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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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    Acoustic Guitars / Guitars / News

    Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster Review

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    Acoustic Guitars / Guitars / News

    Ukulele vs Guitar

    May 13, 2025
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    Amplifiers / Electric Guitar Amplifiers / News

    Bugera T5 Infinium Guitar Amplifier Review

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    Best 12 Inch Speaker For Fender Princeton Reverb

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    Taylor vs Martin Guitars: Key Specification Differences

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    News / PA / Recording

    Tonex Amp Modeler Review

    May 7, 2025
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    Electric Guitars / Guitars / News

    PRS CE 22 Limited Edition Electric Guitar

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    Important Alert: JBL PRX, EON One PA System Firmware & App Update Issues

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Boss Release Waza Craft Dimension C & Metal Zone
FX News 

Boss Release Waza Craft Dimension C & Metal Zone

On October 5, 2018 by Bruno

Boss has just released a Waza Craft version of the Dimension C chorus and Metal Zone pedals. Waza Craft pedals are made in Japan to a higher spec with some extra features. The Metal Zone has a “custom” switch that actual cuts…

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Pearl Drums To Abandon Australian Retailers
Music Biz News 

Pearl Drums To Abandon Australian Retailers

On October 4, 2018 by Bruno

Pearl Drum To Abandon Australian Retailers Pearl drums is planning to no longer sell products through Australian stores and use Amazon instead as it’s only sale channel in Australia. With freight costs currently at around $600 I can’t see how most customers…

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Gibson Will Exit Bankruptcy
Music Biz News 

Gibson Will Exit Bankruptcy

On October 4, 2018 by Bruno

After failing to turn itself into a “lifestyle” company by buying various electronics brands Gibson will refocus on guitars and musical instruments. Contrary to some of the news, the guitar side of Gibson has been making profits and guitar sale are not…

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The Eagles Tour Australia 2019
News 

The Eagles Tour Australia 2019

On October 4, 2018 by Bruno

Guitar band The Eagles will be touring Australia again in 2019. The band lineup will be Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B Schmit, Vince Gill and Deacon Frey. Even without any new releases for decades they are one of the worlds most…

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Kenny Wayne Shepherd At The Enmore
News 

Kenny Wayne Shepherd At The Enmore

On October 4, 2018 by Bruno

Tonight is the last night for a chance to see blues guitar player Kenny Wayne Sheperd in Sydney at the Enmore Theatre. His guitar of choice is a 1961 Fender Stratocaster that he first seen and played in Guitar Centre Hollywood when…

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How To Recording 

Miking Your Guitar Amp

On October 3, 2018 by Bruno

In the world of guitar recording, there exists a significant tonal landscape that simply cannot be captured through direct injection (DI boxes) or amp simulators. The authentic character, dynamic response, and harmonic complexity of a real guitar amplifier creates a sonic fingerprint…

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  • Fender’s Custom Shop
  • Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V Review
  • Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster Review
  • Ukulele vs Guitar

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