Metallic Impact and All-Time Importance – The Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V Electric Guitar in Ebony
Metallica fans worldwide are all familiar with Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Flying V. It is Kirk’s very first Gibson, and the one that solidified his passion for Gibson guitars. His purchase was inspired by famous Flying V players Kirk admired, and because he was looking for a fuller, fatter sound – and what a sound he found! Kirk still plays that original guitar to this very day. He’s used it on all the early Metallica albums, including Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, Justice for All, and the Black Album – all of which has elevated this Flying V model to be one of the most solidly impactful and “important heavy metal guitars of all time”.
Only 200 are being built – each one hand-made, then artfully aged to match the original by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop and their Murphy Lab people in Nashville, Tennessee. A Certificate of Authenticity is included and the photo is signed by Kirk Hammett himself.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
- Shape: Flying V
- Material: 1-piece Mahogany
Neck
- Neck: 3-piece Mahogany with Volute
- Profile: Kirk Hammett V Profile
- Nut width: 1.54”/39.12mm
- Fingerboard: 1-piece Indian Rosewood
- Scale length: 24.75”/628.65mm
- Number of frets: 22
- Nut: Corian
- Inlay: Pearloid Dot
Hardware
- Bridge: : Custom Replica Bridge
- Tailpiece: Stop Bar; Heavy Chrome
- Tuners: M6 Schaller
- Plating: Chrome
Electronics
- Neck pickup: T-Type Humbucker
- Bridge pickup: T-Type Humbucker
- Controls
- 2 Volume
- MasterTone
- All CTS potentiometers
Case & SKUs
- Case: SKB Flying V Case
- SKU: FV79KHEBCH1
Manufacturer: Gibson
Model: FV79KHEBCH1
SKU: I730407-N-KH109-1-WHXD
UPC: 711106119441
We are Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center
Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.
Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.
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