Possible blog post:
Rock music and guitars go hand in hand. From Chuck Berry’s classic riffs to Eddie Van Halen’s iconic solos, the guitar has been a defining instrument of the genre. And among the various guitar models, few are as distinctive as the Gibson Flying V. With its V-shaped body, pointed headstock, and dual humbucking pickups, the Flying V has been wielded by many rock legends, including Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett. But there’s one Flying V that stands out even more, thanks to a particular song that has become a classic itself. So, what legendary rock song was recorded using a limited edition Gibson Flying V?
The answer is none other than “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. This epic ballad, which was released in 1973 as part of the band’s debut album “(pronounced ‘lĕh-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd),” has become one of the most requested and revered songs in the history of rock. Its soaring guitar solos, emotive vocals, and poignant lyrics have touched generations of fans and earned the band a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But what makes “Free Bird” even more remarkable is the guitar that its lead guitarist, Allen Collins, used to record it: a limited edition Gibson Flying V.
The story of how “Free Bird” came to be associated with the Flying V involves a mix of chance, talent, and innovation. Collins, who joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1970 and became its main riff-master and soloist, initially played a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a classic guitar model that had been popularized by Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. However, while touring in 1972, Collins happened to see a rare Flying V in a local guitar store. The guitar, which had been produced in a limited run of about 100 units in 1958 and 1959, was a prototype of a futuristic design that Gibson had conceived to appeal to modernists and jazz players. However, the guitar’s radical shape and unconventional profile proved too ahead of its time for most musicians, and many of the produced Flying Vs had languished in shelves or storage rooms for years. This particular Flying V, which had a korina wood body and neck, a wrap-around bridge, and a set of P-90 pickups, had a unique natural finish and a clean sound that caught Collins’ attention.
Collins, who was known for his inventive use of slide, harmonics, and bending techniques, was intrigued by the possibilities that the Flying V offered. Unlike the Les Paul, which had a thicker body and more sustain, the Flying V was lighter and more agile, allowing Collins to move more freely on stage and bend the notes more easily. Moreover, the guitar’s pickups, which had a brighter and more biting tone than the Les Paul’s humbuckers, gave Collins a new palette of sounds to explore. Collins thus decided to purchase the Flying V, which cost him $350, and used it for some of the songs on the album “(pronounced ‘lĕh-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd),” including “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Gimme Three Steps.” However, it was with “Free Bird” that Collins unleashed the full potential of the Flying V.
The main solo of “Free Bird,” which is arguably the most famous guitar solo of all time, features Collins playing a series of breathtaking licks that span several octaves and emotions. The solo, which was composed by Collins and his bandmate Gary Rossington, begins with a mournful melody that gradually builds up into a frenzied climax. Collins uses the Flying V’s upper frets to reach high notes and accentuate the notes with harmonics and tremolos. He also employs his signature technique of using two fingers to bend the strings simultaneously, creating a double effect that intensifies the impact of the notes. The result is a solo that evokes both the pathos and the passion of the song’s lyrics, which were inspired by the death of Duane Allman and the fleetingness of life and love.
The connection between “Free Bird” and the Flying V became more evident after Lynyrd Skynyrd became famous and started to play the song in concerts. Collins, who by then had acquired several other guitars, including a Les Paul Custom and a Gibson Explorer, often used the Flying V to play “Free Bird” live. The guitar’s striking appearance and sound, combined with Collins’ virtuosity and charisma, made the song a highlight of the band’s shows and a fan favorite. Collins’ use of the Flying V also inspired other guitarists, such as Hammett and Zakk Wylde, to adopt the guitar and add it to their own arsenals.
Sadly, Collins’ life and career were cut short by a tragic accident in 1986. Collins, who had struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, lost control of his car while driving under the influence and crashed into a tree, killing his girlfriend and paralyzing himself. Collins eventually died in 1990 from chronic pneumonia and other complications related to his injuries. However, Collins’ legacy lives on through his music and his innovation. His use of the limited edition Gibson Flying V on “Free Bird” not only created a timeless masterpiece of rock but also showcased the potential of a guitar that had been overlooked and underestimated. Today, Flying V’s are prized by collectors and players alike, and remain a signature model of Gibson’s catalog.
Overall, the story of what legendary rock song was recorded using a limited edition Gibson Flying V is a fascinating tale of discovery and creativity. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” and Allen Collins’ Flying V are symbols of the power and passion of rock music and the guitar. By understanding and appreciating their history and impact, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the artistry and the stories behind the songs we love.
# The Gibson Flying V: A futuristic guitar design ahead of its time
The Gibson Les Paul Standard: The classic guitar model that defined blues and rock
The Chance Encounter: How Allen Collins discovered the limited edition Flying V
The Agile and Versatile Flying V: How the guitar’s lightness and pickups suited Collins’ playing style
The Pioneering Solo: How Collins composed and played the epic solo of “Free Bird” on the Flying V
The Live Legacy: How Collins’ use of the Flying V on “Free Bird” inspired other guitarists and became a concert staple
The Enduring Significance: How Collins’ Flying V and “Free Bird” remain revered and influential in rock music folklore
Image Credit: Pexels