The Gibson Flying V: A Short History

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Күн бұрын

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I started playing guitar in the 1970's. A golden time for great guitar records and bands. One of the most formative records for me was the ZZ Top live record, "Fandango". This is long before the slicker "Sharp Dressed Man" era, when ZZ was still "just a little blues band out of Texas." There wasn't MTV or You Tube so what we had...was the album cover. And there in some pretty amazing suits was the Reverend Billy G wielding an "arrow shaped" guitar on stage. I would never be quite the same again.
I need to thank the owner of the prototype flying V mentioned at the end of the video. He'd like to remain anonymous for now but if it wasn't for him, this video would have taken longer to make and, likely would have come later in the Short Histories line up.
I need to thank Phil Jones, formerly of the Gibson Custom Shop, for taking the time to speak with me about the first prototype that he'd had a hand in authenticating in September of 2019. As I say in the video, it was an honor to speak with a man so steeped in Gibson history.
I need to thank the guys at Carter Vintage in Nashville for sharing with me the high res pics of the original '58 V that passed through there last year. As I mention in the video that guitar is currently for sale at Emerald City Guitars in Seattle, for a paltry $392,000. In case you're motivated after watching the video, ;). Tell them I sent you.
I need to thank the guys from Wildwood Guitars for the Flying V pic in the thumbnail AND for the use of the clip of the "Gristle-tudinous" Greg Koch wielding a V in a demo in the intro and outro music for the video. I have always found the guys at Wildwood to be incredibly generous and there customer service is second to none.
wildwoodguitars.com/
www.gregkoch.com/
Until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.

Пікірлер: 1 400

@justincork3838 4 жыл бұрын

That was awesome! When I was young I worked Saturdays in a guitar shop. They had a white Flying V that was my Wayne’s world guitar ( oh yes it will be mine!) imagine how upset I was to find it sold one Saturday morning. Then imagine my elation to unwrap that very guitar on my 18th birthday! Thanks parents! I still have it. I still love it. Cheers Keith!

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Great story Justin!

@wonderwomanguy 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, I had a very similar story, but I got mine for high school graduation!

@bmxriderforlife1234 2 жыл бұрын

Duuuude it's the best feeling. But for me it was a bmx frame.

@jerryhicks7294 2 жыл бұрын

That’s alsome

@toddwebb6216 5 ай бұрын

A great story of KARMA'S POWER OF FATE.

@ChrisCanMakeStuff 4 жыл бұрын

I find it hilarious that Fender use to slam Gibson for "making things like they did fifty years ago" Fast forward to today and most guitarists want things that were made like they were made fifty years ago!

@jamesthe-doctor8981 4 жыл бұрын

I find it even more hilarious that if they can't find or afford one that was made 50 years ago, they'll pay through the nose to have the Custom Shop make a brand new guitar LOOK 50-years-old. What a waste! But, on the other hand, I have played a few amazing "road worn," or "relic" guitars and basses that felt like they actually were "played in," night after night, gig after gig, for decades. I would LOVE to be able to afford a HUGE music room/man cave with its walls totally "wallpapered" with instruments that look, play, and sound the way they used to make 'em.

@jeromegrzelak8236 4 жыл бұрын

@@jamesthe-doctor8981 Hello everyone in the custom shop miissed ya llll

@jamesthe-doctor8981 4 жыл бұрын

jerome grzelak Which one?? I hear they ALL miss me!!! 😂

@ags5696 4 жыл бұрын

If only I could afford a fifties Gibson and a fifties Stratocaster.

@jamesthe-doctor8981 4 жыл бұрын

IPA SOLÉ you may want to re-read the original comment, and maybe check out the video from 3:25 to 3:35 also. 😂

@RickBeato 4 жыл бұрын

This was again, just amazing Hypes! I want one.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Well of all people you should have one Hypes!

@dianathompson7597 4 жыл бұрын

Have you heard what Joe banamada is doing with one? Best tone I heard from him

@Sven_59 4 жыл бұрын

Love your work Rick Beato!!

@frankn4skeen 3 жыл бұрын

Be careful about the 2 major types of Flying Vs. The 50s types have way better access to high notes than the 70s types. The 70s types have a more SOLID neck joint, but, way bulkier too, thus way less comfortable. In the end, it's just a matter of personal taste.

@lawrencetaylor4101 2 жыл бұрын

It would be nice if you can round out your collection with a V. Looking forward to your next video, Rick. Merci.

@BulletproofLeprosy 4 жыл бұрын

"...and sure enough, man, we stepped into the land of humbucking. It was wicked." - Billy Gibbons, Book of revelation

@MattTee1975 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a 78 in 1994 for like $400. Years later, when the Internet became more of a thing, I looked up the band that was stenciled on the case. They had a page and I noticed the guitarist playing the V in an old black and white pic, so I emailed him. Turned out it was stolen off their tour bus in Omaha. He told me he was just happy it found a good home and let me keep it. Favorite guitar of all time. It's funny how a design that mimicked 50's car fenders and futurism turned into a metal icon.

@ayelmao1224 4 жыл бұрын

What band?

@natesdisturbed8719 Жыл бұрын

Woah! I live in Omaha

@ibji 4 жыл бұрын

There's this legend out there that Billy Gibbons owns the one and only original Moderne, but won't let anyone see it.

@DarttheLegend 4 жыл бұрын

I find that hard to believe. Knowing Billy, he would show it to people I think.

@pallecla 4 жыл бұрын

He also has a Bigfoot in his cellar...

@MisterTee 4 жыл бұрын

pallecla And Jimmy Hoffa

@livewire2759 4 жыл бұрын

I'd believe it if I heard it from Billy himself. 'Till then, I'll say its BS.

@eazzypeazzy7618 4 жыл бұрын

He is ashamed to show it... he stuck fur all over it and now can't get it off.

@SkyFire2112 4 жыл бұрын

The Story of my Flying V is one close to my heart. 90% of my guitar collection are the Dean Dave Mustaine VMNTs which are unreal guitars. My grandad was a mast wood worker so he and I started building guitars 2 years ago. The first ones we built were explorer shapes, one for me and one for my buddy as his surprise Christmas present from his girlfriend and myself. A little after that my Grandad passed away leaving his entire workshop to my dad and myself. Last Christmas, My grandparents from my mom’s side told me to go to the guitar store to get myself something for $100 that they could give me on Christmas morning (they know nothing about guitars lol) so I went in and on the wall there was a Cherry Red 67 Flying V re issue from 2003. I picked it up and it just felt right in my hands. The price tag as $1500. I’m friends with the owner of the store so he came over to me and said “I got that guitar in a trade this week for an acoustic. We don’t carry Gibson’s so I need that thing out of here to make space for the Christmas guitars. If you really want it, I’ll let it go for $900. I said yes on the spot. I used the $100 my grandparents gave me as a down payment. I explained it to them and they were happy with what I did. Christmas Day rolls around and under my tree there is an envelope signed by my grandad who passed away. My sister and I each got one and inside was $800. My dad explained they found them while they were cleaning out my grandad’s house. One for each of the grandkids. The next day I ran out and payed off the Cherry Red V and brought it to my grandad’s workshop (now in my house). There I put James Hetfield active EMGs in it and locking graph tech tuners. It was my first mod project. That guitar is my number 1 tied with my Dean Angel of Deth V. I love it so much. It’s clearly been played a lot because it’s worn in the best way possible! TL;DR I got a Gibson V for $900 with money my grandad gave me.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

That(!) is a great story. Thanks for sharing that with everyone. Keith

@TheSolongsidekick 4 жыл бұрын

Oh my fuck. That's a super cool story, but jesus christ I almost had an embolism when you said you put fucking EMGs in that V. That poor guitar.

@NeoRichardBlake 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheSolongsidekick I thought it was an odd choice for a classic reissue, too, but really if you just look at it without the "reissue" glasses, it's just a 2003 model with an old school control layout that he got for only $900, it makes more sense. It's not like he's destroying an authentic classic. Just modding something that looked like a classic. No harm done. However, if your comment is more along the lines of meaning you hate EMGs, in general, not just because it's this guitar... well I can't help you feel better about that, except to say "to each their own." ;)

@SkyFire2112 4 жыл бұрын

SoLongSidekick funny story about that the original pick ups were a little scratchy when I turned the volume knob. I happened to have a spare set of James Hetfield EMGs because of the guitar I built for my buddy so I said “hell yeah” I really love EMGs because I play metal so it works. I still have the original pickups so I’m planning on cleaning them and putting them into a spare pick guard so I can swap them out whenever I like!

@markfrost2707 2 жыл бұрын

cutting out a shape of wood for a electric guitar body is NOT making a guitar, really. A 8 year old can make one.

@TMoody 4 жыл бұрын

Very well done. The V is radical even in 2020 and I could not even IMAGINE the wrecked brains when this thing was introduced in 1958.

@smaug9617 Жыл бұрын

Yes, The V is radical even now. But it’s great guitar.

@glennmattison3180 4 жыл бұрын

The one thing I would add is that early Metallica made the V's relevant for us Gen Xers in much the same way that Slash did with the Les Paul.

@chaosmongo 4 жыл бұрын

And neither of those two were Gibsons ;-)

@evenkeel6131 4 жыл бұрын

chaosmongo Kirk played a black Gibson Flying V with a white pick guard for years with Exodus and Metallica.

@user-mz8iu7qx4n 3 жыл бұрын

@@evenkeel6131 James also plays a white V.

@liamnorlander6200 3 жыл бұрын

@@user-mz8iu7qx4n a fake one 🤘🏼

@ricklogan3328 3 жыл бұрын

His white V was an Electra....

@billklement2492 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Keith, Another great Short History! Here's an old guy story from an old guy... I was lucky enough to work with Wayne Wilke, a Bass player, Ham Radio operator, and audio engineer, among other things. Wayne was living in Indiana at the time. He and his wife would go to yard sales on the weekends. His wife would go off looking for things she was interested and Wayne would look for guitars and radio equipment. He saw a guitar case on the ground and opened it up. It was a Flying V. He looked at the serial number, closed the case and proceeded to pay the $20 asked to it. His wife came over and asked what he was putting in the trunk of the car. "Nothing..." As I remember, it was number 20 something. One of the early original Flying Vs. Wayne also had a ham Radio show back in the 60s called "Wayne's World". I understand he gave Lorne Michaels the rights to use the name for his movies. And used to hang out with Buck Owens! I was very lucky to work with Wayne! Old guys have the best stories!

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Great story!

@iannicholls7476 4 жыл бұрын

Bill Klement Interesting story. I’ve often wondered if I came across similar “buried treasure” would I pay the asking price and get out quick before they realised what they had done, or would I say “Hey, you know what this really worth, don’t you?” and let the seller get the real price elsewhere. I hope I’d take the second option, but I don’t know!

@billklement2492 4 жыл бұрын

@@iannicholls7476 That's a really good point! This was the early 90s so the guitar wasn't worth as much. And I'm sure Wayne was more interested in it being cool and a part of history than how much it was worth. Just a quick Google shows a 1958 for ~$400,000! I'd have to take it to the owners and tell them to have it appraised. And hate myself for the rest of my life. I had a friend that had an early 60s Martin D28 in his closet since it 1965. He played in college, but got wound up in his career. He offered to give it to me. I checked at the time (early 90s) and told him what it was worth and I couldn't accept it as a gift. I really hope he started playing again! What I wouldn't give for an early 60s D28! Stupid ethics! Thanks for the comment!

@iannicholls7476 4 жыл бұрын

Here in the UK we have car boot sales which are similar. All I’ve ever found was an old way pedal which didn’t work when I got it home! I think you did the right thing with the Martin.

@derrickmills7217 4 жыл бұрын

@@iannicholls7476 I also collect vintage roller skates. When I find buried treasure in the backroom of a Rink, I ask the seller what price would "make them happy" and never haggle beyond that point if it's a reasonable price. I figure it's a rare win/win for everyone involved...

@kennhern 4 жыл бұрын

I never imagined the bottom middle part of the V as a "crotch". Thanks for the mental image, Keith hahaha

@Starcrunch72 4 жыл бұрын

What else would it be called?

@MrClassicmetal 4 жыл бұрын

@@Starcrunch72 The perineum...

@marions.120 4 жыл бұрын

Still doesn’t mean you can play it while naked! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

@irvan36mm 4 жыл бұрын

I’d have called it: “Umm....This lil’ area right here”.

@roygonzalez4367 4 жыл бұрын

The Crotch is where They Put the Wammie Bar on the V ,of Course . . . .

@westernfilet 4 жыл бұрын

As an 80's kid, the cherry red used by KK Downing is THE Flying V to me! Man, I need one! Great video, great series!

@Bromeh 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. This. KK Downing was the ultimate Flying V icon for an 80’s kid and Priest fan. I have my first (an Epiphone version) en route at this moment!

@HighOnFire1997 3 ай бұрын

Same here man. My favourite V axeman. And James Hetfield

@hearpalhere 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have a V story myself but I just wanted to comment that I also am a huge fan of Fandango! It's an amazing album and the live tracks are absolutely killer. Thanks for another great history lesson Keith!

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Pal!

@ikigai47 4 жыл бұрын

Man I love these short histories. The Explorer was such a timeless shape imo. So well balanced. Would love to see you do pickups too. Dimarzio, Seymour Duncan, etc

@stevencommon 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Good to see the V's story done so well. Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash (UK band) always played a V. (One of the very first albums I bought, on pocket money in the early 70s)

@andymellor9056 6 ай бұрын

@stevencommon - Real guitars have wings...

@clockworktoastboy 4 жыл бұрын

My son's favorite guitar and the promise of getting one is the only reason he looks forward to learning classical guitar. Thanks for this episode, can't wait for more!

@gfunkk 4 жыл бұрын

actually a surprisingly good model for classical guitar as it has no choice but to sit in classical position when you're sitting down with it.

@steveb9325 4 жыл бұрын

Your son is very lucky!!! You want to adopt me? I'm only 62. Ps. I play Classical guitar....

@clockworktoastboy 4 жыл бұрын

@@steveb9325 won't be a Gibson, it'll be a garage build 😁

@steveb9325 4 жыл бұрын

@@clockworktoastboy okay! Thank you! Smiling...

@gonzalooliveraalves 4 жыл бұрын

It's really cool that you are making sure he is excited about learning to play music by making him learn classical guitar, but, if he feels forced to play classical because he wants that Flying V as a reward, I'd recommend you to just give him the Flying V, because if not, he will feel ready to play, but then he will have to adapt to electric guitar. What he can take from classical guitar and use on electric right away are the harmony and the musical vocabulary in general. But in terms of playing style, he'll have to adapt to a different world: Dealing with string muting, the thumb over the neck (which is something that is not allowed in classical guitar but it's pretty much used 24/7 in electric guitar), having to use a pick (yes, he can play finger picking but he's going to damage his nails if he doesn't keep them short), bends and vibrato, using steel strings instead of nylon, and all the specific playing techniques. I'm not saying that he won't be able to adapt, but it will be kind of frustrating for him to have all the knowledge from classical guitar and not be able to apply it right away because he needs to adapt to something that is completely new for his fingers.

@craigfalconer8699 4 жыл бұрын

My hat's off to Keith, and all the other creators on YT, for keeping this wonderful content coming!

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig!

@jts3339 4 жыл бұрын

Keith, I have a 1979 (earlier than you stated) Gibson V2 that I purchased from George Gruhn in the 1980’s for $340. I still have that week’s inventory sheet that Gruhn sent to subscribers before the internet listings became available, a set of pictures that were sent in response to my inquiry, and the receipt for the sale. I spoke to George on the phone about this guitar, and his comment was, “Anytime you can buy an American made Fender or Gibson guitar for less than $500 you’ll never lose any money”. These guitars originally retailed in the $1100 range, one of the most expensive in Gibson’s range. The boomerang pickups, ebony fingerboard, low action, and factory brass nut give them a unique (to Gibson) Tele-like brightness. I love mine and everyone who plays it is surprised by by the tone and playability of this unique guitar. If you take the time to examine the sculpturesque cuts that reveal the walnut and maple laminations, the boomerang pickup covers and gold-plated rings, the clearance cut on the fingerboard for the neck pickup, the fit of the mini pick guard, and the special tailpiece, you’ll see that this is a really beautiful and well-designed instrument that is a blast to play.

@BillJones 4 жыл бұрын

I could be wrong - but I believe that if you've ever seen a V2 "in the flesh", you could never really be happy with an original Flying V.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing one in a guitar store. I couldn't get my head around the pickups.

@jts3339 4 жыл бұрын

Bill Jones: Absolutely! The V2 makes the original V look like a stripped-down economy model. The V2 is an under-appreciated, elegant instrument that didn’t find an audience, but anyone who plays one “in the flesh”, as you say, goes “WOW”, and doesn’t want to put it down. Gibson spared no expense to make a unique instrument and succeeded in making a beautiful but expensive instrument that was beyond the financial reach of average players. It was meant to be played, and produces gorgeous Strat and Tele-like tones that can’t be accomplished by any other Gibson guitars.

@fireemblemistrash75 4 жыл бұрын

The guitar that metal loves, and has created countless other iconic guitars with the V shape

@graxjpg 2 жыл бұрын

Your professionalism, elite journalism (compared to what I already access), and broadcasting skill make your content highly enriching. Those traits, which are obviously a reflection of your character, are incredibly inspiring. Thank you for doing this. Also, I love the look of the V2 more than any other V design. It’s like a 50s V, but on acid!

@TheDprime 4 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this one! Can't wait to watch after work

@blazer6248 4 жыл бұрын

I'm waiting for ALL of em lol. Doesn't matter what it is. If it's by Keith, I wanna see it!

@zackhoskins7047 4 жыл бұрын

My favorite guitar ever!

@kendalljamesmusic 3 жыл бұрын

I spent a year playing in a band that was sponsored by Gibson- during the Lab Series era. (I know, I know... not exactly the golden years for them) I was given an L5-S, a The Paul, and a Flying V, with the arrow-shaped pickups. I was required to play them all in the course of our performances, but the workhorse was the V- light and quite comfortable on a strap, and cool-looking. I dragged that thing over every state east of the Mississippi in 1981, and the kids who came up to me after gigs always asked about it. They had never seen one. BTW- Like a lot of people in New England, I immediately associate a Flying V with J. Geils.

@andymelendez9757 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! How awesome was that. I originally dialed in to that sound with Michael Schenker. That first UFO record. On successive trips thru the time line I found Lonnie and Albert. Of course the Rev on Fandango. The band I was in yrs ago did a club gig in Idaho or Montana w Kim Simmonds and a later version of Savoy. Its just amazing how these artists finesse such wicked tone and and feel from their axes. The Gibson solid body/ 50 watt Marshall combo is pure gold to me. Amazing how the spirit of competition drives innovation. My own 'modern' was an original 2 pickup T Bird bass. I named her Ethel. How I wish I still had her. I think she married up. Outstanding job. Thanks!

@jsphillip60 4 жыл бұрын

Wow. Kim Simmonds. Saw him play 3 gigs in Tallahassee, FL ~late 1990's with that version of Savoy Brown ( based in upstate New York then). Great player, very gracious, great to talk to. I somehow don't remember, which guitars he played, but he had a beloved, beat up JCM800 half-stack. He got almost misty eyed when he talked about how much he loved that amp!

@producerman10030 4 жыл бұрын

There was a studio guitarist in NYC in the 70's that used a "V". His name is Steve Love, he played on a lot of disco records of the era and also was in the pit orchestra of The Magic Show. He was on the hit record "Brother Louie" by the band Stories. Love the channel.

@Walks-With-Pride 4 жыл бұрын

I fell in love with the shape of the Flying V the first time I saw one. I have had two over the years. My first V was a white Aria Pro given to me by a friend who happened to be Joan Jett´s sister. My second V was a Gibson Korina. I think it was made in the early ´80s. If I remember correctly, Gibson offered the Korina Series which included the V, Explorer, and the Moderne. I bought all three and loved them immensely. They were stolen years later and that was that.

@wonderwomanguy 4 жыл бұрын

Thumbs of for everything but the stolen part. F*ck the meth head who did that. >:(

@robertgladstein Жыл бұрын

Oh fk..damn stolen. That sucks😢

@tiptopdadddy 4 жыл бұрын

My former father in law was a long time news photographer. He covered The Kinks 65 tour and has an unreleased film of Dave playing that Flying V. Weird trivia; TM for Illinois was John Wayne Gacy.

@MrClassicmetal 4 жыл бұрын

John Wayne Gacy the serial killer?

@tiptopdadddy 4 жыл бұрын

Mr ClassicMetal Yes

@chrisnicholson3231 4 жыл бұрын

Bought my first (and still only) Gibson Flying V, a '95, around '98-'99. It was in a store in Rochester NY, and they didn't have a case for it. The guy swore that he'd use so much bubble wrap that it would bounce without damage. It already had some chips and it was only $550, so what the heck, right? Sure enough, it arrived wrapped in enough bubble wrap to bounce it off a moving UPS truck on I-65. I went to a local store and they only had one V case, an Epiphone. That's the case I still use. Although the body is light and very resonant, I was initially disappointed in the tone when playing with my band. Talked about this with the guys at another local store, and one of them suggested a pair of '57 Classics. Played the next gig with them installed and left the Strat at home from then on. Thanks for the video. The V may not be everybody's taste, but it deserves respect and you served it up.

@topixfromthetropix1674 4 жыл бұрын

I worked with a guitarist who played a Flying V for a while. In a drunken moment, he got Lester Maddox, former governor of Georgia, to autograph it. The autograph made it worth $50 more than book price when he sold it in Memphis. Strange Daze!

@sam.b1677 4 жыл бұрын

Loved this! Would love a history about the Firebird!

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

That's on the list...

@sped17373 4 жыл бұрын

@@fivewattworld And Thunderbird as well.....and maybe Rickenbacker 4001 please? I used to have/play an '83 Burgundy-Glo 4001 that I dearly wish I hadn't sold!

@eupraxis1 4 жыл бұрын

Around 1997 or so, in New Orleans where I lived back then, outside a guitar store was a young somewhat strung out guy with a very beat up Vee. He walked up to me and asked $100 for the thing. It was obviously unplayable. The PUs were all but destroyed, the electronics coming out from the bottom of the very warped pickguard. But the action was great, and the fret board appeared to be ebony - almost black, in any case. I gave him the $100 - although I was there to try to sell a guitar myself! I put in two humbuckers that I had originally bought around 1967, did the best I could about the wiring, and flattened out the pickguard enough to pass muster. It is just about my favorite Gibson to this day.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Great story! Which model is it?

@eupraxis1 4 жыл бұрын

@@fivewattworld It's a black 1967 model. Also, I had found a very old Gibson Vee case for it on ebay. It looks vintage, but I have no way of knowing.

@nightnoodler812 4 жыл бұрын

Came over to subscribe.. really excellent vid...Rick Beato recommended you channel. I had a friend in the mid 70's who owned a Flying V, he was fanatical about it. He actuall tried builing his own and sold it to me, for two hundred bucks, cause he needed the money. ( I was the only guy in out circle of friends that actually had a job) It was not bad, it played fine, he used the hummbuckers, and an old neck, then he just used his orginal V to sketch an outline, and rough cut out a V from some piece of wood..cant remember what it was. But it was a nice cut of wood, I think it might have been mahogany or cherry, he did not do a bad job for a teenager..He bought the beast back from me a few weeks later, I would have kept it, but he put in his own hard work so I was happy to return it...I think he actually still runs/owns a recording studio here in Calgary, Or did 10 years ago..jeeese I think I am getting old:)

@davidgood6744 4 жыл бұрын

I love how Dave Davies played his V between the wings. Another great video. It also had more commercials that a Sunday Night Movie that I remember from my childhood. I hope it helps to keep these super videos coming.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

How many ads did they run David? I have a small amount of control of that.

@davidgood6744 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Keith! I would say at least five. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that many commercials in a ten minute video.

@ray.shoesmith 4 жыл бұрын

five watt world Five ads for me. I understand the income keeps the channel alive and wouldn't have commented at all had it not been mentioned...it's worth the annoyance just to watch your content. I will say to youtube however that randomly interrupting great commentary mid sentence with an ad guarantees that I will never buy anything that's being advertised. Love your channel Keith. Although I've only ever owned one guitar (an ES-335 copy bought second hand in 1989), your guitar history stories are compelling viewing. I hope you continue long into the future. I'll never be able to afford any of the guitars you feature, so watching your vids is the closest I'll come to playing them. Thank you!

@ianmarkd.gestuveo4172 4 жыл бұрын

Finally, a video talking about my favorite guitar. In fact, I even have a Flying V for over a year now and still is my baby... Edit: When I'm going to buy another guitar, then it's gonna be an another Flying V.

@victorvaldenegro4001 4 ай бұрын

I’m 57 years old and never owned a V. I never was really interested in buying one until recently. Thanks to this video, I might end up buying one.

@sneekinaboutom9450 4 жыл бұрын

Man, these videos are soooo good. Seriously impressive how well researched and presented they are. Many thanks!

@anirudhr7736 4 жыл бұрын

Your channel has been an institution in subtle, informing, and extremely well researched and made videos....I have started looking at my guitar with more respect and I swear it has started responding much better to my abysmal playing...either that or maybe I am losing it a little...Another video exceptionally made....Kudos to you kind sir

@erickleefeld4883 4 жыл бұрын

That last bit of Greg Koch playing a V displayed a little appreciated aspect of this supposedly outlandish guitar: It’s really great for your playing it between your legs while seated, in the traditional classical style.

@MikeFurth 4 жыл бұрын

Man, I love these short history videos. So much rich information and attention to detail. Your love for the guitar shines through.

@amusicvideoblair 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve enjoyed every video you’ve done. Thank you for researching and producing these short documentaries! You talent for putting these together is unparalleled and tugs at everyone’s heart that enjoy the history / back story on these tools of the art & business of Music. 🙏✅

@davidteller7681 4 жыл бұрын

Another cool 80's V from Gibson was "The V", it had a bound, flame maple top in red or tobacco sunbursts. There was an Explorer version too, "Explorer II". Both very cool!

@mborel 4 жыл бұрын

Great choice in opening and closing music. Really good job in giving us the history on the Flying V. And I love you description of the V2, the mating of a classical guitar and a boomerang is probably the greatest description I've heard used for a guitar.

@wizaxed 4 жыл бұрын

Keith - Your videos are great. Your research is fantastic and we all love these history lessons. Thanks for sharing!!

@spartantim9907 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Keith, for doing these videos. You do a great job of research and tell the story so well. Much appreciated!

@asdf9890 4 жыл бұрын

I love these history videos. I always like to imagine what it must have been like to see these guitars come out back then. The Explorer and V still look different, but it's hard to imagine a Strat being something new and unusual.

@DonnieHardenJr 4 жыл бұрын

Super cool history of the Flying V. My dream Flying V is the Gibson Silver Sparkle one. The silver metallic flake one. Side note though, Jimi Hendrix didn't give the painted V to Billy Cox, he gave it to Mick Cox the guitarist of Eire Apparent. A Irish band he was helping produce. Gibson had gifted him with a new V so for whatever reason he gave away the painted one. Probably because the 1969 one was newer with better hardware. Anyway, Mick Cox fell on hard times after Jimi died, circa 1973, and had to sell the guitar. But felt guilty about it and didn't want people to know that it was Jimi Hendrix's guitar, so he sanded off the custom paint and sold it as the basic black that Jimi had painted it before putting the custom paint with the fingernail polish on it.

@scottriddle5468 4 жыл бұрын

Man I love what your doing with the short history series. Thanks

@aguynamedben 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best one you’ve ever made, thanks for the hard work!!! 🙏

@metalmover 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Keith Williams for turning KZfaq into the guitar version of the History Channel. (No Pawn Stars Here)

@jeffreyvargo7963 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot one of the most important players of the V Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash.... in the early 70's..... he influenced many to seek out and buy this style of guitar... also J Geils.. of the J Geils Band.....played a V as one of his main guitars.....

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

I had him in here and I had to cut some time. When I asked people they really didn't know the band that well...so...sorry if he is a favorite.

@slw59 4 жыл бұрын

My feelings exactly!! I bought a 1975 V because of Andy. That picture of him playing his V on the inside of the Argus album is so cool.

@Bartockamus 3 жыл бұрын

J. Geils is the reason I still want a V.I'll build it soon.

@mattraino3274 4 жыл бұрын

Man I love these- I know each episode is a labor of love......just know greatly appreciated!

@motoprentice 4 жыл бұрын

Y'all do such a great job with these vids. Thank you.

@somberlainnn9883 4 жыл бұрын

The headstock on the explorer patent application looks a awful lot like a dean/dimebag guitar headstock

@enlightenedchristian3183 3 жыл бұрын

I just aqquired a lefty Dean z Explorer.Its incredible.

@bobwallace9814 4 жыл бұрын

Being a member of the Mr Know It All club it comes as a shock that after the first 60 seconds I realize I don't know shit.

@cowtowncustoms2110 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith, whenever I see a new "Short History" from you I know it will be great. This one keeps your streak alive!

@reiddillashaw2383 4 жыл бұрын

I smiled when the notification for another Five Watt World video popped up. And I wasn't disappointed. Great video! Thanks FWW!

@imafunkyman 4 жыл бұрын

Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash is a great "V" player.

@umbertoyltp 4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree, he has played The V for decades in a dual guitar band, like K.K. downing did. It might distort my memory, both players of course played other guitars, but the V model is so revolutionary, it becomes a player's trademark.

@larryh.3173 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, Keith, but (you asked) a big "miss" here _for me_. I was waiting throughout your great presentation to hear Andy Powell mentioned. The V's even part of Wishbone Ash's trademark logo. Ah, well... whatever, right? Keep up the GREAT work and thanks! :-)

@slw59 4 жыл бұрын

So true. I don't think any other player is associated with the Flying V more than Andy Powell.

@imafunkyman 4 жыл бұрын

@@edwhite7475 Andy also changed out his pickups. I believe he used humbuckers from an ES 335.

@slw59 4 жыл бұрын

@@imafunkyman Yes, Andy mentions in his book "Eyes Wide Open" that he put PAF's in his '67 Flying V that were taken from an ES-335 that suffered a broken neck.

@PaulMcCaffreyfmac 4 жыл бұрын

Kim Simmonds has always been my favourite V player. When Savoy Brown were pretty popular in some cities in the US and recording live albums there, I saw them in the back room of a pub in Southall in a room with maybe 200 other people. Great players, great singer, great band

@cecilhackett3727 3 жыл бұрын

He'll yeah! It's Jack the Toad

@PaulMcCaffreyfmac 3 жыл бұрын

@@cecilhackett3727 This was Blue Matter/A Step Further time :-)

@cecilhackett3727 3 жыл бұрын

I bet it was 1 hell of a show, small venues are the best.

@cecilhackett3727 3 жыл бұрын

Savoy Brown is a drug for me.if I don't listen to some Savoy Brown, I start to get grouchy

@PaulMcCaffreyfmac 3 жыл бұрын

@@cecilhackett3727 Half the time at very small pub type venues Chris Youlden didn't show and Dave Peveret did the singing. Still a great band though :-)

@Richardcecker 4 жыл бұрын

Another extremely interesting video. Thank you for all you do. One of my favorite channels by far. Thanks!

@unclestarwarssatchmo9848 4 жыл бұрын

Quality content as always! Your videos are such a joy to watch! Can't wait to see which other guitars are next in line!

@Ottophil 4 жыл бұрын

After smashing half a dozen or so Ibanez RG’s , Karma got me back when I dropped my 91 Gibson V playing the Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh in 09’. Headstock snapped right off. Thats why I don’t smash guitars anymore. i miss that V alot

@olipas2775 4 жыл бұрын

But the V wasnt lost, or was it? Because it possibly could have been repaired

@Ottophil 4 жыл бұрын

oli pas not after I set it on fire. I only paid 400 for the guitar, most estimates for the repair were that much. I just took the EMG’s out and put in the burn barrel with the rest of my trash.

@rainerwinkler1026 4 жыл бұрын

@@Ottophil dude wtf

@modestoney1577 4 жыл бұрын

@@Ottophil well, then it´s your own fault

@Ottophil 4 жыл бұрын

Detlef Davis i don’t trust a repaired headstock.

@mikecullerton 4 жыл бұрын

Never wanted to own a Flying V, until now.

@wonderwomanguy 4 жыл бұрын

No time like the present!

@montlejohnbojangles8937 4 жыл бұрын

Just gonna say, I've been loving these guitar origin documentaries. Really well researched and presented!

@Xxmeca421xX 4 жыл бұрын

I just found this channel and love how you have someone double checking your facts. Good shit

@avielkharrat5788 4 жыл бұрын

I LOOOOVE IT!!! the intro has a Flying-V-ish quality to it by the master hands of Greg Koch! WAW

@Tumbleweed_Tx 4 жыл бұрын

yeah! At the beginning, I was like, shush, you're talking over Greg's playing! If y'all haven't heard of Greg Koch, look him up. He's a monster player and a sweetheart of a guy.

@63timfred 4 жыл бұрын

Grace Potter keeps the "V" alive and well today.

@cecilhackett3727 3 жыл бұрын

Ain't nothing hotter than Grace Potter

@ayy-lec6462 4 жыл бұрын

So happy with this video, you definitely outdid yourself once again, loving these history videos :)

@gdscheiwe01 4 жыл бұрын

Great documentary as usual. I could watch these all day long. As a matter of fact, I think I will. Peace!

@eric_has_no_idea 4 жыл бұрын

This makes me hopeful for an Explorer video... Maybe it's growing up idolizing Hetfield, but it's the pinnacle of body shape to me.

@teaandcomics1 4 жыл бұрын

Love these short histories. I'd really love to see something about Epiphone. Recently got a Sheraton and I found it fascinating John Lee Hooker played it over the 335. Curious to see how Epiphone came under Gibson and what of their models are original and not Gibson copies.

@peterlaczko8170 4 жыл бұрын

Is it just me or are these videos really getting so much better with every new release? Great work sir .unbelievably classy . The best 26 minutes of my day . Thank you !

@billhansen9 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these! I continue to enjoy them!!!

@avielkharrat5788 4 жыл бұрын

Leo Fender, in the 1950s, said about Gibson, that they were "still making things like they were 50 years ago".... Hem... Hem-hem... Well that's 150 now....

@monsterzero1587 3 жыл бұрын

No need to change perfection.

@JSXSProductions 4 жыл бұрын

Surprised you didn't bring up James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett playing Explorers and Vs in in their early days.

@tlc8865 3 жыл бұрын

Another very thorough overview of an iconic Gibson. Thanks and I love your series. Very well done, brother! Peace.

@donaldcright5292 4 жыл бұрын

Closest to a half hour of guitar bliss as one can get, thank you so much !

@richexcellente429 4 жыл бұрын

The Flying V was perhaps the first novelty electric guitar, still in production today. I have owned several Vs through the years ,but disappointed with the sustain. And despite replacing the pickups, the design contributes to an "anemic" sound pallet. This can be attributed to the short bout ( the area betwee the last fret and the bridge). It simply lacks density. Upon completion of the first 57 Chevy guitar, it was discovered that the decorative metal tail lamp, when attached to the body, produces unusual sustain qualities. But without the metal, the chevy tail fin guitar loses it vibrancy , sounding faded, more like the flying v. I termed this discovery " metal loading." If you were to add a metal fixture to a Flying V, ( in the same manner), you would notice an overall improvement in tone, balance, and sustain. Bottom line, the 57 Chevy taught us how to build a better sounding guitar, and how to improve and correct the deficencies of existing guitars, called "metal loading". Awarded 3 U.S.Patents.

@markfrost2707 2 жыл бұрын

it's a solid piece of mahogany. I dont know what V you had but they had sustain FOREVER. you probably had the cheap Epiphone one.

@auntjenifer7774 2 жыл бұрын

My Flying V is a Hamer Flying V vector and it's neck meets the body at around the 17th fret and has so much tone, harmonics and mid range sustain with bite and growl just like the best vintage Les Paul guitars ! I've also got a couple explorer types that seem to have a fuller frequency range but doesn't have that mid range thwack and crack that my Hamer Flying V has but the explorer is joined at the body around the 19th or 20th fret so maybe that has more influence on the mid range tone!? Dean has the ML and explorer and different style Flying V styles that honestly rock my world far better than the Gibson versions I've played 🤷🏻‍♀️ Dean and Hamer seem to be preferable in comparison to the Gibson versions🤔👍

@jakeharderproductions2572 4 жыл бұрын

It would be awesome to see a short history of the Fender Mustang

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

That's on the list...

@niknak8299 3 жыл бұрын

five watt world Yes please do

@sski 4 жыл бұрын

That was excellent. I've played mostly Flying V's and Explorers (Gibson & other brand/self built copies) all my 38 years. I just finished a V build based on a late 60's platform with a cherry mahogany body, mahogany neck, black pickguard, and gold hardware. I love the formats of both guitars. I have a sweet 78 Hamer Standard that I love dearly as well. Always lusted for a Moderne. Your doco was outstanding.

@jayanthkumar7964 4 жыл бұрын

This channel's videos are a surreal, meditative experience.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jayanth!

@rainerlippock-vollrath7891 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, you forgot to mention one of the greatest Flying V players: Andy Powell from Wishbone Ash

@anarcho710 4 жыл бұрын

Yes finally

@FloridaManMatty 4 жыл бұрын

Outstanding!! I’ve really been looking forward to this one!

@LennyJohnson5 4 жыл бұрын

This channel and Chris Buck's 'Friday Fretworks' make my week. Thank you - superb content.

@tgrules565 4 жыл бұрын

Always thought they were the coolest looking guitars as a kid. As an adult I now have 4 flying Vs plus, a flying v acoustic, a flying v ukulele and a flying v cheese grater. 😂😂

@triton5342 3 жыл бұрын

Flying V acoustic? okay i m googling that right now :D.

@Bartockamus 3 жыл бұрын

@@triton5342 Dean made an acoustic V.

@marions.120 4 жыл бұрын

1958: Guitar $247.50 equal to $2195.75 in 2020. 1958: Custom case $75.00 equal to $665.00 in 2020. I can’t understand why a Custom Shop guitar is $6500.00? Maybe it’s the case, looks like Gibson is trying to sneak it past us and charging us a couple thousand dollars for the case! ✌️🤪🎸🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶. p.s. Thank goodness for the commercial, I was getting too much information and enjoying myself way too much. I really needed the break.

@mysackowoe 4 жыл бұрын

I love the work you do bringing forward real American guitar histories in our musical culture. They’re all great artist creations.

@arnoldfernbladst3875 4 жыл бұрын

I can't believe I watched all 26 minutes of this video! I was riveted to the story and how it was presented. EXCELLENT job in historical journalism and explaining all of the minute details!

@OosGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

3:30 this is still true today... Gibson tries to make stuff like they did before, banking off their history without any good innovations (robot tuners are not a good innovation...), while Fender comes out with cool feasible stuff like the alternate universe and stuff like that

@wonderwomanguy 4 жыл бұрын

Gibson has tried coming out with new things and the public just doesn't want it. My theory is Fender can come out with crazy new stuff because their products are so easy to mod without doing irreparable damage. And lastly, those robot tuner would have been a god send if they'd put them out 12-strings!

@OosGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

@@wonderwomanguy yeah I suppose you are right in saying that the public doesn't want Gibson to change... I think a few years ago they just changed the main lineup and people didnt like that and when they come out with new stuff its a 3.5k futuristic Flying V

@judmcc 4 жыл бұрын

The players of the Flying V read like a Who's Who.

@MrBrawl 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another fantastic video, Keith! Patiently waiting one day for a Fender Mustang short history. Just picked one up myself and am amazed at how captivated I am by it. Never thought much about them until I had one in my hands.

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

It’s coming, it’s just a big list...

@MrBrawl 4 жыл бұрын

@@fivewattworld Believe me, I totally get it. It will happen when it happens. Keep up the great work! Don't forget to play guitar, too!

@Markstarscoobs 2 жыл бұрын

I love my flying V got it in 05 as a 15 year old and this was fun to watch. I have been trying to replace it but keep coming back to my old faithful V

@gman2380 4 жыл бұрын

Keith knocks it out the park again. Fascinating every time . Great images ,info, and trivia all rolled into one . Awesome channel FWW !

@fivewattworld 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks G Man!

@ricolander7393 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely one of your best and most in depth videos. Thanks.

@paulcasilio1119 4 жыл бұрын

You have featured guitars that I have loved more and have owned in this brilliant Short History documentary series. I was indifferent to the Flying V going in. That said...this is the greatest documentary I have seen about our mutual passion “hobby” anywhere...ever. Please take a bow, all of you, and thanks. You have my deepest respect and gratitude.

@kevinhuber8723 2 жыл бұрын

Bought an all white with white pick guard out of a local paper in 1988. Three hundred bucks with stand, case and Gibson amp! I think it is a 1979 re-issue. Everyone who has ever played it has made an offer to buy! This guitar ROCKS and has sustain for days. My how time flies!