1978 Gibson Flying V
The 1978 Flying V — reissue-era mahogany V. 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 | Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Indian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece (V-shaped body) |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry, Natural, White, Black |
| Est. Production | 2,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups.
What Changed in 1978
Late 1970s V. Production expanding significantly. The V became a metal staple.
Collector's Notes
Reissue Vs are excellent instruments. Verify original pickups, hardware, and finish. Early reissues (1966-1969) are significantly more valuable than later production.
How to Authenticate a 1978 Gibson Flying V
Check the impressed (stamped) serial number on the headstock back — verify within documented 1978 ranges. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1978 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. By the early 1970s, Gibson was transitioning to thicker finishes. Check finish thickness and aging characteristics. Verify correct humbucker pickups for this reissue era. Mahogany body. Verify correct angular body proportions for this era. Original Grover Rotomatic should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.