Gibson 50th Anniversary Flying V 2008 - Brimstone Burst

This is an exceptionally rare 2008 Gibson 50 Year Commemorative Flying V in Brimstone Burst—Gibson’s March 2008 Guitar of the Month release and one of only 1,000 produced. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original 1958 Flying V, but this is far more than a standard reissue. Gibson went all-in on the details here with a carved AA maple top over mahogany, a bound ebony fingerboard, pearl split-block inlays, gold fretwire, gold hardware, and one of the most distinctive headstocks Gibson has ever used.

The Brimstone Burst finish is the centerpiece. It has a deep red center that fades into nearly black edges, with the flame maple moving beneath the finish depending on the light. It is dramatic without looking overdone, and the gold hardware works perfectly against the dark red and black burst. The body also has a special contoured and beveled shape that gives it a more refined, custom feel than a typical Flying V.

This model shipped with a ’57 Classic in the neck and a ’57 Classic Plus in the bridge. That is a great pairing for this guitar—warm, articulate neck tones with a little extra push and bite from the bridge pickup. It stays clear and musical for cleaner playing, but has plenty of authority when you put gain behind it. The simple layout of a three-way selector, master volume, and master tone keeps it focused and easy to use.

One of the coolest parts of this Guitar of the Month model is the hardware package. It has Steinberger 40:1 gearless tuners, which are incredibly smooth and precise compared to conventional tuners. They keep the headstock compact, provide excellent tuning accuracy, and genuinely make normal locking tuners feel clumsy by comparison. The gold fretwire, gold-plated truss rod cover, and unique red chevron headstock inlay designed by Ted McCarty finish the guitar off in a way that makes it feel properly special.

This particular example is number 748 of the 1,000-piece run. It plays and sounds amazing, with great action, spot-on intonation and freshly conditioned fretboard. The neck is excellent, the frets have plenty of life, and the guitar feels ready to go.

Condition-wise, I am calling it very good overall to set expectations accurately. It presents extremely well, but there are some scratches and cosmetic signs of use throughout, along with a small ding on the front, a chip along one of the points/outer edges, and a small chip near the headstock. None of that affects playability or structural integrity, and it remains a very clean, striking example of an increasingly difficult-to-find Gibson limited run. It includes the original Guitar of the Month hardshell case and complete original case candy.

What stood out to me

• Rare 2008 Gibson 50 Year Commemorative Flying V
• March 2008 Guitar of the Month release
• Number 748 of only 1,000 produced
• Brimstone Burst finish with dramatic red-to-black fade
• AA figured maple top over a mahogany body
• Special contoured and beveled Flying V body shape
• Mahogany neck
• Bound ebony fingerboard
• Pearl split-block inlays
• Gold fretwire
• Gold hardware throughout
• Unique Ted McCarty-designed red chevron headstock inlay
• Gold-plated 50th Anniversary truss rod cover
• Steinberger 40:1 gearless tuners
• Extremely smooth and precise tuning feel
• ’57 Classic neck pickup
• ’57 Classic Plus bridge pickup
• Three-way selector with master volume and master tone controls
• Great action and spot-on intonation
• Recently conditioned fretboard and polished frets
• Excellent fret condition
• Very good overall condition with honest cosmetic wear shown in the photos
• Original Guitar of the Month hardshell case included
• Complete original case candy included

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!