Gibson '59 Historic Mahogany Flying V Reissue

This is a burst 59 Korina V reissue. Gold hardware, 3-in-a-row pots (vol., vol., master tone). The 59 has a 2 piece Korina body with a typical Gibson 59 neck profile...big, but not too big, with nice med.-jumbo frets. Single point style headstock, exact replica of a 59. Absolutley gorgeous. Custom shop case, candy, certificate, etc., built in 2002. Nice weight at around 7 1/2 lbs.

I have a collection of modern classics s/a PRS Ltd. Ed. Brazilian Singlecut, 58 and 59 custom historic LPs, Andersons, custom shop Strats and Teles, a custom historic 335, and have owned too many other stupidly fantastic elite electrics. (Like many of you, I have a bit of a guitar problem). Most guitars of this rare air sound great, resonant, distinctive...as they should. But this V, WHOA! It brought tears. It rocks so hard. Has way huge bottom AND top. Tonal balance unlike any I've ever heard. Resonance at an out-of-this-world level. A rich, thick, and throaty tone. No rock or blues player could help but concur that its sound is truely special, BUT...forget about jazz. Hard as I tried, I couldn't coax a decent jazz tone from the neck, but who cares. This V is made to do one thing, and boy does it succeed. Now these custom Korina Vs retail for a ridiculous $12 grand+, but sell for street around $6+ grand, still unpleasant. And I don't know if it's the shape, the wood, or whatever, but if you want the ultimate in this kind of voice, than find a way to get one. You'll never let it go. BTW, I mostly play it thru a Fender 57 Twin Reissue, and an Aiken Intruder (AWESOME Marshall sounds), and it sounds equally fantastic.

It's almost too pretty to play...almost. Couldn't find a flaw, and I usually do on most others. I always tweek the string height and pup heights to taste, but this was very close from the box. One thing I gotta say here. I was tormented when I first got this. It sounded sooooo good, BUT, I initially found it nearly impossible to practice with seated. Very frustrated and bummed. Then, during a conversation with a fellow guitar geek at a local shop, he retorted that he thought the V was the MOST comfortable guitar to play seated. Stradle the 'V' over your right thigh, and it effectively renders the position to that of a classical player. Though I initially briefly tried that and was dismissive, I went home and did so for an hour or so, and EUREKA! He was right. Once your used to it (and you will be), it's so natural, and dare I say, an intimate experience. Now we're quite the happy couple. The moral is that given a fair chance, it'll feel as comfortable (maybe more) as any other axe you gravitate towards.

I imagine as good as any high end Gibson. It is quite robust, and with resonable treatment, should last a lifetime. Gig with it? NEVER! Only a fool or very, very wealthy player would do so. We all have our 'players' for gigs, and if I just HAD to gig with a V, I'd buy a cheaper USA Gibson or Epiphone for that purpose. They still have that same basic sound. Vs, in particular, with all their geometric protruberances, are especially vulnerable to 'road wear', and people are drawn to touch them if given the chance.

Don't know, haven't used on this one, but I've gotten very curteous results from them in the past. Hate their new restrictive internet sales policies, though. But can't blame their troops at large for the misguided decisions of the senior ranks.

There are many potential ingredients that may add up to the amazing product that this is, and maybe a bit of voodoo along the way, but there's a reason that these Vs have such a revered and cult-like following. I know that I'll never be without one, and could easily end up with more. I do think it's worthwhile to pay up for this custom Korina version, as it's obvious that this relatively light wood has incredible resonant qualities, and the overall build quality is first rate. If you've seriously considered one of these, go for it. Playing one is an exhilirating experience, one you'll never grow tired of. Now I understand what Albert King (one of my idols, RIP) knew. There's some serious mojo in a V.

Historic 59' all mahagony Reissue Model.Gorgeous finish.

Hardware is exactly like the Korina 59' Historic Re-issue: Gold plated with 57' Classic Humbuckers. Neck is on the chunky side but very comfortable. Weight is light & well balanced. Not neck heavy. Came with black historic plush lined case.

Style: Mostly modern Chicago Blues. Tonewise, rich full throaty tone bordering on classic high gain ZZ Top when matched to a good tube Marshall Amp.Harmonics galore.Does not need effects but would probably sound good with a classic Wah pedal.

Excellent out of the box set up. Bought New. NO flaws that I could find.

Finish is very light - probably enhances tone? Build wise, solid but potentially Fragile. Watch out when leaning against anything! Would possibly take it to a gig but not leave it alone for a second!

Only e-mailed support a few times on other Gibsons & got quick responses.

Been playing 15 years+, on & off. I would not compare this model with any other Flying V I have owned. Simply superb. Although a little expensive.