Gibson Flying V archive · traditional 1967 reissue family

1980 Gibson Flying V

This page covers the regular mahogany Flying V in the 1967 reissue style. The V2 and the separately documented Gold Limited Registered Edition are outside this model section.

Documented finishes and special-color examples

Dealer records document regular 1980 large-pickguard examples in Black, Alpine White, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst and Silverburst. GuitarPoint also documents one Gold example with a stopbar tailpiece, distinct from the numbered Gold Limited Registered Edition; whether it was a special order or a small production run is unknown. Collector records identify Ember Red and Silver Sky as custom-color examples. These are documented guitars, not a complete Gibson finish schedule or proof every finish was a regular production option.

The old archive statement that 1980 models were “usually completely black” is not supported by a year-specific finish schedule. No reliable 1980 finish-by-finish production quantities have been located. The Ember Red caption says its gold-colored hardware may not be original.

GoldOne separate regular large-pickguard example is listed by GuitarPoint; the listing does not establish production status or quantity.
SilverburstGuitarPoint describes a limited 1979–1981 run, without a quantity.
Shipment figuresNo reliable 1980 per-finish total was found; published totals located stop at 1979.

Archive photographs

Black 1980 Gibson Flying V archive photograph
Black regular large-pickguard example. Photo courtesy of Steve/Jeff.
Front view of a 1980 Ember Red Gibson Flying V
Ember Red example; gold-colored hardware may not be original.
Headstock detail of a 1980 Ember Red Gibson Flying V
Ember Red headstock detail.

Sources and evidence notes