not as great for playing sitting down but that's a irrelevant as it is a flying V guitar , its a stage / show guitar 

[@artsun5977]

I have One! 😍

[@PNWGuitar]

Peopoe see them as a gimm8ch but to me they have style and if balanced put your hand in the oerfect position and have all the access you could need. My only gripe is its hard not to band them on things

[@48mastadon]

I wish that they would put the output jack next to the strap button.

[@charleydowd3126]

48mastadon That’d be really nice.

[@48mastadon]

@JA5150 I get that. I just wish that the original had placed the output jack near the strap button as well.

[@vtraderc7593]

yes

[@hdog0148]

Is the neck a 50’s thick neck? I might get one but I’m on the fence

[@randomguyontheinternet7940]

Waiting for the day I can find a great budget brand making these lol.

[@greentroll9326]

my hondo flying v i have had over 40 yrs and its heaviest guitar i have ever picked up , the jacks on the bottom of the guitar fin

[@paradox7743]

Love the V- just a bitch to practice on.I believe the Gibson 19' comes with Burstbuckers which I prefer over the 500T.Does look badass in Korina...

[@shredders4life532]

They are worth the money

[@williamduckworth305]

i love my flying V. not a gibson but still a beast.

[@phreak1118]

Biggest problem I have found with a V... finding a stand. I think Hercules? makes one for around $50, but I just ended up getting a wall mount.

[@phreak1118]

I have a Dave Mustaine V. It is awesome!

[@ericbgordon1575]

Considering that it's now 2021 and I've resisted getting any guitar with the V shape the whole 26 years I've been playing, I've got to say this. Now I'm suddenly tempted by it, if the only con is the sitting position, that wouldn't be an issue for me (since I play fingerstyle and usually use classical position when seated).

[@iamkyleclimer]

The sitting position is absolutely comfortable

[@ericbgordon1575]

Agreed, @kjcbjj . In the time since I wrote my original comment above, I have bought an Epiphone Flying V. Playing it definitely has been comfortable for me in both sitting and standing positions.

[@iamkyleclimer]

@@ericbgordon1575 sick!

[@RichLunaMusic]

REVISTED COMMENT: I can be a lead guitarist if I wanted to but you do whatever the fawk you want on any guitar you want.

[@CMaj7b5]

Yer, as long as you are happy with the guitar this is built for you! BTW I also got my epiphone korina amos flying V and I found that i like the sound of the V better than my gibson custom shop 68 les paul custom...😂😂😂😂😂

[@SeanZetterlund]

yeah, i admittedly may like my flying v more than my Gibson SG Standard xD

[@stratoman3000]

Right

[@11037_kuwata]

I love it because Dave Mustaine plays it he looks so cool with it on stage

[@H.E.M.]

That’s a Jackson/Dean and the ends are more pointy. This is more Metallica.

[@11037_kuwata]

@@H.E.M. ik

[@GreenToMe2000]

I want one so bad

[@RustingPeace]

you will turn to dust before you got one xd i want a rust in peace v

[@speedlgt]

The answer is YES! V, Explorer, SG they are all Bad ASS.

[@triton5342]

I love V shape but only with that body thru desing for strings.. Looking forword to buying Epiphone Flying V..

[@goregore6259]

You remind me of Gabba from Chaos UK with that guitar

[@bigstivert3685]

Yes you should

[@ashleywilson9785]

I've heard similar playing on gearwire 🤘 long live the V ✌

[@jhonaleisthernunezvasquez6372]

Amazing Master. A question. How much it cost?

[@jared305]

Get ready to take out a loan from your bank.

[@jhonaleisthernunezvasquez6372]

@@jared305 jajajajajajaja but how much jajaja

[@Knightmare-gz9ls]

Epiphone range starts around 5 to 600 new. Gibson I believe is 1700 new. Not sure on their price. Can always hit reverb. 🤘🏻

[@latrellmitchell348]

Like Dean v guitar and epiphone sg guitar and Into organ keyboard and orange amps .

[@fernmccreary2729]

Sold

[@xeinem2345]

Before you buy one, go to a guitar store and check if it feels comfortable to play a V guitar

[@familytree3479]

I’m in my mid 40s now and in school they called me flying Ace because I was taking flying lessons. I was then also in a branch of the air force auxiliary they continued the name flying ace because I had flown small airplanes 🛩 so much. I have had much a low point since I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s. I have always loved a guitar that would sound very heavy and to stand up playing a heavy solid core strat. I think it’s time THIS FLYING ACE gets FLYING HIGH AGAIN ROARING ON A FLYING V with 2 humbuckers vs 1. I think flying ace for after 30 years should own a Flying V.

[@ZeNeilShow]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@rockngpa5094]

Jimi Hendrix used a Flying V during live performances many times .. that neck switch between your leg isn’t an issue...Now them cracks happens often so inspect inspect your gear often and find an excellent instrument repair man or woman... Man did the prices explode on them ..dang! I may pass now ..

[@jamesmulligan7413]

Which origin is this?

[@MrSteelehead]

I worked as a carpenter, to subsidize my lame band. A customer “whipped out a Gibson, Flying V2”. He heard I was a picker, and he offered it as partial payment. I knocked $800 off his bill, balance being “about as much as his painters bond was”, $4K. I still have it, I’m gonna go look for it now, cause I want to play it! Cheers, always make it fun!

[@klepetar]

they are awesome.. except sitting down..but what a comfy guitar.. g

[@memoryrinehart]

Cant you sit on floor and let V sit too??

[@motorwayt-s628]

I think the epiphone ones look better then the Gibson ones, they are also a lot "cheaper" on reverb

[@stilllifewithguitar184]

I had an older Epi "korina" V for a bit. It does look cool, but it just wasn't that great a guitar, even after swapping pickups. It was just blah.

[@motorwayt-s628]

the radical kindness yeah but I'm not really looking for any right now, I just had my Flying V fix buy buying an epiphone demon a few months ago

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

Cons - people would always assume you would play metal on this guitar, everytime they see you carry one.

[@schizophrenicgaming5007]

lmao im getting one tomorrow, good thing I pretty much exclusively play metal

[@kevinplayscello_]

Or pro...

[@spunbearing65]

Dont matter the pick ups. Roy Buchanan got a rash of shit when he showed up with a LP Custom with humbuckers and folks expecting him with a Telecaster. He said,"I don't need a Fender to sound like me". Then he proved it. And the pundits shut up after that.

[@Skelevon_gaming]

The one con is you can’t sit down with them lol i honestly recommend an explorer especially the korina epiphone explorer 1958 its lighter and you can do both and its more comfortable

[@disengagetattoos5074]

Any new flying V's dont have the Jack there anymore. I use all V's I have 3 and none have the Jack there

[@Stefan-]

As far as i know all classic shaped Dean V´s has the jacks like on this Epiphone, i have no problem with it, i love my Dean V´s.

[@Bikewithlove]

You should not buy a flying v - no one should, because I want them all.

[@krungibungi8673]

K thanks bud

[@georgecornwell7706]

I have a bunch of guitars and basses. But no Flying V. So i need a Flying V. It’s too long waiting.

[@GordonZoot]

Michael Angelo Batio plays classical style

[@drk3758]

You should definitely buy one, if you already have a Strat or Les Paul style body guitar. This shouldn’t be your main guitar, especially if you’re a beginner

[@rwsix5892]

Yes, YES you should! ...have a Gibson V