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.