Gibson Custom has officially announced the release of the Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, a meticulously crafted “virtual clone” of the instrument that defined the golden era of hard rock and heavy metal.
Limited to just 50 units worldwide, this release marks a historic collaboration between Gibson, the legendary German “Blonde Bomber,” and current owner Kirk Hammett, to preserve the legacy of a guitar that shaped the sound of UFO, Scorpions, and the Michael Schenker Group (MSG).
Unfortunately the have already SOLD OUT worldwide!
The Resurrection of Medallion #56
The original guitar—a 1971 Medallion Flying V (Medallion #56)—began its life in a Cherry Red finish. Over years of relentless touring and recording, it underwent several transformations, eventually donning the iconic Black and White split paint scheme that became synonymous with Schenker’s persona.
To ensure absolute historical accuracy, Gibson Custom utilized advanced 3D scanning technology on the original instrument. Every contour of the thin artist-profile neck and every battle scar has been accounted for. The aging process was handled by the world-renowned Murphy Lab, replicating the exact wear and tear the guitar sustained while recording masterpieces like Phenomenon and Lights Out.
Technical Specifications: Built for the “Mad Axeman”
The Collector’s Edition is more than a display piece; it is a high-performance machine built to Schenker’s exacting standards:
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Body & Neck: Solid mahogany body paired with a three-piece mahogany neck featuring a volute and a 1-piece rosewood fretboard.
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Pickups: A duo of uncovered T-Top humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets, hand-wired to 500k CTS potentiometers to deliver that signature biting, midrange-heavy tone.
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Hardware: Period-correct Schaller M6 tuning machines, a Corian® nut, and the distinctive “half-and-half” black and white truss rod cover.
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The Signature Look: A white pickguard with the upper half painted black, mirroring the DIY aesthetic of the original.
A Holy Grail for Collectors
The 50 lucky owners of this edition will receive a premium package that celebrates the guitar’s history. Each instrument is hand-signed by Michael Schenker on the back of the headstock.
The package includes a custom replica flight case adorned with MSG graphics, a Certificate of Authenticity in a black-and-white folio, and a commemorative #56 Medallion mounted on a mahogany block—a nod to the guitar’s rare “Medallion Series” origins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Michael Schenker’s Flying V considered so influential?
Schenker popularized the Flying V as a serious lead guitar in the 1970s. His work with UFO and the Scorpions inspired a generation of guitarists, including James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Dave Mustaine, to adopt the V-shape for heavy metal.
Is this a new guitar or an aged model?
This is a brand-new guitar from the Gibson Custom Shop, but it has been aged by the Murphy Lab. This means the finish has been artistically distressed to look and feel exactly like the original 1971 guitar.
Who owns the original Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V today?
The original Medallion #56 is currently part of the private collection of Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, who considers it the most influential Flying V ever made.
How many of these guitars are being made?
Gibson is producing a strictly limited run of only 50 guitars worldwide.
What are T-Top humbuckers?
T-Tops were the standard Gibson pickups from the late 60s to the late 70s. They are known for their clarity, consistency, and ability to cut through a mix, which contributed significantly to Schenker’s “creamy” yet aggressive lead tone.
Verdict
The release of the Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition is a landmark moment for guitar enthusiasts and metal historians alike. By combining modern 3D technology with the artisanal aging of the Murphy Lab, Gibson has allowed players to touch a piece of rock history.
For fans of Schenker’s melodic precision and soaring vibrato, this is the ultimate tribute to the man and the “V” that started it all.
Pity they only made 50, but the collectors who actually got one will love them. Hopefully, the scalpers missed out on them.
More Information
#Gibson #Michael Schenker
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