Gibson Flying V archive · traditional 1967 reissue family

1976 Gibson Flying V

“Limited Edition” decal note (1975–1977): Some Flying Vs from this period carried a gold oval serial decal with the words “Limited Edition”; others did not. Gibson documentation and surviving records reviewed so far do not explain the designation or show a consistent reason for its application. The decal alone does not establish a separate specification or a distinct limited-production run. See the serialization guide and Vintage Guitar discussion.

The photographed example is Alpine White with metallic control-position markers and added pickup surrounds, Schaller metallic knobs and a Lead/Rhythm ring. The original archive records serial number 969342.

Reported shipment totals by finish

The four reported finish totals match the 423-unit 1976 model total: Black 56, Natural 194, Tobacco Sunburst 23, and White 150. The 56 figure is the black-finish shipment count; it is not evidence of an additional 56-guitar edition.

What “Limited Edition” means on some serial decals

The wording was not specific to 1976. Gibson used serial-number transfers from 1975 through 1977, and some models carried “Limited Edition” on the transfer. Flying V examples with that wording are documented, including a 1976 Tobacco Sunburst V. The available Gibson records do not explain the label or establish that it denoted a separate Flying V specification or numbered run. Treat it as a decal marking, not proof of a distinct edition. The 1976 Black count is unusually low relative to the other finishes, but the figures alone do not make it a separate limited release.

Archive photographs