1985 Flying V Returns Home

Every guitar has a story, but some have truly remarkable journeys. Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a 1985 Gibson Flying V that had traveled the world before making its way back home to Nashville—where it was originally built.

A Journey Across Continents

This Flying V left the Gibson factory in Nashville in 1985 and found its first home in the UK in 1986. From there, it lived some of its life in the Philippines before finally returning to Tennessee with its original owner. Even more impressively, it arrived at my shop with its original hangtag still intact—a rare sight for a well-traveled guitar of this age.

The Work: Bringing It Back to Life

After decades of playing, the guitar needed some serious TLC to reach its full potential again. Here’s what I did:

The original frets had seen their fair share of wear, so I refretted the guitar to restore smooth playability and precision. I crafted a new nut from unbleached bone, enhancing the tone and sustain while keeping it in tune with its vintage character.

A Guitar with History and Soul

There’s something special about working on an instrument that has traveled so far and seen so much. This Flying V has been a companion for decades, collecting memories along the way. Now, with fresh frets, a new nut, and a dialed-in setup, it’s ready for many more years of music.