Gibson Flying V Faded

The Gibson Faded Flying V is an affordable, no-nonsense guitar with enough class to stay ahead of other gibson USA models in the looks department. The Faded V features a solid Mahogany body and set neck, coupled with a rosewood fingerboard. The 496R and 500T pickups pair perfectly with this guitar, lending it a powerful feel when gain is applied. The controls are made up of two separate volumes and a shared tone pot, which leads to less output resistance and more power. The looks of the guitar are surprisingly fair, unlike other guitars in the faded series.

UTILIZATION

The tuning stability of the V is average. I found that the B-string on the particular guitar I tested had issues with keeping in check. The neck profile is flaunted by gibson of being a cross between the 60's slim taper neck and the thicker 50's style. I couldn't discern any great benefit to it, but the neck did feel wonderful in the palm. The pickup selection for this guitar is perfect, they give the V a very "hot" sound that allowed for enhanced playing feel with aggressive styles.

SOUNDS

I played the Gibson Faded flying V through a JVM210h. Mesa 4x12 cab. No pedals.

If my previous review was any indication, I am not a fan of the JVM series amps at all. This guitar, however, managed to make it pretty enjoyable to listen through. The clean sounds aren't exactly crystal, but they are useable. The focus of this guitar was gain sounds, and this is what I spent most of my time using the guitar for. The guitar allowed for fluid lead runs with oodles of sustain. I could have easily spent a day playing the same riffs on this guitar and not realized the time past. One of the best guitars I've played for aggressive styles of music.



OVERALL OPINION

The Gibson Faded Flaying V is a rock/metal guitarist's dream. The guitar is inexpensive, fetching as low as $500 on the used market, while not being stripped of features to the point of damaging desirability. The V retains the gibson aesthetic cues that fans of the brand crave, without set fire to their wallets.

I purchased this guitar at a local music shop for about $550 (Lists for $630). Not too bad.

Let me start with the pick-ups... It comes with a 496R(neck) and a 500T(bridge), Gibson's highest output pickups. They have such a broad range of tones from accoustic clean, to a raw hard shredd mode with great harmonics. The elegant ebony fingerboard (Much better than cheap rosewood in my opinion) gives it a sweet look. Tuning stability is pretty impressive. The standard pearloid tuners hold down their own quite well. Plays great, and the action is as low as it gets.

I personally can't stand the tune-o-matic bridges. They are not locked in place, and can easily fall off, or mess with the intonation, which in then lessens sustain. When I first got it, the intonation was a bit whacky and I was experiencing some fret-buzz. The Flying V electronics configuration has that annoying input jack that sticks out like a D*CK from the front of the pickguard and is SUPER uncomfortable!
Also, Gibson puts the rear strap button in a HORRIBLE location (right at the tip) which makes the weight of the guitar pull the neck down!


The quality is descent, but not superb. It gets great tones at any volume, just plug into a good tube or solid state amp. Overall the hardware is good but not the best out there. The guitar would be perfect with some modifications to electronics, and location of components.

This guitar is a good starter guitar for getting into bigger brand names. BUT BEWARE, A NAME ON A HEADSTOCK DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING! The sound is great with all sorts tones. If I lost it, I wouldn't get another one. I like guitars with finishes as well. If you're looking for a perfect backup guitar, this will do the trick.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got the Faded Flying V online at samedaymusic.com for $770 (because mine is left handed). I got this guitar because I had played the right handed version in the store and loved it so I went online to find it left handed. Luckily Gibson is totally left handed friendly so, you know, I got that one instead.

I really like the feel because the fret board has great action. I have a fender strat and I couldn't go really fast on it but then I got the V and I was ripping solos like nothing. I can't keep my eyes off the finish, it looks so inviting. And the tone incredibly warm but crunchy.

I could'nt really tell you what I do like because its an all around great guitar.

The constuction is great for gigging and jammin' with your buds but you cannot sit down with it, which kind of shows that the v was made for the stage. The shape with definately turn some heads. Its worth every penny.

My summary:

1) warm/crunchy tone
2) fast action
3) beautiful finish
4) too good for the price
5) made for the stage

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this guitar at Mars Music just yesterday for $560 , when I was shopping around at their going out of business sale. I saw it hidden behind/below a few ltds so I picked it up and plugged it into a marshall and just jammed for a few minutes. It has a nice smooth feel to it , the finish makes it look like an old friend, it has all that the other V's have except the finish and crescent inlays. The best part is it only cost $560.. for a USA made gibson the regular price is around $620 and list is $900+ .

Personally I love the faded finish because it gives it a very nice look (Most of the pictures you see on the internet don't do it the justice it deserve)

The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the crescent inlays because I don't really like inlays on the fretboard besides on the side. Though I do think they give it a unique look.

I love the sheer perfection of the body construction on this one , it's so smooth and comfortable, when I'm standing up playing it , the balance is just right. Everything is in new good working condition, the volume and tone pots have no scratching or fading out or anything. The inlays are very nicely crafted and positioned too.

For under $900 , why wouldn't you want a nice new gibson Flying V ?

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com