Up for sale, a 1982 Greco MSV-850 Michael Schenker signature Flying V in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique instruments to come out of the “lawsuit” era of Japanese guitar production, this MSV-850 faithfully replicates the specs of Michael Schenker’s (of Scorpions and UFO) signature Flying V. It was produced at Fujigen, one of the factories where Gibson would later produce their Orville line of Japan-exclusive guitars.

Tonewoods include a mahogany body and one-piece neck capped by a thick slab rosewood fretboard (which exhibits some aftermarket scalloping), yielding a big, bold acoustic voice, with the inherent warmth and midrange qualities of the solid mahogany construction translating well through the stock Maxon-made PU-2 humbuckers. These pickups are detailed and dynamic, lightly wax-potted to better interact well with high gain, and providing plenty of chunk and power. This V weighs 6lbs 10oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, slinky action and spot-on intonation.

The neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with modest shoulders, measuring .840” deep at the 1st fret and .950” at the 12th. The thick slab rosewood fretboard has a 12” radius and very subtle aftermarket scalloping between the lower frets, with more prominent scalloping in the upper registers. The degree of scalloping is ideal for dynamic bends and lightning fast playing while still affording good stability for chording down the neck. The medium jumbo fretwire is practically perfect, and this guitar plays cleanly up the 24 3/4“ scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod. The brass nut measures 1 9/16” in width, designed for optimal sustain and articulation. The headstock sports an inverted black/white truss rod cover, and the Greco-branded tuning machines turn smoothly and hold accurate pitch. The D82-prefix serial on the back of the headstock dates to April, 1982.
 
All of the electronics work as intended, with the Maxon PU-2 humbuckers wired to the stock harness with untouched solder joints and full-size pots that date to '82. Hardware includes the nickel-plated ABR-1-style bridge and stopbar, while plastics comprise the original trio of Strat-style knobs and the two-tone pickguard.

The two-tone finish exhibits gentle yellowing of the clear coat, and there are areas at each body point where the clear coat has been rubbed away. Cosmetic wear includes a number of dings and scuffs on the body as a whole, as well as light buckle rash across the back. The neck profile retains its matching gloss, with a few shallow marks central to the carve that have no impact on playability.

The original form-fit hardshell case is included.