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What Kind of Alien Spaceship Inspired the Design of the Flying V Guitar?
If you are a fan of heavy metal, hard rock, or blues, you are probably familiar with the Flying V guitar, a distinctive electric guitar with a V-shaped body, pointed headstock, and angled pickups. The Flying V was introduced by Gibson in 1958, along with other radical models such as the Explorer and the Moderne, but it didn’t become popular until the late 1960s, when it was adopted by guitar heroes such as Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and Dave Davies.
One of the reasons why the Flying V stood out from other guitars of the time was its futuristic and almost extraterrestrial look, which seemed to defy the traditional rules of guitar design. Many people have speculated about the inspiration behind the Flying V, ranging from the Art Deco streamlining of cars and trains to the visions of science fiction auteurs such as H.G. Wells and George Lucas. However, there is one theory that stands out as both plausible and intriguing: that the Flying V was modeled after a type of alien spaceship.
Yes, you read that right. The Flying V, according to some accounts, was inspired by a UFO that was sighted in the mid-1950s over rural Michigan, where the Gibson factory was located at the time. The UFO, described as a silver or metallic disc with two elongated wings or fins, was reportedly seen by many witnesses, including some who claimed to have been abducted by the occupants. The UFO sightings sparked a wave of speculation and fascination in the popular culture of the time, and many people believed that the government was covering up the truth about extraterrestrial visitation.
One of the people who was allegedly influenced by the Flying V UFO was Ted McCarty, the president of Gibson in the late 1950s. McCarty was a highly innovative and risk-taking executive, who had already spearheaded the development of the Les Paul guitar, the P-90 pickup, and the humbucking pickup, among other groundbreaking inventions. McCarty loved to experiment with different shapes, materials, and features for his guitars, and he was always on the lookout for new trends and ideas.
According to some accounts, McCarty was so impressed by the Flying V UFO that he asked his designer, John D’Angelico, to create a guitar that would capture the same streamlined and aerodynamic look. D’Angelico, who was a master luthier and a respected artist, came up with the basic design of the Flying V, which was essentially a symmetrical V-shaped body made of mahogany, with two humbucking pickups, a Tune-o-matic bridge, and a trapezoid inlay on the rosewood fingerboard.
However, the Flying V was not an instant success, partly because it was too ahead of its time, and partly because it was too unconventional for many players and fans. The Flying V was also relatively expensive and impractical, with its pointy headstock, tilted neck, and unstable balance, which could make it difficult to play while standing up. Many guitarists found it hard to fit the Flying V into the traditional genres and styles of music, and some even considered it a gimmick or a flop.
Nevertheless, the Flying V persisted, thanks to the endorsement of some visionary players who recognized the potential of its unique sound and appearance. One of the first guitarists to adopt the Flying V was blues legend Albert King, who played it upside down and left-handed, and who used it to create his signature sustain and distortion. King’s influence on other blues and rock players, such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Billy Gibbons, helped to establish the Flying V as a symbol of power, freedom, and rebellion.
Another factor that helped to popularize the Flying V was the rise of heavy metal and hard rock in the 1970s and 1980s. Many metal guitarists, such as Michael Schenker, Rudolf Schenker, Dave Mustaine, and Kirk Hammett, used the Flying V to create their aggressive and virtuosic sounds, and they often customized it with striking decorations, such as stripes, flames, skulls, or lightning bolts. The Flying V became a staple of the metal aesthetic, and it inspired many imitations and variations, such as the Jackson Rhoads, the ESP Arrow, and the Dean ML.
Today, the Flying V is still a beloved and respected guitar, despite or perhaps because of its quirks and challenges. Many guitarists appreciate the Flying V for its raw and powerful sound, its smooth and fast playability, and its iconic and timeless design. The Flying V has also evolved with the times, with Gibson introducing new models and features, such as the Flying V 67 reissue, the Flying V Pro, and the Flying V Modern, which incorporate modern technology and materials while retaining the essential Flying V spirit.
In conclusion, the Flying V guitar is one of the most fascinating and enduring inventions in the history of rock music, and its origin story is a testament to the human imagination and curiosity. Whether or not the Flying V was inspired by a UFO, it remains a symbol of the human desire to reach for the stars, to break the rules, and to explore the unknown. If you ever have the chance to play a Flying V guitar, take it, and let your fingers fly like a UFO soaring over the horizon.
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