September 11th, will see the release of the new DVD, Flying V. Issued as part of the popular Inside Metal series, Flying V was directed by Peter Hansen and produced by Hansen and Michael Denner, and features in-depth interviews with countless renowned metal guitarists who have helped make this make/model one of the most instantly identifiable instruments in all of rock.
Flying V chronicles the origin of the most unique guitar on earth and its incredible influence on the history of rock and roll and heavy metal. Hear from the rock stars themselves as they describe how, when, and why the Flying V forever changed their careers and altered their entire approach to guitar playing.
Journey inside the minds of the biggest icons of our era as they tell their riveting tales of discovery and passion for their beloved Flying V’s. Exclusive interviews with members of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Scorpions, Accept, Michael Schenker Group and more. This musical journey is one you will want to take over and over again as secrets of the Flying V guitar are revealed like never before!
The cast includes Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, Kerry King, Michael Schenker, Michael Denner, Hank Sherman, Wolf Hoffmann, KK Downing, Mathias Jabs, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneep, Brian Tatler, Andy La Roque, Andy Powell, and Michael Amott.
And the rave reviews that this 67 minute documentary has already accumulated is impressive, including renowned rock photographer Mark “Weiss Guy” Weiss saying “Whenever I saw the Flying V on stage I knew it was going to be a killer show – I love photographing the V. How could you not – It screams ROCK N’ ROLL! It has a presence all to its own. If I were to rate the Flying V, in the words of the TAP, I would give it an eleven one louder.”
As perhaps the lone female voice on the site, while many GREAT guitarists have played the V shaped guitar (Rhoads, Schenker, Downing, etc..) I have never liked it.
I am a Les Paul/Strat type of girl. I always found the V shape corny, and clumsy, but to each their own.
I too love the Les Paul. I’ve had an Epiphone version since 2004; cost me £450. I have never been able to find another one, whether that be another Epiphone or a proper Gibson that feels or plays like the one I have. I wanted one after seeing Ace Frehley playing one on the comeback tour in 96-97.
I have owned a V. I had a Jackson Randy Rhodes model that I bought at the London Guitar Show in 2005 at Wembley. I had it for maybe two years; it looked great, it’s sound was bright and monstrous but I found it difficult to play given that the Rhodes shape is longer on one side than the other.
I’ve been able to try out the famous Gibson V, a Jackson V, a BC Rich V and I believe I’ve played an ESP one as well. All of those were much better and played quite well. Would I buy one? Probably not because I don’t really need one, but if somebody bought me one as a gift I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.
If there is a guitar I’ve owned but to be honest don’t feel that they are for me, it has to be the SG. Now being a huge Tony Iommi fan, you’d think that that was the guitar for me. Well I’ve tried to get on with one and it just doesn’t work. Yes I have the Iommi signature model, but that was bought simply for collection…. and not to mention that I’m a total fanboy!
Wouldn’t mind trying out an EVH Wolfgang. As for strat type guitars; I’ve had three Ibanez strat shapes; not bad but the fact that I’ve only got one of them (which doesn’t get used) might tell you something.
I love the look of Les Pauls, so I am not surprised, that it is still one of your favorites, after all these years. As for the strat shape, visually, I just favor the look of the body.
Back in the early 90’s, my then boyfriend, had customized a guitar, at 48th street custom, in the Manhattan.
It was a black strat body, with a maple neck. and maple fret board, with black shark tooth inlays, He also had a reversed headstock ESP type neck, like Lynch. I think he had a Floyd Rose tremolo, but, I cannot remember what the pickups were? Visually, it was a very nice looking guitar and he seemed to be happy to play it.
If I were to list all my fiancée’s guitars, I would be here all day (well, at least an hour-LOL!).
D 🙂
D.J.Hon
Thank you for the kind comments about my post Dana.
You mentioned your boyfriend’s custom guitar in the early 90s. Two years ago, as I was about to turn 40, I decided to go and speak to local guitar maker to see about getting a guitar made to commemorate the anniversary.
The first thing I did was take the previously mentioned Epiphone Les Paul to him and said:
“This has to be what the custom is based on – the exact size, especially the neck; the neck is so important.”
I was going to have Tony Iommi signature pick-ups (like in the SG Signature), black in colour, with symbolisms on it that related to me, such as Scorpion inlays on the neck because… I’m a Scorpio. All the hard wear like the tailpiece I wanted in silver with a silver binding around the body (A bit like the John Sykes model – there I got him in there for you!). There was other symbols on it but I won’t go into that now – but people who know me personally would have understood it.
I was quoted £2000 – £2500. A lot of money, but I wanted to do it so I gave the maker the go ahead to make some designs. (No money changed hands)
He went away… and I heard nothing more about it! I’ve even been in to him to get my Les Paul serviced and re-strung and he’s never said a word!!!
That’s strange, as it sounds like you were making a beautiful guitar. That’s a shame.
Maybe, try to broach him again about the design and offer to leave a small deposit?
Also, thanks for nod to Sykes. 🙂
D
Rattleheadon
My first recollection of seeing the Flying V was on Priest’s “Unleashed in the East” album cover. To me, KK Downing holding the V guitar in that pic made that album cover look so cool, which really was the main reason I bought the album, cuz I had never heard of Judas Priest until then…..
Fast forward 41 years later, I own two V shaped guitars….one American made red colored Jackson Rhoads and a black Gibson V. At first, it took a little bit to get used to their “offset” shape and playing them while seated, but the access to the upper frets is amazing!
The poster of michael schenker in black leather playing the V in his distinctive style introduced me to that guitar a d I have loved it ever since , randy Rhodes played one , too me the guitar looked way too big on his tiny body , KK looked damn good playing one but. I believe if there were to be a spokesman, brand ambassador etc.. for the flying V it would be schenker
As perhaps the lone female voice on the site, while many GREAT guitarists have played the V shaped guitar (Rhoads, Schenker, Downing, etc..) I have never liked it.
I am a Les Paul/Strat type of girl. I always found the V shape corny, and clumsy, but to each their own.
D 🙂
Hi Dana
Hope you had a nice Birthday the other day.
I too love the Les Paul. I’ve had an Epiphone version since 2004; cost me £450. I have never been able to find another one, whether that be another Epiphone or a proper Gibson that feels or plays like the one I have. I wanted one after seeing Ace Frehley playing one on the comeback tour in 96-97.
I have owned a V. I had a Jackson Randy Rhodes model that I bought at the London Guitar Show in 2005 at Wembley. I had it for maybe two years; it looked great, it’s sound was bright and monstrous but I found it difficult to play given that the Rhodes shape is longer on one side than the other.
I’ve been able to try out the famous Gibson V, a Jackson V, a BC Rich V and I believe I’ve played an ESP one as well. All of those were much better and played quite well. Would I buy one? Probably not because I don’t really need one, but if somebody bought me one as a gift I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.
If there is a guitar I’ve owned but to be honest don’t feel that they are for me, it has to be the SG. Now being a huge Tony Iommi fan, you’d think that that was the guitar for me. Well I’ve tried to get on with one and it just doesn’t work. Yes I have the Iommi signature model, but that was bought simply for collection…. and not to mention that I’m a total fanboy!
Wouldn’t mind trying out an EVH Wolfgang. As for strat type guitars; I’ve had three Ibanez strat shapes; not bad but the fact that I’ve only got one of them (which doesn’t get used) might tell you something.
Thank you, again, D.J.H.,
What an insightful post 🙂 .
I love the look of Les Pauls, so I am not surprised, that it is still one of your favorites, after all these years. As for the strat shape, visually, I just favor the look of the body.
Back in the early 90’s, my then boyfriend, had customized a guitar, at 48th street custom, in the Manhattan.
It was a black strat body, with a maple neck. and maple fret board, with black shark tooth inlays, He also had a reversed headstock ESP type neck, like Lynch. I think he had a Floyd Rose tremolo, but, I cannot remember what the pickups were? Visually, it was a very nice looking guitar and he seemed to be happy to play it.
If I were to list all my fiancée’s guitars, I would be here all day (well, at least an hour-LOL!).
D 🙂
Thank you for the kind comments about my post Dana.
You mentioned your boyfriend’s custom guitar in the early 90s. Two years ago, as I was about to turn 40, I decided to go and speak to local guitar maker to see about getting a guitar made to commemorate the anniversary.
The first thing I did was take the previously mentioned Epiphone Les Paul to him and said:
“This has to be what the custom is based on – the exact size, especially the neck; the neck is so important.”
I was going to have Tony Iommi signature pick-ups (like in the SG Signature), black in colour, with symbolisms on it that related to me, such as Scorpion inlays on the neck because… I’m a Scorpio. All the hard wear like the tailpiece I wanted in silver with a silver binding around the body (A bit like the John Sykes model – there I got him in there for you!). There was other symbols on it but I won’t go into that now – but people who know me personally would have understood it.
I was quoted £2000 – £2500. A lot of money, but I wanted to do it so I gave the maker the go ahead to make some designs. (No money changed hands)
He went away… and I heard nothing more about it! I’ve even been in to him to get my Les Paul serviced and re-strung and he’s never said a word!!!
Oh well….
That’s strange, as it sounds like you were making a beautiful guitar. That’s a shame.
Maybe, try to broach him again about the design and offer to leave a small deposit?
Also, thanks for nod to Sykes. 🙂
D
My first recollection of seeing the Flying V was on Priest’s “Unleashed in the East” album cover. To me, KK Downing holding the V guitar in that pic made that album cover look so cool, which really was the main reason I bought the album, cuz I had never heard of Judas Priest until then…..
Fast forward 41 years later, I own two V shaped guitars….one American made red colored Jackson Rhoads and a black Gibson V. At first, it took a little bit to get used to their “offset” shape and playing them while seated, but the access to the upper frets is amazing!
Glad you love them and they work for you, but you also have a Frakenstien, so you rule. 🙂
How in the hell can they do a documentary and not mention Randy Rhoads or Karl Sandoval…..it looks like those key figures have been omitted.
Exactly Dave
The poster of michael schenker in black leather playing the V in his distinctive style introduced me to that guitar a d I have loved it ever since , randy Rhodes played one , too me the guitar looked way too big on his tiny body , KK looked damn good playing one but. I believe if there were to be a spokesman, brand ambassador etc.. for the flying V it would be schenker
I consider myself a Bassist, so when it comes to a Flying V I’m indifferent.