Gibson Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector's Edition Black/White #8 of 50 Murphy Lab Aged

Few guitars have left a mark on hard rock and heavy metal like Michael Schenker’s iconic 1971 Flying V. Known for his work with UFO, Scorpions, and the Michael Schenker Group, Schenker helped define the sound of a generation. His original guitar was a 1971 Medallion Flying V bearing Medallion #56. Initially finished in Cherry Red, it was later repainted black, and eventually transformed into the unmistakable black-and-white design that became Schenker’s signature. He used it to record UFO’s first three albums (ED. note: Actually their Third through Fifth, as Schenker was not on UFO’s first two albums), influencing countless guitarists along the way. Now part of Kirk Hammett’s collection, this guitar is widely regarded as one of the most impactful Flying V’s ever created.

Gibson Custom proudly unveils the Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition—a painstakingly accurate recreation based on 3D scans of the original. Featuring the iconic black-and-white finish, this model is expertly aged by the Murphy Lab to reflect decades of use. It boasts a mahogany body with a white pickguard partially painted black, and a three-piece mahogany neck with a volute and slim artist profile, precisely replicated from Schenker’s original. A one-piece rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and cellulose dot inlays completes the neck. The Flying V headstock continues the black-and-white motif, with a split-color truss rod cover, Schaller M6 tuners, and a Corian® nut.

This Collector’s Edition is equipped with a pair of uncovered T-Top humbuckers featuring Alnico 5 magnets. Each pickup is wired to its own volume control, with a shared tone knob—all using 500k CTS® potentiometers. A Switchcraft three-way toggle and 1⁄4-inch output jack round out the electronics.

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 are 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.

SPECS

Body
• Shape: FlyingV
• Material: Mahogany
• Binding: N/A
Neck
• Neck: 3-piece Mahogany
• Profile: 50s Rounded Medium C
• Nut width: 1.575”/40.005mm
• Fingerboard: One-Piece Indian Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.75”/628.65mm
• Number of frets: 22
• Nut: Corian
• Inlay: Cellulose Dot
Hardware
• Bridge: ABR-1(Wire)
• Tailpiece: Historic Reissue StopBar
• Tuners: Schaller M6
• Control Knobs: Knurled White Top Hat with Gold Lettering and Numbers and Dial Pointer
• Plating: Chrome; Murphy Lab Light Aged
Electronics
• Neck pickup: T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted
• Bridge pickup: T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted
• Controls: 2 Volume, Master Tone; Hand-wired with 500k CTS Potentiometers and Ceramic Capacitor
• Case: Custom Replica Flight Case with M.S.G. Graphics