Marking the first-ever global release, Gibson Custom Shop and Epiphone have joined forced with Metallica icon Kirk Hammett to unveil the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V – a meticulously detailed recreation of Kirk’s prized original, available in Ebony and Purple Metallic finishes worldwide.

“I am extremely honored to be able to put out an Epiphone Flying V today,” says Kirk Hammett. “Epiphone represents great sounding guitars at accessible prices, which is fundamentally important for up-and-coming musicians. I’m beyond pleased that I can offer the ‘79 Flying V in this capacity. It means so much to me to be able to put good guitars in the hands of young players.”

Jenny Marsh, Director of Global Cultural Influence at Gibson Brands spoke about the magnitude of the release and the importance of giving all fans the opportunity to tap into the early heft of Hammett's sound. “We’re bringing the collaboration with the legendary Kirk Hammett to every stage for the first time through Epiphone, allowing every guitarist to wield the power and passion of Metallica’s music.”

The Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V is definitive. The guitar was is first stage played Gibson and was used to help shape the sound of some of Metallica's most iconic work including Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice of All, and The Black Album. 

In fact, Kirk still plays the original to this very day. 

The recreation of the guitar considered every detail and features a mahogany body, a one-piece mahogany neck with volute, Grover® Rotomatic® machine heads with “spade” buttons, and a custom bridge.

The guitar touts a Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type humbucker™ pickups wired to CTS® potentiometers and an Orange Drop® capacitor, and a Switchcraft® 3-way pickup selector toggle switch and a 1/4” output jack.

The guitar is finished with a Kirk Hammett logo on the back of the headstock and includes a hardshell case with soft red interior. 

Check the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V - HERE