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A faithful revival of one of the rarest and most revered hard rock icons from Gibson, meticulously recreated for a new generation of players and collectors.
Originally released in highly limited numbers, the 1971 Flying V Medallion became a standout instrument of the early hard rock era, celebrated for its distinctive style, powerful tone, and enduring collectability. The new reissue is now available worldwide through authorized Gibson dealers, Gibson Garage locations, and on Gibson.com.
Handcrafted in Nashville, the Gibson Custom 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue captures the spirit, specifications, and unmistakable attitude of the original model with remarkable detail.
Handcrafted in Nashville, the 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue faithfully captures the character of the original model, long associated with legendary players and prized by collectors for its exceptional performance and rarity. Revered for its bold voice and unmistakable presence, the instrument remains a defining symbol of Gibson’s innovation during the early 1970s. Closely associated with Michael Schenker’s unmistakable tone and represented in Kirk Hammett’s personal collection, original examples of the 1971 Flying V Medallion have become legendary for their consistency, power, and presence. Hammett has described them as “consistently great,” a fitting reflection of the model’s enduring reputation.
“The 1971 Flying V Medallion holds a special place in Gibson history,” says Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson. “As one of Gibson’s earliest limited-edition instruments, it helped establish a lasting legacy within hard rock guitar culture. This reissue brings back the details, feel, and sound of the original, giving players the opportunity to experience an iconic instrument with remarkable vintage accuracy.”
Built with a thinner two-piece mahogany body that mirrors the vintage specifications, the reissue delivers reduced weight, outstanding resonance, and impressive sustain. A three-piece mahogany neck with an Authentic 1971 Flying V profile offers a fast, comfortable playing experience, while period-correct features—including a volute, rosewood fretboard, and classic dot inlays—preserve the spirit of the original design.
Vintage-inspired appointments continue throughout the instrument, including chrome hardware, a Historic Reissue ABR-1 bridge, and a Stop Bar tailpiece. At its sonic core is a matched set of authentic unpotted T-Top humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets, delivering the articulate attack, clarity, and dynamic response that helped define the sound of an era.
A signature feature of the original model, the individually numbered 1.5-inch gold medallion is mounted on the bass-side wing and bears the Gibson logo and Limited Edition Model inscription. This distinctive detail remains one of the most recognizable elements of the Flying V Medallion and underscores its unique place in Gibson history.
Originally created to commemorate the 1972 Olympic Games, the Flying V Medallion was produced in an estimated run of only around 350 instruments, making it one of Gibson’s rarest vintage models. Decades later, its reputation continues to grow among enthusiasts drawn to its scarcity, striking aesthetics, and unmistakable hard rock pedigree.
Read more about the history of the Gibson Custom 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue in the Gibson Gazette here.
Where to buy:
Marking the first dedicated reissue of the model, the 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue offers a rare opportunity to own a historically accurate recreation of a legendary Gibson instrument. Combining meticulous craftsmanship, vintage-correct specifications, and timeless style, it stands as both a tribute to a celebrated chapter in Gibson’s legacy and an inspiring tool for today’s players to forge their own musical path.
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