Gibson Flying V out of production?

[Predator1]

WTF- Is this just Gibson trying to drive up their already high prices? According to the Gibson web site they are listing it as out of production.

[vector]

Actually, Gibson is in something of bad financial straits. In the last couple of months their products has seen significant price drops in an effort to dump excessive stock and raise capital to repay over due loans etc. I've seen numerous online listings of higher end and mid-line models going at 30- 50% off normal retail. As I understand it, in recent years they've been cranking out product left and right and the sagging market has not supported it, especially at those prices. Guitar Center is also in a world of shit because they've been taking a lot of the Gibson product without the sales to back it up.
How this all relates to the cessation of the Flying V line is not clear. But an educated guess might be something along the lines of: it hasn't been moving real well and they shut it down to concentrate on dumping the more popular lines- Les's and SG's.

[MetalHeadMat]

I cant find anything on this :S

[xenophobe]

I don't get it....

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Flying-V.aspx

[Radiohead]

I was looking everywhere for a Vintage White 78 Reissue Explorer a few months back. Could not find one anywhere. All the guitar shops I tried to order one though all said the same thing. Only colour Gibson was making was the Black with pick guard. All other colour were not and would not be available.

[Predator1]

I tried to link the Gibson web page of discontinued models but for some reason it will not load?

[straycat]

Link loaded for me just fine.

[Snoogans]

Chinese factories not set up for Explorers and Vs yet?

[Chad]

Actually, Gibson is in something of bad financial straits. In the last couple of months their products has seen significant price drops in an effort to dump excessive stock and raise capital to repay over due loans etc. I've seen numerous online listings of higher end and mid-line models going at 30- 50% off normal retail. As I understand it, in recent years they've been cranking out product left and right and the sagging market has not supported it, especially at those prices. Guitar Center is also in a world of shit because they've been taking a lot of the Gibson product without the sales to back it up.
How this all relates to the cessation of the Flying V line is not clear. But an educated guess might be something along the lines of: it hasn't been moving real well and they shut it down to concentrate on dumping the more popular lines- Les's and SG's.

Most of that relates to the wood debacle they went through with the government. A lot of the guitars that were blown out had baked maple, richlite, etc. fretboards. They are moving that stuff out so they can go back to using traditional woods. This also lead to shortages of ebony, which the white Explorer used. As far as Explorers and Flying Vees overall, I've heard that new shipments are expected soon. Wouldn't surprise me if they've revamped them a bit as a brand new model. Kind of like the 2013 SG.

[Chad]

BTW, if they do indeed revamp the Flying Vee it'd be cool if the went with the traditional pickguard and knob layout. I've never cared for the gigantic pickguard, no pickup rings, and triangle knob layout.

[Hellbat]

IMO, they should do a limited release rear routed version. Vary the finishes between natural and tarted up colors.

[j2379]

theyve done plenty of limited edition rear routed V's. problem is they are about $3800.00

IMO, they should do a limited release rear routed version. Vary the finishes between natural and tarted up colors.

[Hellbat]

Yeah, well I meant at the $1500-1800 price point. (I'm assuming current standard production ones come in around here, having never actually priced them.)

[j2379]

you can still find the rear routed ones from the 80's at decent prices if you look, and if a kahler doesnt bother you, some even pretty cheap.

[levantin]

theyve done plenty of limited edition rear routed V's. problem is they are about $3800.00

Don't forget the Kirk Hammett sig (the stock flying v with EMGs) for $7500. Gibson needs to come to their senses on pricing.