Did someone say Korina V? Yup, 1982 Korina body Gibson Flying V Heritage Series to be exact.

Reissued in 1981, these guitars were ‘faithful’ reproductions of the now legendary Korina Flying Vs released in 1958 in an attempt by Ted Carthy of stepping away from the traditional and some would say stale image that Gibson had adhered to in the wake of the ever increasing popularity of Fender.

Condition wise, this guitar is nearly immaculate, the Korina grain showcased wonderfully by the tinted lacquer. There are a few dings to the finish and some checking but it looks like this guitar has only been lightly played in the past 40 years.

Some interesting factory markings under the pickguard to have a look at (see pics). The neck is in great shape, the finish is still glossy and there's plenty of life left in the original frets.

At some point the serial number has been neatly obliterated. We do not know the reason why but we do know the previous owner bought this from Scott Silva at SS Vintage in Chicago and as a recognised and respected US dealer he would have had to have checked police records and kept the guitar for some time in limbo before he was legally allowed to sell it.

Hardware does exhibit some very slight wear which again suggests very little use.

Plastics are in great shape as you’d expect.

Electrically none of the solder joints have been disturbed with the pot codes reading 23rd week of 1980 and unmolested Tim Shaw humbuckers dated 1982.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

Once you’ve figured out comfortable way to hold the guitar (possible suggestion would be to skip the sitting down and stick it on a strap, one foot up on the monitor) we’re in familiar Gibson territory, especially to those of you who’ve wrangled an SG, albeit with a bit more wood to contend with. Easy access to the whole neck, the Shaw humbuckers delivering a solid rock tone with the Korina yielding a slightly lighter timbre than its mahogany cousin.

If its good enough for Albert then it should for you. You will be noticed with this around your neck. Grab it before it flies away... These are getting scarce to find and the last one did not stick around for long.