Gibson Custom Revives a Hard Rock Holy Grail: The 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue Drops

Gibson Custom Shop has officially uncovered one of the most legendary vaults in rock history. The brand has announced the release of the Gibson Custom 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue, a meticulous, period-correct recreation of one of the rarest and most coveted hard-rock instruments ever forged.

Priced at $4,999.00, this limited-edition release honors the iconic “Medallion V”—a guitar famously brandished by heavy metal royalty like Michael Schenker and Kirk Hammett. For players and collectors who have spent decades scouring the vintage market for an original, Gibson is bringing the magic back in stunning detail.

The Birth of a Sleeker Beast: Period-Correct Specs

The original 1971 Medallion Flying V was a distinct departure from its late-’60s predecessors, and Gibson Custom has spared no effort in replicating those exact physical nuances.

Available at Guitar Center

A Thinner, More Agile Body

Unlike earlier, chunkier V designs, this reissue features a two-piece mahogany body carved to a slim 1.375-inch thickness.

This period-correct profile significantly reduces the instrument’s weight without sacrificing the signature warmth and mid-range punch of the Flying V platform. Finished in a gorgeous gloss Medallion Cherry nitrocellulose lacquer, the body offers a fast, lively resonance that feels broken-in right out of the case.

Authentic ’71 Neck Profile

The neck is a three-piece mahogany construction shaped to an Authentic 1971 profile. Purists will be thrilled to find the period-correct volute at the base of the headstock, adding structural reinforcement while maintaining vintage accuracy.

• Fingerboard: One-piece rosewood with a comfortable 12″ radius

• Frets: 22 medium-jumbo frets

• Inlays: Classic cellulose dots

• Construction: Long neck tenon for maximum sustain transfer

Sonic Firepower: 1968 T-Top Reissue Humbuckers

To replicate the authoritative, biting voice that defined early ’70s arena rock, Gibson outfitted this reissue with a matched pair of 1968 T-Top Reissue humbuckers.

The Purist Touch: These pickups utilize Alnico 5 magnets and are left completely unpotted. This allows for maximum harmonic complexity, openness, and touch-sensitive feedback—giving players the exact dynamic control expected from a premium Custom Shop instrument.

The electronics are handwired with premium CTS potentiometers, featuring independent volume controls and a master tone control to shape your classic rock roar.

That Legendary Gold Medallion

You can’t call it a Medallion V without the crown jewel. Mounted proudly to the upper wing of the guitar is a 1.5-inch gold medallion. True to the 1971 historical run, each medallion is individually numbered, instantly cementing the guitar’s limited-edition lineage and collector status.

Rounding out the vintage aesthetic is a suite of period-accurate hardware:

• Bridge: Historic Reissue wired ABR-1 bridge

• Tailpiece: Historic Reissue stopbar tailpiece

• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe double-ring tuners

• Knobs: Black witch hat knobs with silver reflectors

Hardware & Specifications at a Glance

Score & Breakdown

Overall Score: 8.6 / 10

• Craftsmanship: 8.8/10

• Tone: 8.7/10

• Playability: 8.5/10

• Value for Collectors: 8.4/10

Pros

• Meticulous historical accuracy, down to the 1.375″ body thickness and volute.

• Unpotted 1968 T-Top pickups deliver unmatched harmonic bloom and vintage bite.

• Individually numbered gold medallion provides genuine collector appeal.

• Lighter weight makes it highly comfortable for extended stage use.

Cons

• The $4,999 price point puts it out of reach for casual players.

• The unpotted pickups require high-gain restraint to avoid unwanted microphonic squeal.

Where To Buy

Available at Guitar Center

The Verdict

The Gibson Custom 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue is a triumphant, uncompromising nod to a golden era of heavy rock. Gibson Custom Shop has perfectly balanced historical nostalgia with modern build consistency.

If you want the look, feel, and raw tonal attitude of the guitar that launched a thousand riffs—without the five-figure vintage price tag—this limited run is a must-have masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the 1971 Medallion Flying V different from other Flying Vs?

The 1971 Medallion edition is famous for its thinner 1.375″ body profile (making it lighter and more agile) and the iconic, individually numbered 1.5″ gold medallion embedded in the upper wing. Original runs were highly limited, making them incredibly rare today.

What are “unpotted” pickups, and how do they sound?

Wax potting is a modern technique used to coat pickup coils to reduce microphonic feedback. Leaving the 1968 T-Top Reissue pickups unpotted preserves historical accuracy, allowing for a brighter, more open tone with complex harmonics and excellent touch sensitivity.

Does this guitar come with a case and certificate?

Yes, the guitar includes a premium Gibson Custom hardshell case and standard Custom Shop documentation verifying its limited-edition authenticity.

Is the neck profile thick or thin?

The Authentic 1971 neck profile leans toward a sleeker, faster feel compared to chunkier ’50s necks, designed specifically to accommodate the fast-rising demands of early hard rock and metal guitarists.