The quintessential shapely guitar: guitarists who favor the Flying V type
If you got into guitar because you love genres like metal or hard rock, you’ve probably admired a Flying V at least once.
With its distinctive shape—an upside-down V that can look like an arrow in silhouette—the Flying V was introduced by Gibson in 1958 alongside the equally famous Explorer as part of their radical guitar designs.
However, the design was so ahead of its time that it was poorly received at first and reportedly didn’t sell at all.
In this article, we’ve gathered players who favor the Flying V—a guitar that made its mark in history as a pioneer of radical designs—not only from overseas but also from Japan.
You might be surprised by some unexpected names!
Enjoy the read.
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[The Classic of Shaped Guitars] Guitarists Who Use Flying V Types (21–30)
miwa
Compared to Telecasters and Les Pauls, Flying Vs are smaller and lighter, so many female musicians favor them.
Miwa also loves using a Flying V for her electric guitar—it’s perfect for her petite 149 cm frame.
Carlos Cavazo
His name itself may not be that well known, but once you hear him play, you’ll think, “Oh, that guitar.” Carlos Cavazo was a member of Quiet Riot in the 1980s, and he played guitar on their massive hit “Cum On Feel the Noize.” His neatly structured, catchy solos were memorable, weren’t they?
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Genius bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Just when it seemed his time had come as a leading figure of white blues and power blues, he tragically passed away in a helicopter crash.
Although he’s strongly associated with the Stratocaster, there is footage of him appearing on television with a Flying V.
Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons, the guitarist and vocalist of ZZ Top, is also one of the devoted users of the Flying V.
While his most famous instrument is his own original Gretsch model, he can be seen using a variety of guitars in some live performances.
Richie Faulkner
The beloved instrument of Richie Faulkner, the new guitarist who joined Judas Priest in 2011, is also a Flying V.
Together with former member K.K.
Downing, he underpins the metal sound with the Flying V’s beefy tone.