Gibson Flying V

This article is about the electric guitar model introduced by Gibson. For other uses of the word "guitar", see Guitar (disambiguation).

Is it V or Vee?

The Gibson Flying V is a model of electric guitar so named for the distinctive "V" shape of its body. Though not initially successful upon its 1958 release, its unique design gained popularity with blues and rock musicians and it grew to become a staple of various rock subgenres. In particular, the V has become an icon of heavy metal — leading to Strong Bad and The Cheat demonstrating an infatuation with this iconic guitar shape, alongside other various rockin' appearances in Homestar Runner.

Appearances

• The Cheat Theme Song — One appears in front of The Cheat during the video.
• Email new hands (Easter egg) — One of the objects Strong Bad's hand can turn into is a Flying V.
• Email island (Easter egg) — One of the objects Homestar Runner can turn into is a Flying V.
• Email privileges — Homestar tries to sell Fretmagic magazines, each with a Flying V featured on the cover.
• Strong Bad Sings and Other Type Hits — The two guitars sticking out of Strong Bad's head on the cover are Flying V's.
  • @strongbadactual Instagram post (16 Aug 2024) — Conceptual sketches show alternate designs that also use Flying V horns.
• Email haircut — Strong Bad draws a Flying V on the photo of Strong Mad.
• Teen Girl Squad Issue 8 — Cheerleader plays a Flying V as a member of Kissyboots.
• Email rock opera — The Flying V is heavily featured in the rock opera.
• Lappynapped! — A Flying V is pictured on Strong Bad's Missing Lappy poster.
• Homestar Ruiner — Strong Bad shears a shrub into the shape of a Flying V. A Fretmagic magazine is visible in Strong Bad's laundry pile.
• Baddest of the Bands — In the game Limozeen's Hot Babelien Odyssey, one of the obstacles is a green Flying V.