Gibson Flying V model details

1993 Rudolf Schenker Signature Flying V

This earlier Rudolf Schenker signature Flying V is distinct from Gibson’s 2013 Rudolf Schenker model. The 1993 guitar is described in period-market references as having a black-and-white split finish, a matching white pickguard, and a Schenker autograph. In the updated photographs, the side described as white now has a pronounced gold/yellow cast. White finishes can warm as clear lacquer ages, so yellowing itself is a known effect; the depth of the gold color on this example is especially striking. The photographs document its present appearance but cannot establish the finish chemistry or prove the precise cause. Its production is commonly reported as approximately 103 guitars; that number is a secondary-source estimate, not a confirmed Gibson production record.

Example 1: Strong yellowing of the white finish

Close body view of the 1993 Rudolf Schenker Flying V — Body detail

Full front view of the split-finish Rudolf Schenker Flying V — Full front view

Close view of the guitar body and signed pickguard — Body and signature detail

Additional front view of the Flying V — Additional view

Back view of the split-finish guitar — Back view

Close detail of the guitar back — Additional view

Front of the split-color headstock — Headstock front

Fingerboard and neck detail — Fingerboard detail

Back of the headstock and neck — Headstock and neck back

The Flying V in its case — Guitar in case

Additional listing photo of the 1993 Rudolf Schenker Flying V — Additional view

Updated rear view showing the white side of the 1993 Rudolf Schenker Flying V now appearing gold — Rear view: the formerly white side now appears gold

Photos courtesy of The Guitar Broker in Florida.

Example 2: More of the original white appearance retained

This second 1993 Rudolf Schenker Signature Flying V, listed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, shows a noticeably different degree of finish yellowing. Its lighter side remains much closer to white, with a mild cream cast, while the first example above has shifted to a deeper gold/yellow. The contrast shows that the visible aging varies between these two guitars; the photographs alone do not establish why.

Full front view of the second split-finish 1993 Rudolf Schenker Flying V, with the light half still mostly white — Full front view: the light half retains much more of its white appearance

Back view of the second 1993 Rudolf Schenker Flying V, showing its black-and-white split finish — Back view

Close view of the second guitar body, white pickguard, pickups, bridge, and controls — Body, pickguard, and control details

Front of the split-color headstock on the second guitar — Headstock front

Back of the split-color headstock and tuning machines on the second guitar — Headstock back

Photos shared by the owner with permission.

Specification	Details
Model / period	Rudolf Schenker Signature Flying V; listed in secondary references as a 1993 model. Blue Book groups the model under 1992–1994 manufacture.
Finish / pickguard	Period-market descriptions identify a black-and-white split finish and matching white pickguard. In current photos, the lighter side appears deep gold/yellow. White finishes can yellow as clear lacquer ages; this example shows a particularly pronounced shift, though its exact cause and finish chemistry are unconfirmed.
Pickups / controls	Two humbucking pickups; two volume controls, one tone control, and a three-way pickup selector.
Reported production	Approximately 103 made in 1993 is a figure reported by secondary dealer and sale listings. Gibson production documentation confirming the exact total has not been located.
Distinction from 2013 model	This is the earlier, reported 1993 run. Gibson’s separate 2013 Rudolf Schenker Flying V is listed as a 400-piece production, with 208 made for the U.S. market in Blue Book.

References

The approximately 103-piece count is reported by a dealer listing and sale descriptions; treat it as an estimate rather than an official Gibson total. Individual guitars may differ in condition, finish appearance, or replaced components.

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