Check out rare Gibson Flying V guitars from some of the world’s greatest guitar collections
What happens when some of the most iconic rock guitarists in the world share their rare Gibson Flying V™ guitars ? You get one of the most electrifying compilations of Gibson TV’s The Collection ever. It's a bold statement, but once you see these incredible guitars, you’ll instantly understand why these Flying V guitars are so revered and why the vintage Korina version is so sought after.
In this exclusive compilation from The Collection, Gibson TV host Mark Agnesi is joined by Slash, Paul Stanley (KISS), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest), Keith Nelson (Buckcherry), and Gibson President & CEO Cesar Gueikian for a deep dive into some of the most storied Flying V guitars ever built. From Slash’s 1959 Gibson Korina Flying V used during the Use Your Illusion sessions, to Paul Stanley’s custom Flying V models designed for the End of the Road tour, to Richie Faulkner’s ultra-rare 1971 Medallion V once used by KK Downing, each guitar has an incredible story to tell.
But what is it that makes the Gibson Flying V so iconic after all these years? Is it the futuristic shape that was far ahead of its time in 1958? The legendary artists who made it their weapon of choice? Or the unique tonal character of Korina? The answer is, it’s all of the above and more. In this Gibson Gazette article, we’ll get more answers to those questions as famous players share their prized guitars with us. Watch the full compilation episode of The Collection below:
If you’re watching the video via the Gibson Gazette, here are the timestamps:
0:00 Slash and his 1959 Gibson Flying V
1:58 Paul Stanley of KISS and his Gibson Custom Flying V
7:11 Keith Nelson of Buckcherry and his 1958 Gibson Flying V
9:35 Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick and his 1958 Gibson Flying V
12:08 Slash and his 2020 Gibson Custom Jimi Hendrix Flying V
13:37 Paul Stanley and his 2006 Gibson 1959 Korina Flying V Reissue
17:37 Richie Faulkner and Cesar Gueikian’s 1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V ft. Dave Mustaine
19:28 Rick Nielsen’s 1959 Gibson Flying V
Slash and his 1959 Gibson Korina Flying V
Slash shows Mark Agnesi a stunning 1959 Flying V that he bought just before recording “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” during the Use Your Illusion sessions. If you’re a Guns N’ Roses fan—or indeed anyone who has listened to rock radio over the past 35 years—you’ve heard this guitar. This guitar and hundreds more are explored in detail in The Collection: Slash , a premium coffee table book from Gibson Publishing.
“It’s got an amazing tone,” Slash says, recalling how he picked it up for around $250,000 at the time. “It just sounds great. It has to be something where I go, I want that sound—and you know exactly what you’re going to get out of this guitar.”
This 1959 Flying V is owned by Slash and features in the video above (©Gibson/Mitch Conrad)
Paul Stanley and his custom Flying V models
Paul Stanley of KISS shows off several of his Gibson Custom Gibson Flying V guitars , including one created especially for the End of the Road tour. Stanley modified the design with practical tweaks, such as moving the jack position and adding a belly cut for comfort. He also shortened the vibrato tailpiece for easier palm muting.
“I’ve always been partial to Vs with binding,” he says, citing Albert King’s Lucy as inspiration. “This one’s got the character and personality of a classic old guitar—it’s a V that never was.”
Keith Nelson and his 1958 Gibson Flying V
Former Buckcherry guitarist Keith Nelson has one of the coolest guitar collections on the planet, with some very rare items. Watch as he shows Mark Agnesi a 1958 Flying V that has seen serious road use. “It’s a whole other level of fidelity,” he says, describing how he used the Flying V's unique sonic fingerprint on Ricky Warwick’s solo record for layered harmony solos. “It has this midrange thing that a Les Paul’s not getting. It’s fatter than an SG™. To my ear, it’s the coolest guitar ever.”
Rick Nielsen and his rare ’58 and ’59 Flying Vs
Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen reveals not one but two original Flying Vs—something that even many of the most well-heeled vintage guitar collectors can only dream of owning. Watch as he opens the case on a 1958 model featured in a famous photograph of Nielsen with Andy Warhol, and a rarer 1959 model that was painted over in Cardinal Red. Both carry battle scars and custom touches from being on the road with Cheap Trick, including Grover® Imperial™ tuners and evidence of a past Bigsby® installation.
“These have been out there, on the road, played hard,” Nielsen says. “I never haggle on these things—if it’s rare and the price is fair, you grab it. They’re just cool. If you can’t play this, then you’re in trouble anyhow.”
Slash and the 2020 Gibson Custom Jimi Hendrix Flying V
Not just a collector of vintage guitars, Slash also brings out his limited-edition 2020 Jimi Hendrix™ Flying V. Gifted to him by his partner, watch as he talks about how he was “blown away” by its sound and playability. “It’s a remarkable guitar,” he says. “I used it on two songs on the last record , including one with a talkbox. It was perfect—it splits the difference between a Les Paul™ and single coils.”
Richie Faulkner and Cesar Gueikian’s 1971 Medallion V
Judas Priest’s Richie Faulkner joins Mark at the home of Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian to showcase a 1971 Medallion Flying V, one of only 350 ever made, currently residing in Cesar’s private collection while Richie isn’t on tour with it. Once used by KK Downing of Judas Priest, the guitar features its original numbered medallion and delivers a tone that fits beautifully with the sound of the band. “It’s killer,” Faulkner says. “Loud, acoustically vibrant, just a beautiful guitar.”
What makes the Gibson Flying V so special?
When Gibson launched the Flying V in 1958, it was arguably too radical for its time, and aside from some models assembled and shipped in 1962-63, production of the original Korina version ceased in 1959. But the Flying V slowly garnered a cult status, with players like Albert King, Lonnie Mack, Dave Davies, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix spearheading its public revival. Later, Michael Schenker and Kirk Hammett turned the futuristic design into a hard rock and metal icon, and it’s hard to imagine attending a heavy metal festival without a Flying V making an appearance.
The Flying V not only looks revolutionary, but it also offers a unique tonal palette: a combination of sustain and clarity that cuts through the mix like no other. Today, original 1950s models are among the most valuable vintage guitars in existence, coveted by collectors and icons like Joe Bonamassa and Kirk Hammett. Fortunately, modern Gibson Flying V guitars continue to inspire players across every genre and are in high demand—you can get your very own direct from Gibson today.
Watch the full compilation of The Collection: Flying V edition above, and shop Gibson Flying V guitars direct from Gibson. Looking for more stars and their vintage guitars? Check out six famous players and their 1959 Les Paul Standards on Gibson TV.
