Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Epiphone launch 1979 Flying V guitar

nme.com:

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett has joined forces with Epiphone to recreate the guitarist’s prized original ‘79 Flying V.The new collaboration with Epiphone is described as a “painstaking recreation” of the original ‘70s model and pays homage to the iconic Flying V that has become synonymous with Hammett, as well as many other thrash metal icons.The original model is also one that famously appeared on the band’s run of fan-favourite albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including ‘Kill ‘Em All’, ‘Ride the Lightning’, ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘…And Justice for All’ and the self-titled LP – more famously recognised as ‘The Black Album’.“I am extremely honoured to be able to put out an Epiphone Flying V today,” Hammett said in a press release. “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.”Two colourways are offered for the new 2023 Epiphone edition – purple metallic and ebony – and the new signature model also features a mahogany body, a one-piece mahogany neck and a custom bridge.

As for the electronics, it comes with a pair of Gibson USA Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, a 3-way pickup selector toggle and a 1/4-inch output jack.The Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V is available now for £1,349 and can be purchased here.

Check out the final design in the promotional video below.This isn’t the first time that the Metallica lead guitarist has released a signature guitar this year.