Guitars! 

Gibson's Flying V

It seems to be largely accepted now that Gibson are currently bonkers and my only plea to anyone wishing to buy a guitar is if you have the money buy vintage but if dealing with exclusively new boxes pick it up and play it before buying (having said that all my guitars [there's a few! 5 + a ukulele] bar one were bought sight unseen or at least unplayed) but Gibson especially have become the sort of guitar that the proof is in the pudding and you can buy a Gibson for a few hundred (£ ED) that is truly excellent and a model that is over a few grand that is rubbish! This is the company that promoted/invented the Les Paul for pity's sake! Most everyone want's one. But they are these days mercurial to say the least and have become throughout the trade particularly known for being madly varied in reliability and finish and quality. Meanwhile here is the note from the wondrous Jeff Harris' blog about the launch of the Flying V it looks heavier than a Les Paul to me and not a guitar I have ever played but one of these would be fun for sure! Good enough for Johnny Winter . . . . . .

On this day in music history: January 6, 1958 - The Gibson Guitar Company registers its design for the Flying V guitar with the US Patent Office. The unique instrument is designed by Gibson president Ted McCarty with the intention of adding a futuristic aspect to the companies image. During their original manufacturing run, the guitars’ body and neck are constructed from African Korina wood and mahogany with either ebony or rosewood fretboards. Guitarists such as Albert King and Lonnie Mack adapt to them immediately and becomes closely associated with both artists. However, initial sales are slow and they are discontinued in 1959. When guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Dave Davies of The Kinks begin playing them, it renews interest in the Flying V and Gibson reintroduces the guitar in 1967. The instrument becomes a favorite of hard rock and heavy metal musicians during the 1970’s and 80’s. Original Flying V’s made in 1958 and 1959 today are valued at between $200,000 and $250,000. To this day, the Flying V remains one of Gibson’s most popular guitars.

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves