Gibson, the renowned guitar brand that has been shaping sound for over 130 years, has joined forces with Metallica's lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, to release a limited edition run of his iconic 1979 Gibson Flying V guitar. The partnership marks the first collaboration between Gibson and Hammett, who famously used the guitar on all of Metallica's early albums.

Only 200 of the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V guitars have been handcrafted by the luthiers at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Each guitar has been meticulously aged to match the original and comes with a SKV Flying V case complete with gaff tape and Metallica museum tags, along with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Hammett himself.

Hammett's passion for Gibson guitars started with this Flying V, which he purchased inspired by other famous Flying V players and seeking a fuller sound. The guitar has become one of the most important instruments in heavy metal history, with its distinctive sound contributing to the success of Metallica's early albums, including Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, and The Black Album.

In addition to the limited edition guitar release, Gibson TV's "Icons" series features an exclusive interview with Kirk Hammett, where he shares insights into his music influences, the early days of the San Francisco metal scene, and his 37 years as the lead guitarist of Metallica. The interview also includes archival and never-before-seen photos of Metallica, offering fans a rare glimpse into the band's history.

Fans and collectors worldwide can now purchase the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V from Gibson Custom Shop through premium Gibson dealers or via the Gibson website. This collaboration between Gibson and Kirk Hammett celebrates the legacy of this iconic instrument and solidifies its place in the pantheon of rock and heavy metal guitars.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.