Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony Electric Guitar, (Used)

The Gibson 80s Flying V in Ebony is a bold USA-made electric guitar inspired by the highly sought-after 1984-era Flying V models. Built for players who want classic Gibson attitude, fast playability and powerful humbucker tone, it combines a mahogany Flying V body, SlimTaper mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual 80s Tribute humbuckers and classic Tune-O-Matic / stopbar hardware.

This pre-owned example is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

Supplied with a hardcase, this Flying V is a standout choice for hard rock, metal, classic rock, punk, alternative, lead guitar and players who want unmistakable stage presence.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	80s Flying V
Finish	Ebony
Country of Manufacture	USA
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Body Shape	Flying V
Body	Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Profile	SlimTaper
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	80s Tribute Humbuckers
Bridge	Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Aluminum Stop Bar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	1980s-inspired Gibson Flying V with powerful humbuckers and iconic stage presence
Best For	Hard rock, metal, classic rock, punk, alternative, lead guitar and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Very Good condition is ideal for players who want a clean, dependable pre-owned Gibson with normal signs of use and strong overall presentation.

What’s Included?

✔ Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows light signs of previous use such as small marks, light surface scratches or minor handling wear consistent with Very Good condition.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson 80s Flying V has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• 80s Tribute humbuckers checked
• 3-way toggle switch tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Rosewood fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Grover tuners checked
• Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Gibson 80s Flying V has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony?

Iconic Flying V Design

The Gibson Flying V is one of the most recognisable electric guitar shapes ever made. Its angular body, aggressive stage profile and association with hard rock and metal make it ideal for players who want an instrument with real visual impact.

1980s-Inspired Specification

The Gibson 80s Flying V takes inspiration from sought-after 1984-era Flying V models, giving players the attitude, simplicity and performance-focused feel associated with that period.

Mahogany Body And Neck

The mahogany body and mahogany neck give this guitar a warm, resonant and sustaining foundation. It is a classic Gibson tonewood combination that works beautifully for powerful rhythm playing and singing lead tones.

SlimTaper Neck Profile

The SlimTaper mahogany neck gives the guitar a fast and comfortable playing feel, making it well suited to lead lines, riffing, wide stretches and energetic stage performance.

80s Tribute Humbuckers

The dual 80s Tribute humbuckers deliver a fat, powerful and sustaining voice designed to capture the sound and feel of Gibson humbuckers from the hard-rock era.

Simple, Powerful Control Layout

With two volume controls, a master tone and a 3-way toggle switch, this Flying V keeps things straightforward while still giving players access to neck, bridge and combined pickup sounds.

Hardcase Included

The included hardcase adds practical protection for storage, transport, rehearsal and gigging.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson 80s Flying V vs Gibson Flying V Original

A Flying V Original leans more into late-1950s heritage styling and traditional V character. The 80s Flying V has a harder-edged identity, more closely associated with 1980s rock and metal.

Gibson 80s Flying V vs Gibson Explorer

A Gibson Explorer offers similar hard-rock attitude with a larger offset body shape. The Flying V feels more angular, visually sharper and especially well suited to players who want dramatic stage presence.

Gibson 80s Flying V vs Gibson Les Paul

A Les Paul is thicker, heavier and more traditional in feel. The 80s Flying V offers a more aggressive silhouette, easier upper-fret access and a more stage-focused visual identity.

Gibson 80s Flying V vs ESP / LTD V-Style Guitars

ESP and LTD V-style guitars often lean into modern metal specifications. The Gibson 80s Flying V gives players the original Gibson identity, USA build and classic humbucker-driven rock sound.

Who Is It For?

Hard Rock Players

The 80s Flying V is ideal for powerful riffs, big stage presence and aggressive humbucker tones.

Metal Guitarists

Its sharp body shape, fast neck feel and powerful pickups make it a strong fit for classic metal, heavy rock and high-gain playing.

Gibson Fans

This is a great choice for players who want a Gibson with a bolder look than a Les Paul or SG.

Lead Guitarists

The Flying V shape gives excellent upper-fret access, while the SlimTaper neck supports fast lead work and expressive playing.

Live Performers

The Ebony finish and iconic V shape create a strong stage look, while the hardcase makes it more practical for transport.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony is well suited to:

• Hard rock
• Metal
• Classic rock
• Punk
• Alternative
• Garage rock
• Heavy blues-rock
• Lead guitar
• High-gain rhythm playing
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Pedalboard-based rigs
• Players wanting a USA-made Gibson with bold stage presence

Educational Section: Why Choose A Flying V?

A Flying V is ideal for players who want a guitar that feels and looks different from a traditional single-cut or double-cut shape. Its angular design gives it instant visual identity, while the Gibson mahogany construction and humbucker layout deliver the sustain, warmth and punch needed for rock and heavier styles.

The Gibson 80s Flying V adds a specific 1980s-inspired edge to that formula. Its SlimTaper neck, dual humbuckers and straightforward hardware make it a focused performance instrument rather than a complicated all-rounder.

For guitarists who want a USA-made Gibson with attitude, sustain and unmistakable stage presence, the 80s Flying V is a superb choice.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Gibson Flying V, rock guitar or pre-owned USA-made electric? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: The Gibson 80s Flying V

The Gibson Flying V was first introduced in the late 1950s, but it became especially iconic with hard rock and metal players in later decades. By the 1980s, the Flying V had become a visual shorthand for loud guitars, big stages and high-energy playing.

The Gibson 80s Flying V celebrates that period, drawing inspiration from the sought-after 1984-style models. It keeps the formula direct: a mahogany body, SlimTaper mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, powerful humbuckers and reliable Tune-O-Matic / stopbar hardware.

This Very Good condition Ebony example is ideal for players who want a serious Gibson rock guitar with classic 1980s attitude and modern playability.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	80s Flying V
Finish	Ebony
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Shape	Flying V
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Profile	SlimTaper
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays	Acrylic Dot
Scale Length	24.75" / 628.65mm
Nut Material	Graph Tech
Nut Width	1.695" / 43.05mm
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	80s Tribute Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	80s Tribute Humbucker
Controls	2 Volume, Master Tone
Capacitors	Orange Drop Capacitors
Switching	3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge	Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuning Machines	Grover Rotomatic with Contemporary Buttons
Hardware Finish	Chrome
String Configuration	6-String
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony is a powerful, stage-ready USA-made guitar with serious hard-rock appeal. Its mahogany body, SlimTaper neck, rosewood fingerboard, 80s Tribute humbuckers and classic Tune-O-Matic / stopbar hardware make it a focused instrument for players who want sustain, attitude and unmistakable Gibson character.

This Very Good condition example, supplied with a hardcase, is an excellent choice for rock, metal, classic rock and alternative players who want a bold Gibson that looks as strong as it sounds.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this Gibson 80s Flying V in?

This guitar is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional.

Does this Gibson 80s Flying V come with a case?

Yes. This Gibson 80s Flying V comes with a hardcase.

Is this guitar made in the USA?

Yes. The Gibson 80s Flying V is a USA-made Gibson electric guitar.

What pickups are fitted?

This model is fitted with dual 80s Tribute humbuckers.

What styles does this guitar suit?

It suits hard rock, metal, classic rock, punk, alternative, garage rock, heavy blues-rock, recording and live performance.

Is the Gibson 80s Flying V good for lead playing?

Yes. The SlimTaper neck, powerful humbuckers and Flying V upper-fret access make it well suited to lead guitar.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

What is the scale length?

The Gibson 80s Flying V uses a 24.75" / 628.65mm scale length.

Is this suitable as a main gigging guitar?

Yes. Its USA build, hardcase, humbuckers and focused rock specification make it a strong choice for regular live use.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Gibson Flying V guitars, USA-made electric guitars and pre-owned instruments.