Epiphone has been a pioneer in instrument design for 150 years. For both the current and upcoming generations, Epiphone marked a new era of sound by drawing on its illustrious past while embracing the future. There aren’t many iconic heavy metal guitars like Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Gibson Flying V. Epiphone proudly announces its first official worldwide release and collaboration. They have partnered with multi-platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Kirk Hammett of METALLICA. With the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, a meticulous re-creation of Kirk’s highly valued original, Epiphone is collaborating with Gibson Custom Shop to bring the genre-defining sound of METALLICA’s early albums to every stage. The Flying V is available in Ebony and Purple Metallic finishes worldwide at www.epiphone.com.
“I am extremely honored to be able to put out an Epiphone Flying V today,” says Hammett. “Epiphone represents great sounding guitars at accessible prices, which is fundamentally important for up-and-coming musicians. I’m beyond pleased to offer the ’79 Flying V in this capacity. It means so much to me to put good guitars in the hands of young players.”
“We’re bringing the collaboration with the legendary Kirk Hammett to every stage for the first time through Epiphone, allowing every guitarist to wield the power and passion of METALLICA’s music,” continues Jenny Marsh, director of global cultural influence at Gibson Brands.
Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Flying V is well-known to METALLICA fans worldwide. It was Kirk’s first Gibson and the beginning of his love affair with Gibson guitars. Kirk was looking for a fuller sound and was inspired to buy it by well-known Flying V players he admired. What a sound it is! Still playing today, Kirk’s original guitar is one of the most significant heavy metal instruments ever. He used it on every one of the early METALLICA albums, such as “Kill ‘Em All,” “Ride The Lightning,” “Master Of Puppets,” “…And Justice Of All,” and The Black Album. Now, Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Flying V, an exact replica of the highly sought-after original, will be available. A collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop makes this possible.
It has a wood body, a custom bridge, Grover Rotomatic machine heads with “spade” buttons, and a one-piece mahogany neck with volute. With two Gibson USA calibrated T-Type humbucker pickups connected to CTS potentiometers and an Orange Drop capacitor, the electronics are of the highest caliber. Additionally, it features a Switchcraft 3-way pickup selector toggle switch and a 1/4″ output jack. The headstock features a Kirk Hammett logo at the back. Additionally, it includes a black hardshell case with a red velvet interior.
Hammett, a lead guitarist and contributing songwriter for METALLICA since 1983, is one of the most recognizable rock guitarists of our generation. He founded and called the metal group EXODUS prior to signing with METALLICA.
Kirk stated, “Yes, it’s official,” in reference to Hammett and Gibson’s collaboration when it was first revealed in 2021. It’s taken a while, but I’m now an official Gibson endorser. I’m ecstatic about it. Upon reflection, I realized that I had actually been playing Gibson since the late 1970s when I purchased my first black Flying V in 1979. Because of the V wings, I could hardly play it, and wearing it felt awkward. However, I was certain that it was the guitar for me, and after three or four days I couldn’t imagine living without it. And I still have it now. I have played almost ninety-five percent of my musical career on Gibson guitars. Many Gibson players have inspired me throughout my life, and I have a great deal of respect for them. I wasn’t even aware of it at times.
