V

The Gibson Flying V, often referred to as just the “Flying V” or “V,” is one of Gibson’s futuristic guitar designs from 1958. It is immediately distinguished by its arrow-like body shape and pointed or split-pointed headstock. The V was initially a flop, and was discontinued the following year. However, it became popular among guitarists looking for a radical shape but with a powerful sound as provided by the V’s two humbuckers, and it was reissued in 1963, then again in 1967 and has been produced in various in carnations ever since. The Gibson Flying V design has been imitated repeatedly over the years, mostly by heavy-metal-focused guitar companies.