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  • Fender custom shop
    News

    Fender’s Custom Shop

    May 21, 2025
  • Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V Review The moment I unboxed the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, I knew I was holding something special. This collaboration between Metallica's lead guitarist and Epiphone delivers all the aggressive charm of Hammett's iconic stage presence in a package that won't require a second mortgage. First Impressions The glossy Greenburst finish immediately catches the eye—a faithful recreation of Kirk's beloved original with its dark emerald center that gracefully fades to black around the edges. The nitrocellulose lacquer gives it a vintage feel, with subtle checking that suggests authenticity right out of the box. At approximately 7.9 pounds, it balances well both sitting and standing, though like all Flying Vs, it's primarily designed for the latter. Detailed Specifications Body: Solid mahogany with classic Flying V shape Neck: Set mahogany with rounded C profile and volute Fingerboard: Indian laurel with 12" radius Inlays: Pearloid "block" inlays Frets: 22 medium jumbo, expertly dressed Scale Length: 24.75" Gibson standard Nut Width: 1.693" (43mm) Pickups: EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers Controls: 1 master volume, 1 master tone, 3-way toggle switch Hardware: Nickel-plated LockTone ABR Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece Tuners: Epiphone Deluxe with vintage-style Keystone buttons, 14:1 ratio Finish: Greenburst gloss nitrocellulose lacquer Case: Included hardshell case with plush interior Electronics: Active 9-volt battery compartment (battery included) What Real Players Are Saying According to Sweetwater customer G.R., "The neck is substantial but still comfortable. I've played more expensive Gibson Vs that didn't feel this good. The EMGs deliver exactly what you'd expect - tight lows, clear highs, and enough gain to make your amp scream." A Guitar Center reviewer notes, "The attention to detail is impressive. The binding is clean, frets are perfectly finished, and the Greenburst finish has depth you don't often see at this price point." On Musician's Friend, user MetalHead5150 writes, "As someone who owns multiple Flying Vs, this one stands out for its playability and tone. The EMG 81 bridge pickup cuts through even the densest mix, and the included hardshell case is a nice bonus that many guitars in this price range don't include." Playability Highlights The neck joint deserves special mention - the mahogany is precisely carved where it meets the body, providing exceptional upper fret access. The volute (a slight bulge where the neck meets the headstock) adds structural integrity while paying homage to Gibson's 1970s designs. The compound radius fingerboard (12" at the nut, gradually flattening to 14" at the higher frets) makes chord work comfortable near the headstock while facilitating faster lead playing up the neck. Factory setup typically includes 10-46 gauge strings with an action of 4/64" on the bass side and 3/64" on the treble side at the 12th fret. Tonal Versatility The EMG 81/60 combination is a tried-and-true metal setup, but there's more nuance here than you might expect. The 81 in the bridge position delivers the aggressive attack Hammett is known for, with remarkable string definition even under high gain. The midrange has a slight scoop that cuts through dense mixes without becoming harsh. The EMG 60 in the neck position offers surprising warmth. While still having the characteristic active pickup clarity, it produces clean tones that aren't sterile or lifeless. Roll back the tone knob to about 7, and you'll find surprisingly jazz-friendly tones that belie this guitar's metal aesthetics. Benefits Worth Considering Authentic Hammett Tones: The exact EMG pickup configuration Kirk uses for Metallica's live performances Quality Construction: CNC precision with hand-finished details ensures consistent build quality Premium Appointments: The nitro finish and block inlays elevate this above standard Epiphone offerings Excellent Value: As one Thomann reviewer put it, "You're getting 90% of a Gibson Custom Shop V at 25% of the price" Included Case: The fitted hardshell case (a $129 value) makes this an even better value proposition Who This Guitar Serves Best While obviously aimed at Metallica fans, this axe has appeal beyond the tribute factor. The combination of classic '70s styling with modern appointments makes it versatile enough for various heavy genres without feeling like a one-trick pony. As Guitar World reviewer Paul Riario noted in his hands-on assessment, "The Kirk Hammett V isn't just for Metallica tribute bands. Anyone who appreciates a well-crafted Flying V with premium features will find tremendous value here." The Bottom Line The Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V successfully walks the line between faithful tribute and practical instrument. It captures the spirit of Hammett's original without the vintage-guitar price tag or fragility. Whether you're playing "Seek and Destroy" in your bedroom or gigging at local venues, this Flying V delivers authentic thrash tones with head-turning looks that honor both Kirk's legacy and the iconic Flying V silhouette.
    Electric Guitars / Guitars / News

    Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V Review

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Category: Electric Guitars

New: Cort KX257B Baritone 7 String Guitar
Electric Guitars Guitars 

New: Cort KX257B Baritone 7 String Guitar

On December 7, 2018 by Bruno

Newly released Cort KX257B Baritone 7 String guitar offers awesome value for beginner to intermediate modern guitar players. This guitar is made with the heavy metal fan in mind, but that does not mean it’s limited to genre. Or if you’re an…

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Kinman Pickups Now Has Six New Gen2 Models
Electric Guitars 

Kinman Pickups Now Has Six New Gen2 Models

On December 6, 2018 by Bruno

Kinman Pickups now has six new Gen2 model pickups for strat type guitars. In order of output they are: The Scoop Impersonator E69 Impersonator E54 Impersonator E56 Impersonator Fat 50 Texas Jalapen Kinman also names the sets by the artists their sound…

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Fender Diesel Signature Series Strat
Electric Guitars Guitars 

Fender Diesel Signature Series Strat

On December 4, 2018 by Bruno

Fender releases the Diesel Signature Series Stratocaster. Mark Lizotte, aka Diesel, is one of those rare Australian guitar players that gets a signature instrument made in his name. The guitar represents his first strat with a few mods. The guitar is made…

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Fender Meteora Now Available
Electric Guitars Guitars 

Fender Meteora Now Available

On November 13, 2018 by Bruno

The new Fender Meteora is now available in stores. This guitar is part of the “Parallel Universe” series where Fender has given guitar designers some freedom to come up with new designs. The Meteora seems to be a cross-breed between a Jazzmaster…

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Gibson Offers The Paul 40th Anniversary Edition
Electric Guitars News 

Gibson Offers The Paul 40th Anniversary Edition

On November 13, 2018 by Bruno

Gibson revives The Paul for a 40th anniversary edition featuring a gloss finished solid walnut body, and 490R neck and 498T bridge pickups. The Paul is a fairly simple guitar with a relatively small price in the Gibson range and should be…

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Fender Jimmy Page Signature Series Telecaster
Electric Guitars Guitars News 

Fender Jimmy Page Signature Series Telecaster

On October 31, 2018 by Bruno

Fender is set to release in 2019 two Jimmy Page signature series Telecasters based on his teles that were used on Led Zeppelin’s first album and extensively on next two. And of course his guitar with the YardBirds.   Two models will…

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EMG Releases Loaded Stratocaster Pickguards
Electric Guitars News 

EMG Releases Loaded Stratocaster Pickguards

On October 18, 2018 by Bruno

EMG Pickups is releasing two passive prewired Strat pickguards. The ST-54 and ST-65. Both will be available in both vintage & classic style and use EMG’s solderless technology and are drop in ready for an easy install. The EMG ST-54 pickguard is…

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Fender Player Series, What’s New
Bass Guitars Electric Guitars Guitars News 

Fender Player Series, What’s New

On October 11, 2018 by Bruno

Fender has introduced the new “Player Series” guitars which have very different specs to the standard series. The concept for this series seems to have originated from the custom shop pro series as it has similar features. Modern C Shape Neck, which…

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