A faithful recreation—limited to only 50 guitars worldwide, each signed by Michael Schenker—modeled after the unforgettable black-and-white Flying V he used to record UFO’s first three albums, influencing countless guitarists across the globe.
Above: Michael Schenker pictured with the 50 new Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition guitars.
For decades, the Gibson Custom Shop has defined the pinnacle of electric‑guitar craftsmanship. Every instrument is built with uncompromising precision, honoring the legends who shaped music history while empowering the next generation to create their own.
Gibson Custom is proud to announce the release of the Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, a meticulously crafted recreation of one of the most influential guitars in hard rock and heavy metal history. Known for his work with UFO, Scorpions, and the Michael Schenker Group, Schenker helped define the sound and tone of a generation. Inspired by Michael Schenker’s iconic 1971 Medallion Flying V, originally in Cherry Red, later in black, and ultimately transformed into the unforgettable black-and-white design that became his signature, this limited-edition model captures every detail of the instrument used to record the first three UFO albums. This limited run of 50 guitars, each hand-signed by Schenker himself, is available worldwide at authorized Gibson Custom dealers, Gibson Garage locations, and on www.gibson.com.
Few guitars have left a mark on hard rock and heavy metal like Michael Schenker’s iconic 1971 Flying V™. Now part of Kirk Hammett’s renowned guitar collection, Gibson Custom created the Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition based on precise 3D scans of the original instrument. This Collector’s Edition features a mahogany body with a partially painted white pickguard, a three-piece mahogany neck with a slim artist profile and volute, and a one-piece rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and cellulose dot inlays. The Flying V headstock continues the signature split-color motif and is fitted with Schaller M6 tuners and a Corian nut. A pair of uncovered T-Top humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets delivers the unmistakable clarity and bite of the era, each wired to its own volume control with a shared tone knob using 500k CTS® potentiometers, along with a Switchcraft® three-way toggle and ¼ inch output jack, rounds out the electronics.
above: Michael Schenker, right: Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Photo credit: Courtesy
Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, each guitar is hand-signed by Michael Schenker on the back of the headstock and comes housed in a custom replica flight case adorned with Michael Schenker Group graphics. Also included is a commemorative mahogany display block featuring a #56 Medallion, and a Certificate of Authenticity presented in a matching black-and-white folio. This is a rare opportunity to own a replica of what many consider the most influential Flying V ever made—crafted in honor of one of rock’s most iconic guitarists.
Watch/share the new interview with Michael Schenker for the new Gibson Custom 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition below.
Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition hand-signed by Michael Schenker on the back of the headstock.
Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition
Photo above: Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, right: Michael Schenker; credit: courtesy
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