1958 Gibson Flying V
The 1958 Gibson Flying V — one of only 98 made — is among the rarest and most valuable American electric guitars. A commercial failure in its time, it's now a Holy Grail collector piece. The combination of Korina body, PAF humbuckers, and radical design is unique.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 5 verified sales for 1958 Gibson Flying V. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Korina (African limba wood — distinctive light, resonant hardwood) |
| Neck Wood | Korina |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece (V-style) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Natural Korina (no finish — just Korina's natural color) |
| Est. Production | 98 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbuckers. The V-shaped headstock matches the radical body design.
What Changed in 1958
First year of the Flying V — one of the most radical guitar designs ever produced. Only 98 were made. The Korina (African Limba) wood body was chosen for its light weight and resonant character. Essentially a commercial failure in 1958, the V became a collector's icon.
Notable Examples
Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and Dave Davies played Flying Vs. The 1958 original is the rarest version by far.
Collector's Notes
Authentication is absolutely critical — fakes and modifications abound. The Korina wood should show natural variation and appropriate aging. Original PAFs, original wiring harness, and original case are essential for maximum value. Fewer than 20 known pristine survivors.
How to Authenticate a 1958 Gibson Flying V
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1958 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Original PAF humbuckers with gold-plated covers — at these values, pickup authentication by a specialist is recommended. Korina (African Limba) body and neck — verify wood species. Only ~98 originals made. Provenance documentation mandatory. Multiple expert authentications required. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.