For 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, they have set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations.
Heavy metal guitars don’t get more iconic than Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Gibson Flying V and Epiphone in partnership with Gibson Custom Shop, and the very own Kirk Hammett is proud to unveil its first official global release, available now in Ebony and Purple Metallic finishes worldwide.
“I am extremely honored to be able to put out an Epiphone Flying V today,” says Kirk Hammett. Epiphone represents great sounding guitars at accessible prices, which is fundamentally important for up-and-coming musicians. I’m beyond pleased that I can offer the ‘79 Flying V in this capacity. It means so much to me to be able 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.” commented Jenny Marsh, Director of Global Cultural Influence at Gibson Brands
Explore the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, HERE.
Metallica fans worldwide are familiar with Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Flying V. It was Kirk’s first Gibson and established his passion for Gibson guitars. Its purchase was inspired by famous Flying V players Kirk admired and because he was looking for a fuller sound. And what a sound! Kirk still plays the original guitar to this day, and used it on all the early Metallica albums, including “Kill ‘Em All”, “Ride the Lightning”, “Master of Puppets”, “…And Justice for All”, and “The Black Album”, making it one of the most important heavy metal guitars of all time.
The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V features a mahogany body, a one-piece mahogany neck with volute, Grover Rotomatic machine heads with “spade” buttons, and a custom bridge. The electronics are also top-notch, with a pair of Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type humbucker pickups wired to CTS potentiometers and an Orange Drop capacitor, and a Switchcraft 3-way pickup selector toggle switch and a 1/4” output jack. A Kirk Hammett logo adorns the rear of the headstock, and a black hardshell case with a red plush interior is also included.
