Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector's Edition Black/White

There are plenty of iconic instruments that have left a mark on the world of hard rock and heavy metal, one of which being the iconic 1971 Flying V wielded by Michael Schenker. Schenker’s playing within UFO, Scorpions, and the Michael Schenker group really did help define the sound of a generation and inspired many players to pick up the guitar for the first time. Michael’s original guitar was a ’71 spec Medallion Flying V bearing Medallion #56 and originally featured a factory Cherry Red finish before being repainted with its iconic black and white design. He used this guitar on some of his most prominent work, including UFO’s first three studio albums.

Our friends at Gibson are proud to release the Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition. This run is limited to just 50 guitars worldwide and was built using 3D scans of the original instrument, ensuring this re-issue is as true to original as possible.

This collector’s edition instrument features a classic Gibson Flying V body crafted from Mahogany. Our example from this run is super lightweight and extremely resonant, which is exactly what you want from a Flying V! It features the iconic Black/White colour scheme, and Murphy Lab ageing designed to reflect decades of use and life on the road. Alongside the painted body, this Flying also features Schenker’s Black/White pickguard design.

The neck is extremely comfortable and is crafted from three-piece Mahogany. It features an early 70s style volute, and a neck profile built using 3D scan data, ensuring it feels and plays exactly like Schenker’s iconic original instrument. The neck is topped with a one-piece Rosewood fingerboard and features a 24.75” scale length, 22 medium jumbo frets, Corian nut, 40.005mm nut width, and cellulose dot inlays.

This Flying V needs a pickup pairing up for the challenge. It features a pair of uncovered T-Top humbuckers, which feature Alnico 5 magnets and are hand-wired to individual volume controls and a master tone control. It also features a classic three-way pickup switch and 500k CTS pots.

This run of instruments is limited to just 50 guitars worldwide, with each guitar hand-signed by Michael Schenker on the back of the headstock. It ships in a custom replica flight case which features a unique “Michael Schenker Group” graphic. Inside the case you’ll find a Mahogany block with a #56 medallion inlayed within, alongside a certificate of authenticity.