The Gibson Flying V: A Short History

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

I find it hilarious that Fender use to slam Gibson for "making things like they did fifty years ago" Fast forward to today and most guitarists want things that were made like they were made fifty years ago!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I find it even more hilarious that if they can't find or afford one that was made 50 years ago, they'll pay through the nose to have the Custom Shop make a brand new guitar LOOK 50-years-old. What a waste! But, on the other hand, I have played a few amazing "road worn," or "relic" guitars and basses that felt like they actually were "played in," night after night, gig after gig, for decades. I would LOVE to be able to afford a HUGE music room/man cave with its walls totally "wallpapered" with instruments that look, play, and sound the way they used to make 'em.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

@@jamesthe-doctor8981 Hello everyone in the custom shop miissed ya llll

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

jerome grzelak Which one?? I hear they ALL miss me!!! 😂

[@ags5696]

If only I could afford a fifties Gibson and a fifties Stratocaster.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

IPA SOLÉ you may want to re-read the original comment, and maybe check out the video from 3:25 to 3:35 also. 😂

[@justincork3838]

That was awesome! When I was young I worked Saturdays in a guitar shop. They had a white Flying V that was my Wayne’s world guitar ( oh yes it will be mine!) imagine how upset I was to find it sold one Saturday morning. Then imagine my elation to unwrap that very guitar on my 18th birthday! Thanks parents! I still have it. I still love it. Cheers Keith!

[@fivewattworld]

Great story Justin!

[@wonderwomanguy]

Wow, I had a very similar story, but I got mine for high school graduation!

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Duuuude it's the best feeling. But for me it was a bmx frame.

[@jerryhicks7294]

That’s alsome

[@toddwebb6216]

A great story of KARMA'S POWER OF FATE.

[@BulletproofLeprosy]

"...and sure enough, man, we stepped into the land of humbucking. It was wicked." - Billy Gibbons, Book of revelation

[@RickBeato]

This was again, just amazing Hypes! I want one.

[@fivewattworld]

Well of all people you should have one Hypes!

[@dianathompson7597]

Have you heard what Joe banamada is doing with one? Best tone I heard from him

[@OverDrive_clips]

Love your work Rick Beato!!

[@frankn4skeen]

Be careful about the 2 major types of Flying Vs. The 50s types have way better access to high notes than the 70s types. The 70s types have a more SOLID neck joint, but, way bulkier too, thus way less comfortable. In the end, it's just a matter of personal taste.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

It would be nice if you can round out your collection with a V. Looking forward to your next video, Rick. Merci.

[@ibji]

There's this legend out there that Billy Gibbons owns the one and only original Moderne, but won't let anyone see it.

[@DarttheLegend]

I find that hard to believe. Knowing Billy, he would show it to people I think.

[@pallecla]

He also has a Bigfoot in his cellar...

[@MisterTee]

pallecla And Jimmy Hoffa

[@livewire2759]

I'd believe it if I heard it from Billy himself. 'Till then, I'll say its BS.

[@eazzypeazzy7618]

He is ashamed to show it... he stuck fur all over it and now can't get it off.

[@MattTee1975]

I bought a 78 in 1994 for like $400. Years later, when the Internet became more of a thing, I looked up the band that was stenciled on the case. They had a page and I noticed the guitarist playing the V in an old black and white pic, so I emailed him. Turned out it was stolen off their tour bus in Omaha. He told me he was just happy it found a good home and let me keep it. Favorite guitar of all time. It's funny how a design that mimicked 50's car fenders and futurism turned into a metal icon.

[@ayelmao1224]

What band?

[@natesdisturbed8719]

Woah! I live in Omaha

[@Osmium192]

@@natesdisturbed8719same

[@glennmattison3180]

The one thing I would add is that early Metallica made the V's relevant for us Gen Xers in much the same way that Slash did with the Les Paul.

[@chaosmongo]

And neither of those two were Gibsons ;-)

[@evenkeel6131]

chaosmongo Kirk played a black Gibson Flying V with a white pick guard for years with Exodus and Metallica.

[@Bitch6667-q1w]

@@evenkeel6131 James also plays a white V.

[@liamnorlander6200]

@@Bitch6667-q1w a fake one 🤘🏼

[@ricklogan3328]

His white V was an Electra....

[@kennhern]

I never imagined the bottom middle part of the V as a "crotch". Thanks for the mental image, Keith hahaha

[@Starcrunch72]

What else would it be called?

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@Starcrunch72 The perineum...

[@marions.120]

Still doesn’t mean you can play it while naked! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@irvan36mm]

I’d have called it: “Umm....This lil’ area right here”.

[@roygonzalez4367]

The Crotch is where They Put the Wammie Bar on the V ,of Course . . . .

[@SkyFire2112]

The Story of my Flying V is one close to my heart. 90% of my guitar collection are the Dean Dave Mustaine VMNTs which are unreal guitars. My grandad was a mast wood worker so he and I started building guitars 2 years ago. The first ones we built were explorer shapes, one for me and one for my buddy as his surprise Christmas present from his girlfriend and myself. A little after that my Grandad passed away leaving his entire workshop to my dad and myself. Last Christmas, My grandparents from my mom’s side told me to go to the guitar store to get myself something for $100 that they could give me on Christmas morning (they know nothing about guitars lol) so I went in and on the wall there was a Cherry Red 67 Flying V re issue from 2003. I picked it up and it just felt right in my hands. The price tag as $1500. I’m friends with the owner of the store so he came over to me and said “I got that guitar in a trade this week for an acoustic. We don’t carry Gibson’s so I need that thing out of here to make space for the Christmas guitars. If you really want it, I’ll let it go for $900. I said yes on the spot. I used the $100 my grandparents gave me as a down payment. I explained it to them and they were happy with what I did. Christmas Day rolls around and under my tree there is an envelope signed by my grandad who passed away. My sister and I each got one and inside was $800. My dad explained they found them while they were cleaning out my grandad’s house. One for each of the grandkids. The next day I ran out and payed off the Cherry Red V and brought it to my grandad’s workshop (now in my house). There I put James Hetfield active EMGs in it and locking graph tech tuners. It was my first mod project. That guitar is my number 1 tied with my Dean Angel of Deth V. I love it so much. It’s clearly been played a lot because it’s worn in the best way possible! TL;DR I got a Gibson V for $900 with money my grandad gave me.

[@fivewattworld]

That(!) is a great story. Thanks for sharing that with everyone. Keith

[@TheSolongsidekick]

Oh my fuck. That's a super cool story, but jesus christ I almost had an embolism when you said you put fucking EMGs in that V. That poor guitar.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

@@TheSolongsidekick I thought it was an odd choice for a classic reissue, too, but really if you just look at it without the "reissue" glasses, it's just a 2003 model with an old school control layout that he got for only $900, it makes more sense. It's not like he's destroying an authentic classic. Just modding something that looked like a classic. No harm done. However, if your comment is more along the lines of meaning you hate EMGs, in general, not just because it's this guitar... well I can't help you feel better about that, except to say "to each their own." ;)

[@SkyFire2112]

SoLongSidekick funny story about that the original pick ups were a little scratchy when I turned the volume knob. I happened to have a spare set of James Hetfield EMGs because of the guitar I built for my buddy so I said “hell yeah” I really love EMGs because I play metal so it works. I still have the original pickups so I’m planning on cleaning them and putting them into a spare pick guard so I can swap them out whenever I like!

[@markfrost2707]

cutting out a shape of wood for a electric guitar body is NOT making a guitar, really. A 8 year old can make one.

[@TMoody]

Very well done. The V is radical even in 2020 and I could not even IMAGINE the wrecked brains when this thing was introduced in 1958.

[@smaug9617]

Yes, The V is radical even now. But it’s great guitar.

[@billklement2492]

Hey Keith, Another great Short History! Here's an old guy story from an old guy... I was lucky enough to work with Wayne Wilke, a Bass player, Ham Radio operator, and audio engineer, among other things. Wayne was living in Indiana at the time. He and his wife would go to yard sales on the weekends. His wife would go off looking for things she was interested and Wayne would look for guitars and radio equipment. He saw a guitar case on the ground and opened it up. It was a Flying V. He looked at the serial number, closed the case and proceeded to pay the $20 asked to it. His wife came over and asked what he was putting in the trunk of the car. "Nothing..." As I remember, it was number 20 something. One of the early original Flying Vs. Wayne also had a ham Radio show back in the 60s called "Wayne's World". I understand he gave Lorne Michaels the rights to use the name for his movies. And used to hang out with Buck Owens! I was very lucky to work with Wayne! Old guys have the best stories!

[@fivewattworld]

Great story!

[@iannicholls7476]

Bill Klement Interesting story. I’ve often wondered if I came across similar “buried treasure” would I pay the asking price and get out quick before they realised what they had done, or would I say “Hey, you know what this really worth, don’t you?” and let the seller get the real price elsewhere. I hope I’d take the second option, but I don’t know!

[@billklement2492]

@@iannicholls7476 That's a really good point! This was the early 90s so the guitar wasn't worth as much. And I'm sure Wayne was more interested in it being cool and a part of history than how much it was worth. Just a quick Google shows a 1958 for ~$400,000! I'd have to take it to the owners and tell them to have it appraised. And hate myself for the rest of my life. I had a friend that had an early 60s Martin D28 in his closet since it 1965. He played in college, but got wound up in his career. He offered to give it to me. I checked at the time (early 90s) and told him what it was worth and I couldn't accept it as a gift. I really hope he started playing again! What I wouldn't give for an early 60s D28! Stupid ethics! Thanks for the comment!

[@iannicholls7476]

Here in the UK we have car boot sales which are similar. All I’ve ever found was an old way pedal which didn’t work when I got it home! I think you did the right thing with the Martin.

[@derrickmills7217]

@@iannicholls7476 I also collect vintage roller skates. When I find buried treasure in the backroom of a Rink, I ask the seller what price would "make them happy" and never haggle beyond that point if it's a reasonable price. I figure it's a rare win/win for everyone involved...

[@westernfilet]

As an 80's kid, the cherry red used by KK Downing is THE Flying V to me! Man, I need one! Great video, great series!

[@Bromeh]

Yes. This. KK Downing was the ultimate Flying V icon for an 80’s kid and Priest fan. I have my first (an Epiphone version) en route at this moment!

[@HighOnFire1997]

Same here man. My favourite V axeman. And James Hetfield

[@clockworktoastboy]

My son's favorite guitar and the promise of getting one is the only reason he looks forward to learning classical guitar. Thanks for this episode, can't wait for more!

[@gfunkk]

actually a surprisingly good model for classical guitar as it has no choice but to sit in classical position when you're sitting down with it.

[@steveb9325]

Your son is very lucky!!! You want to adopt me? I'm only 62. Ps. I play Classical guitar....

[@clockworktoastboy]

@@steveb9325 won't be a Gibson, it'll be a garage build 😁

[@steveb9325]

@@clockworktoastboy okay! Thank you! Smiling...

[@gonzalooliveraalves]

It's really cool that you are making sure he is excited about learning to play music by making him learn classical guitar, but, if he feels forced to play classical because he wants that Flying V as a reward, I'd recommend you to just give him the Flying V, because if not, he will feel ready to play, but then he will have to adapt to electric guitar. What he can take from classical guitar and use on electric right away are the harmony and the musical vocabulary in general. But in terms of playing style, he'll have to adapt to a different world: Dealing with string muting, the thumb over the neck (which is something that is not allowed in classical guitar but it's pretty much used 24/7 in electric guitar), having to use a pick (yes, he can play finger picking but he's going to damage his nails if he doesn't keep them short), bends and vibrato, using steel strings instead of nylon, and all the specific playing techniques. I'm not saying that he won't be able to adapt, but it will be kind of frustrating for him to have all the knowledge from classical guitar and not be able to apply it right away because he needs to adapt to something that is completely new for his fingers.

[@fireemblemistrash75]

The guitar that metal loves, and has created countless other iconic guitars with the V shape

[@ikigai47]

Man I love these short histories. The Explorer was such a timeless shape imo. So well balanced. Would love to see you do pickups too. Dimarzio, Seymour Duncan, etc

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

I worked with a guitarist who played a Flying V for a while. In a drunken moment, he got Lester Maddox, former governor of Georgia, to autograph it. The autograph made it worth $50 more than book price when he sold it in Memphis. Strange Daze!

[@hearpalhere]

I don't have a V story myself but I just wanted to comment that I also am a huge fan of Fandango! It's an amazing album and the live tracks are absolutely killer. Thanks for another great history lesson Keith!

[@fivewattworld]

Glad you liked it Pal!

[@SteveLFBO]

Wow! Good to see the V's story done so well. Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash (UK band) always played a V. (One of the very first albums I bought, on pocket money in the early 70s)

[@andymellor9056]

@stevencommon - Real guitars have wings...

[@craigfalconer8699]

My hat's off to Keith, and all the other creators on YT, for keeping this wonderful content coming!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Craig!

[@jts3339]

Keith, I have a 1979 (earlier than you stated) Gibson V2 that I purchased from George Gruhn in the 1980’s for $340. I still have that week’s inventory sheet that Gruhn sent to subscribers before the internet listings became available, a set of pictures that were sent in response to my inquiry, and the receipt for the sale. I spoke to George on the phone about this guitar, and his comment was, “Anytime you can buy an American made Fender or Gibson guitar for less than $500 you’ll never lose any money”. These guitars originally retailed in the $1100 range, one of the most expensive in Gibson’s range. The boomerang pickups, ebony fingerboard, low action, and factory brass nut give them a unique (to Gibson) Tele-like brightness. I love mine and everyone who plays it is surprised by by the tone and playability of this unique guitar. If you take the time to examine the sculpturesque cuts that reveal the walnut and maple laminations, the boomerang pickup covers and gold-plated rings, the clearance cut on the fingerboard for the neck pickup, the fit of the mini pick guard, and the special tailpiece, you’ll see that this is a really beautiful and well-designed instrument that is a blast to play.

[@BillJones]

I could be wrong - but I believe that if you've ever seen a V2 "in the flesh", you could never really be happy with an original Flying V.

[@fivewattworld]

I remember seeing one in a guitar store. I couldn't get my head around the pickups.

[@jts3339]

Bill Jones: Absolutely! The V2 makes the original V look like a stripped-down economy model. The V2 is an under-appreciated, elegant instrument that didn’t find an audience, but anyone who plays one “in the flesh”, as you say, goes “WOW”, and doesn’t want to put it down. Gibson spared no expense to make a unique instrument and succeeded in making a beautiful but expensive instrument that was beyond the financial reach of average players. It was meant to be played, and produces gorgeous Strat and Tele-like tones that can’t be accomplished by any other Gibson guitars.

[@producerman10030]

There was a studio guitarist in NYC in the 70's that used a "V". His name is Steve Love, he played on a lot of disco records of the era and also was in the pit orchestra of The Magic Show. He was on the hit record "Brother Louie" by the band Stories. Love the channel.

[@Slipnut7047]

My favorite guitar ever!

[@graxjpg]

Your professionalism, elite journalism (compared to what I already access), and broadcasting skill make your content highly enriching. Those traits, which are obviously a reflection of your character, are incredibly inspiring. Thank you for doing this. Also, I love the look of the V2 more than any other V design. It’s like a 50s V, but on acid!

[@nightnoodler812]

Came over to subscribe.. really excellent vid...Rick Beato recommended you channel. I had a friend in the mid 70's who owned a Flying V, he was fanatical about it. He actuall tried builing his own and sold it to me, for two hundred bucks, cause he needed the money. ( I was the only guy in out circle of friends that actually had a job) It was not bad, it played fine, he used the hummbuckers, and an old neck, then he just used his orginal V to sketch an outline, and rough cut out a V from some piece of wood..cant remember what it was. But it was a nice cut of wood, I think it might have been mahogany or cherry, he did not do a bad job for a teenager..He bought the beast back from me a few weeks later, I would have kept it, but he put in his own hard work so I was happy to return it...I think he actually still runs/owns a recording studio here in Calgary, Or did 10 years ago..jeeese I think I am getting old:)

[@chrisnicholson3231]

Bought my first (and still only) Gibson Flying V, a '95, around '98-'99. It was in a store in Rochester NY, and they didn't have a case for it. The guy swore that he'd use so much bubble wrap that it would bounce without damage. It already had some chips and it was only $550, so what the heck, right? Sure enough, it arrived wrapped in enough bubble wrap to bounce it off a moving UPS truck on I-65. I went to a local store and they only had one V case, an Epiphone. That's the case I still use. Although the body is light and very resonant, I was initially disappointed in the tone when playing with my band. Talked about this with the guys at another local store, and one of them suggested a pair of '57 Classics. Played the next gig with them installed and left the Strat at home from then on. Thanks for the video. The V may not be everybody's taste, but it deserves respect and you served it up.

[@kendalljamesmusic]

I spent a year playing in a band that was sponsored by Gibson- during the Lab Series era. (I know, I know... not exactly the golden years for them) I was given an L5-S, a The Paul, and a Flying V, with the arrow-shaped pickups. I was required to play them all in the course of our performances, but the workhorse was the V- light and quite comfortable on a strap, and cool-looking. I dragged that thing over every state east of the Mississippi in 1981, and the kids who came up to me after gigs always asked about it. They had never seen one. BTW- Like a lot of people in New England, I immediately associate a Flying V with J. Geils.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

I fell in love with the shape of the Flying V the first time I saw one. I have had two over the years. My first V was a white Aria Pro given to me by a friend who happened to be Joan Jett´s sister. My second V was a Gibson Korina. I think it was made in the early ´80s. If I remember correctly, Gibson offered the Korina Series which included the V, Explorer, and the Moderne. I bought all three and loved them immensely. They were stolen years later and that was that.

[@wonderwomanguy]

Thumbs of for everything but the stolen part. F*ck the meth head who did that. >:(

[@robertgladstein]

Oh fk..damn stolen. That sucks😢

[@andymelendez9757]

Wow! How awesome was that. I originally dialed in to that sound with Michael Schenker. That first UFO record. On successive trips thru the time line I found Lonnie and Albert. Of course the Rev on Fandango. The band I was in yrs ago did a club gig in Idaho or Montana w Kim Simmonds and a later version of Savoy. Its just amazing how these artists finesse such wicked tone and and feel from their axes. The Gibson solid body/ 50 watt Marshall combo is pure gold to me. Amazing how the spirit of competition drives innovation. My own 'modern' was an original 2 pickup T Bird bass. I named her Ethel. How I wish I still had her. I think she married up. Outstanding job. Thanks!

[@jsphillip60]

Wow. Kim Simmonds. Saw him play 3 gigs in Tallahassee, FL ~late 1990's with that version of Savoy Brown ( based in upstate New York then). Great player, very gracious, great to talk to. I somehow don't remember, which guitars he played, but he had a beloved, beat up JCM800 half-stack. He got almost misty eyed when he talked about how much he loved that amp!

[@paulcasilio1119]

You have featured guitars that I have loved more and have owned in this brilliant Short History documentary series. I was indifferent to the Flying V going in. That said...this is the greatest documentary I have seen about our mutual passion “hobby” anywhere...ever. Please take a bow, all of you, and thanks. You have my deepest respect and gratitude.

[@jayanthkumar7964]

This channel's videos are a surreal, meditative experience.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Jayanth!

[@sam.b1677]

Loved this! Would love a history about the Firebird!

[@fivewattworld]

That's on the list...

[@sped17373]

@@fivewattworld And Thunderbird as well.....and maybe Rickenbacker 4001 please? I used to have/play an '83 Burgundy-Glo 4001 that I dearly wish I hadn't sold!

[@MrBrawl]

Thanks for another fantastic video, Keith! Patiently waiting one day for a Fender Mustang short history. Just picked one up myself and am amazed at how captivated I am by it. Never thought much about them until I had one in my hands.

[@fivewattworld]

It’s coming, it’s just a big list...

[@MrBrawl]

@@fivewattworld Believe me, I totally get it. It will happen when it happens. Keep up the great work! Don't forget to play guitar, too!

[@asdf9890]

I love these history videos. I always like to imagine what it must have been like to see these guitars come out back then. The Explorer and V still look different, but it's hard to imagine a Strat being something new and unusual.

[@mikeplaysdrums23]

I'm a drummer, but I can't get enough of these videos. Well done again.

[@davidgood6744]

I love how Dave Davies played his V between the wings. Another great video. It also had more commercials that a Sunday Night Movie that I remember from my childhood. I hope it helps to keep these super videos coming.

[@fivewattworld]

How many ads did they run David? I have a small amount of control of that.

[@davidgood6744]

Hey Keith! I would say at least five. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that many commercials in a ten minute video.

[@ray.shoesmith]

five watt world Five ads for me. I understand the income keeps the channel alive and wouldn't have commented at all had it not been mentioned...it's worth the annoyance just to watch your content. I will say to youtube however that randomly interrupting great commentary mid sentence with an ad guarantees that I will never buy anything that's being advertised. Love your channel Keith. Although I've only ever owned one guitar (an ES-335 copy bought second hand in 1989), your guitar history stories are compelling viewing. I hope you continue long into the future. I'll never be able to afford any of the guitars you feature, so watching your vids is the closest I'll come to playing them. Thank you!

[@eupraxis1]

Around 1997 or so, in New Orleans where I lived back then, outside a guitar store was a young somewhat strung out guy with a very beat up Vee. He walked up to me and asked $100 for the thing. It was obviously unplayable. The PUs were all but destroyed, the electronics coming out from the bottom of the very warped pickguard. But the action was great, and the fret board appeared to be ebony - almost black, in any case. I gave him the $100 - although I was there to try to sell a guitar myself! I put in two humbuckers that I had originally bought around 1967, did the best I could about the wiring, and flattened out the pickguard enough to pass muster. It is just about my favorite Gibson to this day.

[@fivewattworld]

Great story! Which model is it?

[@eupraxis1]

@@fivewattworld It's a black 1967 model. Also, I had found a very old Gibson Vee case for it on ebay. It looks vintage, but I have no way of knowing.

[@tiptopdadddy]

My former father in law was a long time news photographer. He covered The Kinks 65 tour and has an unreleased film of Dave playing that Flying V. Weird trivia; TM for Illinois was John Wayne Gacy.

[@MrClassicmetal]

John Wayne Gacy the serial killer?

[@tiptopdadddy]

Mr ClassicMetal Yes

[@victorvaldenegro4001]

I’m 57 years old and never owned a V. I never was really interested in buying one until recently. Thanks to this video, I might end up buying one.

[@anirudhr7736]

Your channel has been an institution in subtle, informing, and extremely well researched and made videos....I have started looking at my guitar with more respect and I swear it has started responding much better to my abysmal playing...either that or maybe I am losing it a little...Another video exceptionally made....Kudos to you kind sir

[@sski]

That was excellent. I've played mostly Flying V's and Explorers (Gibson & other brand/self built copies) all my 38 years. I just finished a V build based on a late 60's platform with a cherry mahogany body, mahogany neck, black pickguard, and gold hardware. I love the formats of both guitars. I have a sweet 78 Hamer Standard that I love dearly as well. Always lusted for a Moderne. Your doco was outstanding.

[@davidteller7681]

Another cool 80's V from Gibson was "The V", it had a bound, flame maple top in red or tobacco sunbursts. There was an Explorer version too, "Explorer II". Both very cool!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Love that '58 Korina version... reminds me of my early 60s Magnavox console stereo which still plays admirably. What a treat to hear of the REAL #1. Thanks again Keith

[@somberlainnn9883]

The headstock on the explorer patent application looks a awful lot like a dean/dimebag guitar headstock

[@enlightenedchristian3183]

I just aqquired a lefty Dean z Explorer.Its incredible.

[@NShomebase]

That OG 50's V is absolutely gorgeous!

[@metalmover]

Thank you Keith Williams for turning KZbin into the guitar version of the History Channel. (No Pawn Stars Here)

[@TheDunateen77]

This channel is total food for anyone that has a passion for the guitar

[@mborel]

Great choice in opening and closing music. Really good job in giving us the history on the Flying V. And I love you description of the V2, the mating of a classical guitar and a boomerang is probably the greatest description I've heard used for a guitar.

[@brucepiland]

Your scripts are SO good.

[@ianmarkd.gestuveo4172]

Finally, a video talking about my favorite guitar. In fact, I even have a Flying V for over a year now and still is my baby... Edit: When I'm going to buy another guitar, then it's gonna be an another Flying V.

[@joelspaulding5964]

This channel deserves about 10x current subscribers. As always, great material! Rudy Schenker from the Scorpions made me want a Black V...35 years later would still love one, even though am not really a guitarist.

[@TheDprime]

I've been waiting for this one! Can't wait to watch after work

[@JC-11111]

I'm waiting for ALL of em lol. Doesn't matter what it is. If it's by Keith, I wanna see it!

[@mendamp1715]

I think that one of the outstanding aspects of these videos is the original dollar prices listed and the current dollar price. Using that information, you get an idea, in current money terms, of what these classics real cost is! Outstanding work!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks man

[@DonnieHardenJr]

Super cool history of the Flying V. My dream Flying V is the Gibson Silver Sparkle one. The silver metallic flake one. Side note though, Jimi Hendrix didn't give the painted V to Billy Cox, he gave it to Mick Cox the guitarist of Eire Apparent. A Irish band he was helping produce. Gibson had gifted him with a new V so for whatever reason he gave away the painted one. Probably because the 1969 one was newer with better hardware. Anyway, Mick Cox fell on hard times after Jimi died, circa 1973, and had to sell the guitar. But felt guilty about it and didn't want people to know that it was Jimi Hendrix's guitar, so he sanded off the custom paint and sold it as the basic black that Jimi had painted it before putting the custom paint with the fingernail polish on it.

[@troyoswald5683]

Thanks so much Keith. As others have said, you do this so well. WE are so lucky.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Troy

[@erickleefeld4883]

That last bit of Greg Koch playing a V displayed a little appreciated aspect of this supposedly outlandish guitar: It’s really great for your playing it between your legs while seated, in the traditional classical style.

[@ViaAvione]

I'm sitting here playing my Epiphone "Amos" Flying V, and I could not be happier! Thank you for sharing

[@jeffreyvargo7963]

You forgot one of the most important players of the V Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash.... in the early 70's..... he influenced many to seek out and buy this style of guitar... also J Geils.. of the J Geils Band.....played a V as one of his main guitars.....

[@fivewattworld]

I had him in here and I had to cut some time. When I asked people they really didn't know the band that well...so...sorry if he is a favorite.

[@sanddab]

My feelings exactly!! I bought a 1975 V because of Andy. That picture of him playing his V on the inside of the Argus album is so cool.

[@Bartockamus]

J. Geils is the reason I still want a V.I'll build it soon.

[@kennethross9310]

Lonnie Mack was a local musician in my part of Indiana. His son Harry came to a drummer friend's 60th birthday party /jam session and brought no.7 with him.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Kim Simmonds has always been my favourite V player. When Savoy Brown were pretty popular in some cities in the US and recording live albums there, I saw them in the back room of a pub in Southall in a room with maybe 200 other people. Great players, great singer, great band

[@cecilhackett3727]

He'll yeah! It's Jack the Toad

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@cecilhackett3727 This was Blue Matter/A Step Further time :-)

[@cecilhackett3727]

I bet it was 1 hell of a show, small venues are the best.

[@cecilhackett3727]

Savoy Brown is a drug for me.if I don't listen to some Savoy Brown, I start to get grouchy

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@cecilhackett3727 Half the time at very small pub type venues Chris Youlden didn't show and Dave Peveret did the singing. Still a great band though :-)

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

I played a 58 to the spec reissue that my good friend Kurt Wilson built for a few years, it took adjusting but loved it! Great video on the history of a great American guitar! Thank you 🙏

[@Ottophil]

After smashing half a dozen or so Ibanez RG’s , Karma got me back when I dropped my 91 Gibson V playing the Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh in 09’. Headstock snapped right off. Thats why I don’t smash guitars anymore. i miss that V alot

[@olipas2775]

But the V wasnt lost, or was it? Because it possibly could have been repaired

[@Ottophil]

oli pas not after I set it on fire. I only paid 400 for the guitar, most estimates for the repair were that much. I just took the EMG’s out and put in the burn barrel with the rest of my trash.

[@rainerwinkler1026]

@@Ottophil dude wtf

[@modestoney1577]

@@Ottophil well, then it´s your own fault

[@Ottophil]

Detlef Davis i don’t trust a repaired headstock.

[@spothra8862]

I remember back in the mid 80's being a teenager and walking into our local guitar shop and seeing a Flying V 2 and a recently reissued Heritage Korina V sitting side by side. I had recently switched from drums to guitar and had a beat up Memphis brand Les Paul copy I was learning to play on. I wanted one of those guitars so bad, but they were way out of my price range at the time. A year or so later I switched over to bass which I still play to this day. Thanks for making this video which brought this great memory come screaming back into my mind...

[@bobwallace9814]

Being a member of the Mr Know It All club it comes as a shock that after the first 60 seconds I realize I don't know shit.

[@harryflashman5981]

I worked at a major guitar shop in London in 1974 ( Top Gear ) and we had an original 1958 Flying V in stock. We had a call from Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash ( a Flying V user ) who said he was coming in to try it out. Sadly he didn't make it, I came from the same town in England as Andy and had spoken to him a few times back in the day. Not that I expected him to remember me. I had seen him a few weeks previously in a jam after an Al Stewart gig and he was using an original V then. I left Top Gear before the V sold but I later heard Mick Ralphs of Bad Company bought it. Thanks for the great videos Five Watt World!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for the story Harry. And call me Keith. It gets around this whole formal “five watt” thing. ;)

[@harryflashman5981]

@@fivewattworld Keith it is, I mentioned Mick Ralphs ( Bad Co. ) bought the V, you can see him playing it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipa9op2QlNCpgrs Mick was a regular visitor to the shop, a really nice bloke, I was so sorry to hear about his stroke.

[@mikecullerton]

Never wanted to own a Flying V, until now.

[@wonderwomanguy]

No time like the present!

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

Hands down the best guitar history on the net. Great presentation and well explained. Finally gone through all thr guitars , now to the other !

[@teaandcomics1]

Love these short histories. I'd really love to see something about Epiphone. Recently got a Sheraton and I found it fascinating John Lee Hooker played it over the 335. Curious to see how Epiphone came under Gibson and what of their models are original and not Gibson copies.

[@mr.joshua657]

Hey Keith, one of the many facets that make your series great is the superb production value. The intro's always set the mood, the tone, the atmosphere for the rest of the video. In my opinion that was the best intro thus far. Greg Koch's sick playing, that crescendos into that Bugle Boy flaring up was masterful. That might not be the first time I rewound the vid to watch the intro before, but I had to go back multiple times on that one! Good job, as always.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks J!

[@imafunkyman]

Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash is a great "V" player.

[@umbertoyltp]

I totally agree, he has played The V for decades in a dual guitar band, like K.K. downing did. It might distort my memory, both players of course played other guitars, but the V model is so revolutionary, it becomes a player's trademark.

[@larryh.3173]

Sorry, Keith, but (you asked) a big "miss" here _for me_. I was waiting throughout your great presentation to hear Andy Powell mentioned. The V's even part of Wishbone Ash's trademark logo. Ah, well... whatever, right? Keep up the GREAT work and thanks! :-)

[@sanddab]

So true. I don't think any other player is associated with the Flying V more than Andy Powell.

[@imafunkyman]

@@edwhite7475 Andy also changed out his pickups. I believe he used humbuckers from an ES 335.

[@sanddab]

@@imafunkyman Yes, Andy mentions in his book "Eyes Wide Open" that he put PAF's in his '67 Flying V that were taken from an ES-335 that suffered a broken neck.

[@williamsanderson9279]

Thank you for sharing the Ted McCarty story. Anyone who was so instrumental in the history of the instruments we love and is highly acclaimed by Paul Reed Smith deserves to have their story told. Well done Keith!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks William

[@jakeharderproductions2572]

It would be awesome to see a short history of the Fender Mustang

[@fivewattworld]

That's on the list...

[@niknak8299]

five watt world Yes please do

[@surveyordave]

greg, you have the best "narrator" voice and presentation than anybody i have ever heard.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks

[@avielkharrat5788]

I LOOOOVE IT!!! the intro has a Flying-V-ish quality to it by the master hands of Greg Koch! WAW

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

yeah! At the beginning, I was like, shush, you're talking over Greg's playing! If y'all haven't heard of Greg Koch, look him up. He's a monster player and a sweetheart of a guy.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

The first guitar i had was an SG in 76 but ur right about Billy Gibons making the flying V famous. Michael Shenker shreaded one along the same time. About 2008 Frank Hammons Tesla played one very well . I like Tesla even the bass player plays a Gibson

[@eric_has_no_idea]

This makes me hopeful for an Explorer video... Maybe it's growing up idolizing Hetfield, but it's the pinnacle of body shape to me.

[@gdscheiwe01]

Great documentary as usual. I could watch these all day long. As a matter of fact, I think I will. Peace!

[@JSXSProductions]

Surprised you didn't bring up James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett playing Explorers and Vs in in their early days.

[@billymoss1585]

I have handled an original Korina V with a 57 serial number and have also seen a couple in vintage guitar magazines over the years so I was surprised that you did not mention guitars built in 1957. Keep up the great work I love your video's!

[@63timfred]

Grace Potter keeps the "V" alive and well today.

[@cecilhackett3727]

Ain't nothing hotter than Grace Potter

[@stephanematis]

Awesome documentary. Thanks to Mr Koch, great sounds! (and a bloody charming interviewee on other channels)

[@rainerlippock-vollrath7891]

Hi, you forgot to mention one of the greatest Flying V players: Andy Powell from Wishbone Ash

[@billhansen9]

Thank you for these! I continue to enjoy them!!!

[@richexcellente429]

The Flying V was perhaps the first novelty electric guitar, still in production today. I have owned several Vs through the years ,but disappointed with the sustain. And despite replacing the pickups, the design contributes to an "anemic" sound pallet. This can be attributed to the short bout ( the area betwee the last fret and the bridge). It simply lacks density. Upon completion of the first 57 Chevy guitar, it was discovered that the decorative metal tail lamp, when attached to the body, produces unusual sustain qualities. But without the metal, the chevy tail fin guitar loses it vibrancy , sounding faded, more like the flying v. I termed this discovery " metal loading." If you were to add a metal fixture to a Flying V, ( in the same manner), you would notice an overall improvement in tone, balance, and sustain. Bottom line, the 57 Chevy taught us how to build a better sounding guitar, and how to improve and correct the deficencies of existing guitars, called "metal loading". Awarded 3 U.S.Patents.

[@markfrost2707]

it's a solid piece of mahogany. I dont know what V you had but they had sustain FOREVER. you probably had the cheap Epiphone one.

[@auntjenifer7774]

My Flying V is a Hamer Flying V vector and it's neck meets the body at around the 17th fret and has so much tone, harmonics and mid range sustain with bite and growl just like the best vintage Les Paul guitars ! I've also got a couple explorer types that seem to have a fuller frequency range but doesn't have that mid range thwack and crack that my Hamer Flying V has but the explorer is joined at the body around the 19th or 20th fret so maybe that has more influence on the mid range tone!? Dean has the ML and explorer and different style Flying V styles that honestly rock my world far better than the Gibson versions I've played 🤷🏻‍♀️ Dean and Hamer seem to be preferable in comparison to the Gibson versions🤔👍

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

Thanks Keith, whenever I see a new "Short History" from you I know it will be great. This one keeps your streak alive!

[@avielkharrat5788]

Leo Fender, in the 1950s, said about Gibson, that they were "still making things like they were 50 years ago".... Hem... Hem-hem... Well that's 150 now....

[@monsterzero1587]

No need to change perfection.

[@darinhill3773]

Thank you for these short histories!

[@anarcho710]

Yes finally

[@kevinhuber8723]

Bought an all white with white pick guard out of a local paper in 1988. Three hundred bucks with stand, case and Gibson amp! I think it is a 1979 re-issue. Everyone who has ever played it has made an offer to buy! This guitar ROCKS and has sustain for days. My how time flies!

[@tgrules565]

Always thought they were the coolest looking guitars as a kid. As an adult I now have 4 flying Vs plus, a flying v acoustic, a flying v ukulele and a flying v cheese grater. 😂😂

[@triton5342]

Flying V acoustic? okay i m googling that right now :D.

[@Bartockamus]

@@triton5342 Dean made an acoustic V.

[@tommyroseguitar4557]

Another excellent effort. I get working again, looking forward to snagging a couple of those T-shirts.

[@marions.120]

1958: Guitar $247.50 equal to $2195.75 in 2020. 1958: Custom case $75.00 equal to $665.00 in 2020. I can’t understand why a Custom Shop guitar is $6500.00? Maybe it’s the case, looks like Gibson is trying to sneak it past us and charging us a couple thousand dollars for the case! ✌️🤪🎸🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶. p.s. Thank goodness for the commercial, I was getting too much information and enjoying myself way too much. I really needed the break.

[@mikehomner4724]

Thank you, I love your in depth videos and live just a short ways away from Wildwood. Greg is special...

[@judmcc]

The players of the Flying V read like a Who's Who.

[@timz3146]

My favorite guitar shape. Still own a 2011 gibson flying v in black.

[@OosGuitar]

3:30 this is still true today... Gibson tries to make stuff like they did before, banking off their history without any good innovations (robot tuners are not a good innovation...), while Fender comes out with cool feasible stuff like the alternate universe and stuff like that

[@wonderwomanguy]

Gibson has tried coming out with new things and the public just doesn't want it. My theory is Fender can come out with crazy new stuff because their products are so easy to mod without doing irreparable damage. And lastly, those robot tuner would have been a god send if they'd put them out 12-strings!

[@OosGuitar]

@@wonderwomanguy yeah I suppose you are right in saying that the public doesn't want Gibson to change... I think a few years ago they just changed the main lineup and people didnt like that and when they come out with new stuff its a 3.5k futuristic Flying V

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

It doesn't get any better than this especially with Mr Koch blistering his pinky's on intro/outro! Well done Keith and thanks to all who helped.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Jeff

[@jimcox3380]

When the Flying V2 came out, a guitar store in Kansas City - Quigley Music had three of them. The usual brown one, but also a light natural finish (essentially the wood layers opposite the brown one) and one I've never seen since - one that was stained (not painted) turquoise. Also, it was not the "Bahama Blue" color - you could see the wood grain and the laminates of woods through the finish. I used to go there almost weekly to look at them as I wanted one of them, but as a kid couldn't afford it. I've often wondered where that turquoise one wound up.

[@bluewater3783]

Another great viewing experience--Thank You, Keith! :)

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for watching Alan!

[@kerrykrishna]

My first bout of insomnia was all around prototyping and building a 4 string Flying V Mandolin. I played it nightly for a tune or two with Canada's touring machine Acoustically Inclined for 5 long years. The Emando eventually found it's way into Winnipeg's 'Museum of Man And Nature' exhibit in the early 2000s. I have pics of it in that glass case!

[@Xxmeca421xX]

I just found this channel and love how you have someone double checking your facts. Good shit