Gibson Flying V

by Ron Buracker
(Yreka, CA)

I would like to know the value of my Gibson Flying V. I made the $5.00 suggested donation (receipt i.d. #0703-6004-8247-7558) The Serial Number is: 653711, located on the back of the headstock (It does not have "made in the USA" printed with the Serial Number). I believe it was manufactured in 1970, but I've been told that the lack of "made in the USA" printed with the Serial Number on the back of the headstock indicates a pre 1970 manufacture date

It has a natural mahogany finish. The pickguard is cream color and has gold tone control knobs in a triangle formation with a toggle switch. The tuning keys look like they are made of nickel or possibly silver.

I'm attaching pictures. Any additional information you are able to provide with an estimate of the guitar's value is appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron Buracker

ANSWER

Hi, Ron--

A curious case! The serial number does indicate a 1970 manufacture date. However, as you will see below, the 1970 models had black knobs and yours are foil knobs, which indicates an earlier version. The explanation MAY be that the guitar was put together before 1970 and the serial number was stamped when the guitar was released.
I'm not sure when they actually stamp the serial numbers. Maybe one of our readers will have more information.

Also, I am wondering if the pickups are original--see below. If not original, it will lower the value.

In any case, here is the general info:

FLYING V MAHOGANY (1ST REISSUE, 1966-1970 MFG.)
- V-shaped one-piece Honduras mahogany body, one-piece Honduras mahogany neck, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, 1.5625 in. nut width, pointed V-shaped headstock with large white truss rod cover with Gibson logo and three-per-side Klusontuners, tune-o-matic bridge, Gibson vibrato tailpiece, large white pickguard that covers most of the body, two patent number decal pickups with no pickup rings, three center foil (early models) or witch hat black (later models) knobs in triangle configuration (two v, master tone), a three-way pickup switch, and a regular input jack all mounted on the pickguard, chrome hardware, available in Black, Candy Apple Red, Cherry, Natural(Walnut), Pelham Blue, Sparkling Burgundy, or Sunburst finish, 1.3125 in. body depth, approx. 175 mfg. 1966-1970.

The pricing info:

Mint $30,000
Exc.+ $22,500
Exc. $18,000
Avg.+ $15,000
Avg. $12,500
General $10,000

Additional info:

Some models may have a two-piece body. In 1969, a three-piece neck was introduced. The machined cavity routes were hand-sanded to accomodate the pickguard and hardware. Most guitars have a metal cage in the cavity to reduce signal hum. Two styles of truss rod covers were used with a longer one on early guitars.

Lynne