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Up for sale, a 1981 Gibson Flying V-II in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Only produced from 1979-82, this rare guitar was designed by Tim Shaw as an updated version of the classic Flying V. It sports a bevy of unique features, including a sculpted five-ply walnut/maple body, brass tailpiece and “Sustain Sisters” brass studs beneath the bridge, and the unique Shaw-designed “Boomerang” pickups.
The tonewood complement is rounded out by a five-piece maple/walnut neck and a slab ebony fretboard; the tonewoods give this V-II a resonant, warm natural acoustic tone with glassy articulation, faithfully captured by the stock pair of “Boomerang” pickups. These pickups were developed to combine the hum-canceling properties of a humbucker with the sparkle and cut of a single coil. They’re dynamic and lively, with a touch more midrange heft than a standard single coil and a snappy bass response. Weighing 8lbs 6oz, this V-II has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and spot-on intonation.
The five-ply maple/walnut neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with well-rounded shoulders and lightly rolled fretboard edges, gaining a hair more heft and roundness in the upper registers, measuring .815” deep at the 1st fret and .950” at the 12th. The thick slab ebony fretboard retains the pristine medium jumbo fretwire, and this V-II plays cleanly up the 24 3/4“ scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod. The nut is a replacement, measuring 1 11/16” in width. The headstock sports a replacement brass truss rod cover, fitted with a vintage set of Gibson/Schaller Speed Winder tuning machines with gleaming gold plating. The guitar was at one time fitted with a different tuner set, as evidenced by the singular small (cleanly doweled) mounting holes beneath each gear.
All of the electronics function as intended, with the stock “Boomerang” pickups wired to a modern harness with 500k CTS pots. The pickups retain their original ink stamps on the baseplates dating to February, 1981. Hardware comprises the original brass tailpiece, gold-plated Nashville bridge, and brass pickup surrounds, and the pickguard is a well-crafted brass replacement that follows the lines of the body and has an even dusting of patina. The bridge is seated into two brass studs, called the “Sustain Sisters” in the Gibson catalog, engineered to enhance the natural resonance of the instrument.
The body sports a unique carve at the waist, accentuating the maple body plies. The gloss Natural finish is well-kept, with cosmetic wear limited to a handful of minor nicks and dings on the body perimeter and a scant few faint scratches in the clear coat on the body as a whole. The smooth gloss finish on the neck profile is flawless.
The original Gibson-branded, form-fit hardshell case with red plush interior is included. The case has a gold Gibson silkscreen on the lid, functional latches and the original handle.
The tonewood complement is rounded out by a five-piece maple/walnut neck and a slab ebony fretboard; the tonewoods give this V-II a resonant, warm natural acoustic tone with glassy articulation, faithfully captured by the stock pair of “Boomerang” pickups. These pickups were developed to combine the hum-canceling properties of a humbucker with the sparkle and cut of a single coil. They’re dynamic and lively, with a touch more midrange heft than a standard single coil and a snappy bass response. Weighing 8lbs 6oz, this V-II has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and spot-on intonation.
The five-ply maple/walnut neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with well-rounded shoulders and lightly rolled fretboard edges, gaining a hair more heft and roundness in the upper registers, measuring .815” deep at the 1st fret and .950” at the 12th. The thick slab ebony fretboard retains the pristine medium jumbo fretwire, and this V-II plays cleanly up the 24 3/4“ scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod. The nut is a replacement, measuring 1 11/16” in width. The headstock sports a replacement brass truss rod cover, fitted with a vintage set of Gibson/Schaller Speed Winder tuning machines with gleaming gold plating. The guitar was at one time fitted with a different tuner set, as evidenced by the singular small (cleanly doweled) mounting holes beneath each gear.
All of the electronics function as intended, with the stock “Boomerang” pickups wired to a modern harness with 500k CTS pots. The pickups retain their original ink stamps on the baseplates dating to February, 1981. Hardware comprises the original brass tailpiece, gold-plated Nashville bridge, and brass pickup surrounds, and the pickguard is a well-crafted brass replacement that follows the lines of the body and has an even dusting of patina. The bridge is seated into two brass studs, called the “Sustain Sisters” in the Gibson catalog, engineered to enhance the natural resonance of the instrument.
The body sports a unique carve at the waist, accentuating the maple body plies. The gloss Natural finish is well-kept, with cosmetic wear limited to a handful of minor nicks and dings on the body perimeter and a scant few faint scratches in the clear coat on the body as a whole. The smooth gloss finish on the neck profile is flawless.
The original Gibson-branded, form-fit hardshell case with red plush interior is included. The case has a gold Gibson silkscreen on the lid, functional latches and the original handle.
