1959 Gibson Flying V
The 1959 Flying V — original Korina-bodied Modernistic design, one of fewer than 100 ever made. The guitar that defined rock's rebellious image.
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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Specifications
| Body Wood | Korina (African Limba) |
| Neck Wood | Korina |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece (V-shaped body) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Natural Korina |
| Est. Production | 17 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbucking pickups.
What Changed in 1959
Only 17 Flying Vs made in 1959 — the rarest production Gibson. Combined with 1958, fewer than 100 original Korina Vs exist.
Notable Examples
Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and later Michael Schenker and Kirk Hammett made the V iconic.
Collector's Notes
Original Korina Vs are among the most valuable guitars in existence. Authentication is absolutely critical. Fewer than 100 originals exist worldwide.
How to Authenticate a 1959 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 1959 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.