For vintage guitar aficionados, the allure of owning an original late 1950s Gibson Flying V Guitar is undeniable. The story of one such guitar’s incredible journey from a landfill to a collector’s hands is a testament to the enduring mystique of these iconic instruments. This is the story of a remarkable Gibson Flying V, a true holy grail discovered in the most unexpected of places.
The saga began on January 16th when Rick, a friend at Garrett Park Guitars, sent a cryptic photo. It was merely a glimpse of a Flying V’s corner, showcasing a broken white jack plate. Intrigue piqued, further images arrived, this time from Jon at Garrett Park, proudly holding what seemed to be a well-loved 1958 or 1959 Gibson Flying V guitar.
At the time, personal matters took precedence. The gravity of a family medical situation meant the photos were momentarily forgotten. It wasn’t until January 24th, when another friend, Terry Foster, inquired about the Flying V, that the earlier exchange resurfaced. A week had passed, and the Gibson Flying V guitar photos were still lingering in the back of the mind.
An hour later, Rick and the author were deep in conversation about this 1959 Gibson Flying V guitar. Rick, understanding the significance, allowed time to absorb the information. Immediately following the call, a flurry of calls were made to a trusted network of vintage guitar experts. Charlie Daughtry, Nick Conte, Drew Winn, Joe Bonamassa, Don Lee, Mat Koehler, Rick Hogue, Terry Foster, Colin Cripps, Mike Hickey, and others – a veritable who’s who of vintage guitar authorities – were consulted. Even Joe Bonamassa, amidst recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios, lent his expertise.
These trusted voices confirmed the significance: a 1959 Gibson Flying V guitar was indeed a necessity. Another call to Rick ensued, solidifying details and finalizing arrangements for acquiring this legendary instrument. The acquisition was facilitated by Rick’s friendship and professionalism, making the process seamless.
Immediately after, Drew Winn at Guitar House of Tulsa was contacted. The acquisition of a vintage Gibson Flying V guitar of this caliber necessitates strategic adjustments. Within days, Drew arrived to help curate the collection, making room for the new arrival by parting with less essential pieces. Sometimes, prioritizing means letting go of the “firewood” to appreciate the truly exceptional.
Unearthing the Past: From Landfill to Legend
The story behind how this Gibson Flying V guitar became available is as remarkable as the instrument itself. On January 12th, Rick Hogue of Garrett Park Guitars was in San Francisco for the Bay Area guitar show on a buying trip. That morning, a fleeting glance at a friend’s Facebook post mentioned a 1959 Gibson Flying V guitar. Initially dismissed due to the buying trip’s demands, Rick later discovered that his friend Colin Cripps had also been alerted to the same post by Don Lee. Colin had even connected with the guitar’s owner in Virginia.
The owner, having made the post public, was overwhelmed by inquiries and concerned about the security of such a valuable instrument. Rick, upon returning from San Francisco, arranged to drive to Virginia to inspect the guitar and potentially purchase it. Meeting the owner and his wife, Rick inquired about the guitar’s history. The owner recounted acquiring it from a “picker” who knew he was a musician.
Upon inspection, the Gibson Flying V guitar appeared original. A deal was struck, and Rick prepared to leave with his incredible find. Due to the short notice, immediate funds were limited, but the seller graciously agreed to a subsequent meeting for the balance. As Rick was departing, he asked the sellers about their plans for the proceeds. Their heartfelt reply: to pay off their mortgage.
Returning to finalize the payment, Rick again inquired about the guitar’s origin. This time, the seller revealed the astonishing truth: the “picker” had discovered this 1959 Gibson Flying V guitar – one of the most coveted electric guitars in existence – in a landfill.
Driven by this incredible revelation, Rick traveled to Lynchburg, Virginia, the reported location of the landfill find. He sought details about the original owner, hoping to even locate the original case of this legendary Gibson Flying V guitar. A contact at Lynchburg Music shared a local legend: for years, whispers circulated about an elderly Black musician who played a Flying V in a local church. The shop owner had always dismissed it as mere urban folklore.
A Collector’s Pinnacle: The Landfill Flying V’s Legacy
Rick, a seasoned veteran of the vintage guitar world, with a career spanning back to 1981, declared this Gibson Flying V guitar the pinnacle of his career. This wasn’t just another vintage find; it was a testament to the extraordinary stories that lie hidden, waiting to be unearthed. The tale of the Landfill Flying V is more than just a guitar story; it’s a captivating chapter in the ongoing saga of guitar collecting lore. It underscores the incredible journeys these instruments can undertake and the remarkable discoveries that await those who seek them. This Gibson Flying V guitar, rescued from obscurity, now stands as a symbol of perseverance, luck, and the enduring magic of vintage guitars.
[
