Gibson Custom Shop 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue Medallion Cherry

The return of the rare Flying V model that helped shape hard rock.

Gibson Custom proudly unveils the 1971 Flying V™ Medallion Reissue, an exactingly crafted tribute to one of Gibson’s most celebrated vintage solidbody models and a guitar that played a pivotal role in defining hard rock. Closely associated with Michael Schenker’s unmistakable tone, original examples are also well represented in Kirk Hammett’s personal collection; he has described them as “consistently great.”

The 1971 Flying V Medallion Reissue features a two-piece mahogany body constructed to the same thinner profile used on the original Medallion models. At approximately 1.375” thick, it is slightly slimmer than the 1.5” Korina Flying V bodies from 1958, resulting in reduced weight and a more comfortable playing experience without sacrificing tone or resonance.

Its three-piece mahogany neck is carved to an Authentic 1971 Flying V profile, offering a sleek, fast feel that remains comfortable across the entire fingerboard. A period-correct volute adds structural stability, while a one-piece rosewood fretboard carries 22 authentic medium jumbo frets and classic cellulose dot inlays. The rounded Flying V headstock is fitted with a Corian® nut, Kluson® double-ring tuners with keystone buttons, and a truss rod cover bearing the Gibson logo. Chrome-plated hardware is used throughout, including the Historic Reissue wired ABR-1 bridge and Historic Reissue Stop Bar tailpiece.

Electronics consist of a matched pair of authentic T-Top humbucker™ pickups with Alnico 5 magnets, delivering the clear, authoritative output that vintage T-Tops are known for. As on the original guitars, the pickups are left unpotted and are hand-wired to independent volume controls and a single master tone control. All three controls feature black Witch Hat knobs with silver reflectors for a true period look.

In keeping with the original Medallion Flying Vs, this reissue includes a 1.5” diameter gold medallion mounted on the bass-side wing of the body. Each medallion displays the Gibson logo and Limited Edition Model text and is individually numbered. The guitar is housed in a Gibson Custom hardshell case for protection and transport.

The 1971 Flying V Medallion is widely regarded as one of the most desirable vintage Gibson guitar models ever produced. With an estimated production run of only about 350 instruments in 1971, scarcity has played a role in its legend, but its enduring appeal also stems from its association with some of rock music’s most influential guitarists. Originally created to commemorate the 1972 Olympic Games, each Medallion V featured a numbered gold coin mounted to the upper wing. These guitars were among Gibson’s earliest Limited Edition offerings and, apart from the recent Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, have not been reissued until now. This release offers a rare chance to own a brand-new recreation of a true Gibson icon.