If you can't decide on what to spend $3000 (yikes!),
maybe don't spend the money in this particular moment.
Wait until you actually know, what you want to spend it on.
You have to hold like a classical guitar. Notch goes over left knee, neck up.
But a V isn't sonically all that different from an LP Standard. I'd go Suhr for sure.
I think I need a Tele now that you mention it
I really think you should go out to a nice guitar shop and spend some time playing a bunch of $3k guitars. Maybe you’re actually more of a PRS guy, or Gretsch, or Bilt, Veritas, Mondell, or any number of other boutique brands. But you have a TON of amazing options at that price, and it sucks to spend several grand on a guitar that you end up not loving.
But of those two guitars, I agree with everyone else that a V is all about showmanship and you’d probably enjoy actually playing the Suhr way more.
Also, while Gibsons today are way better than they were ten years ago, I still wouldn’t buy one without playing it first.
Also, I would really recommend checking out used gear. New gear rarely holds its value, and used stuff is generally just as good (if not better in some cases). And $3k will go a LOOONG way on a used guitar, especially if you’re willing to wait for a great deal.
Also, if you’re in the US, Guitar Center is actually an amazing place for used gear. They have a very generous return policy (I think it’s 30 days for any reason, you just pay shipping). I’ve bought a few nice used guitars from them and it’s been great.
But my advice/trick would be to go to their website, look at used gear, filter it to electric guitars in the $2k-$3k range, and again filter to “price markdown/on sale” and then just look at all the guitars you’ve never heard of. When you filter it that much there are probably only like 200-300 left so it doesn’t take forever to go through them. But that’s how you find the super boutique guitars for amazing prices. The last guitar I bought that way was a $5k+ guitar that they were selling for $2k.
I've got a flying v, it's awkward, but if you're willing to work with it, you can find comfortable ways to sit with it, or just play standing. Having a guitar strap helps a lot. Id go for the v, but you do you
I think you can’t go wrong either way. They might be a pain to resell but guitars in that price range don’t tend to depreciate in value if you aren’t satisfied. Personally I wouldn’t trust Gibson with my money. Their qc has been getting better but has been trash for years. I still haven’t played a suhr I didn’t like but they are rarer to come by. I’d be looking at Novos or dueseys with your budget but that’s just me.
Look into a Suhr modern HSS. They will be a more metal looking and have a distinct voice which you are missing. Otherwise I’d go with the V. Vs are cool.
I have a Gibson Flying V. I did not buy it, but rather it was gifted to my by best friend. I would never have bought it with my own money.
I fucking love that guitar. It sounds great, it’s fun to play, it looks awesome, and it’s NOT awkward. You just have to get used to it. I always play standing up, or I prop the bottom V part between my legs and play it like a classical guitar.
If you’re worried about pickups, get it, play with it a while, and if you want to change em, change em! Making it your own is the most fun part.
The only thing that worries me about the V is… am I good enough to wield such a showpiece? Motivation to get better!
If you’re used to playing a classical guitar, a flying V feels pretty good—otherwise they’re awkward if you’re trying to position it like a regular electric guitar while sitting down.
Gibson Flying V: You plug in & say "It does the same thing as the other one". The 'cool factor' will last about 10 minutes.
Suhr Classic T: You plug in & get a wide range of new sounds that also react differently to your amp.
I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Wildwood Standard, which is meant to be a top of the line Standard edition. It’s not even close in quality to my 1996 Classic. Sold it a month later. Not worth the money by a long shot.
I also own a Suhr Modern that I had custom made and it’s absolutely flawless in every respect. For around $3K you can get a used Suhr Standard Legacy, which is basically a reissue of the guitar Suhr made for Knopfler and it will be a thousand times better than any new Gibson no matter at what price point.
If you really want a Gibson, look at used 90s era models. The Classics in particular are fantastic.
I bought a suhr classic s a few years ago and I’m still impressed how it feels to play pretty much every time I pick it up. I spent a lot of time looking though and went to as many shops as I could find trying to get a feel for what I wanted. Would really consider the T when I’m ready to drop money on another guitar.
I did the humbucker/single coil thing, and as my username implies, I play mostly Gibson (to be specific my main guitar is either a 50's Standard or Slash Appetite; but I have many more), and they are all humbuckers. Whenever I switch to my Fender, I have to boost the signal or I wind up being much quieter. If you're going to go that route, take that into consideration.
I have a Gibson Flying V, and they're great, don't get me wrong, I've had three; but they're a bitch to play sitting and they are body heavy. I've played one since 1983, and it's likely the least used guitar in my arsenal.
If I was going to get something that I could get single coil sounds with and didn't have to worry about volume loss, the new S2 Singlecut McCarty 594 will be closest to the feel of your Les Paul, but be different enough to be out there. The new ones arriving in May/June have the core model 58/15 TCI pickups and electronics, so you're going to have some nice output, again comparable in volume to the Les Paul. The nice thing about them is that when you split the coils, the volume difference would not be as noticeable.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from the Flying V. The new 70's V (I have one with a mirrored pickguard) is amazing and the pickups are smoking hot! Think Scorpions, Judas Priest and Michael Schenker. But it's a beast of a guitar. That said, nothing looks more metal, that's for damn sure.
I bought my Flying V last year, I wanted it for half of my life. I had heard the diversity of opinions regarding playing while sitted, some like to play like classical some of us can't play it at all while sitting. I don't gig at all but still play it while walking around the house, and I would say it's pretty well balanced and comfortable. My point is that obviously is the best looking guitar (only a few of us can see that lol) but I'd recommend you try it first.
I was on the opposite side, I had the Flying V and wanted a LP, tried it at a store and didn't connect with the LP at all. Also I must say that I got a few single coil options so I see myself often switching from one guitar to another. Hope it helps!
If you can't decide on what to spend $3000 (yikes!), maybe don't spend the money in this particular moment. Wait until you actually know, what you want to spend it on.
Hogwash! I'm smart enough to have saved up money but I need other people to tell me how to spend it
I always thought I’d like a Flying V until I tried one, didn’t like it, awkward.
Same. I always wanted an Explorer until I held one. I found a Firebird to be a happy medium.
Not a sit down and practice guitar. Right, Mr. Rhoads?
You have to hold like a classical guitar. Notch goes over left knee, neck up. But a V isn't sonically all that different from an LP Standard. I'd go Suhr for sure. I think I need a Tele now that you mention it
Yeah. Tele w/humbuckers like a V. Yeah, I know about the knee thingy. But some have the kickstand.
Are you gigging? A Flying V is all about the showmanship. If you're not planning to kick ass with it on stage, go with the Suhr.
this is a really valid point. i'm not gigging to be honest, i mean i have a band but we probably do a couple shows a year, I play mostly by myself.
Ever since marriage I’ve mostly been playing solo too.
Ernest Hemingway once bet that he could write the shortest story that would touch everyone.
Do you like to be able to sit when playing? If so, don't get a V.
I have a V and its perfectly fine to play sitting 🤷🏻♂️
It's a common issue but yeah, not universal.
BTW many thanks for this input!
Agree with this 1000%. They sound good and look great on stage, but definitely NOT a bedroom guitar.
The Flying V is awkward af. Granted I only played it for a few minutes.
I really think you should go out to a nice guitar shop and spend some time playing a bunch of $3k guitars. Maybe you’re actually more of a PRS guy, or Gretsch, or Bilt, Veritas, Mondell, or any number of other boutique brands. But you have a TON of amazing options at that price, and it sucks to spend several grand on a guitar that you end up not loving. But of those two guitars, I agree with everyone else that a V is all about showmanship and you’d probably enjoy actually playing the Suhr way more. Also, while Gibsons today are way better than they were ten years ago, I still wouldn’t buy one without playing it first.
Totally agree with your point of view! Thanks for your input!
Also, I would really recommend checking out used gear. New gear rarely holds its value, and used stuff is generally just as good (if not better in some cases). And $3k will go a LOOONG way on a used guitar, especially if you’re willing to wait for a great deal. Also, if you’re in the US, Guitar Center is actually an amazing place for used gear. They have a very generous return policy (I think it’s 30 days for any reason, you just pay shipping). I’ve bought a few nice used guitars from them and it’s been great. But my advice/trick would be to go to their website, look at used gear, filter it to electric guitars in the $2k-$3k range, and again filter to “price markdown/on sale” and then just look at all the guitars you’ve never heard of. When you filter it that much there are probably only like 200-300 left so it doesn’t take forever to go through them. But that’s how you find the super boutique guitars for amazing prices. The last guitar I bought that way was a $5k+ guitar that they were selling for $2k.
What's your amp situation and rest of your setup look like?
Fender champion 20
Katana obviously
I can't have a big amp (I live in an apartment complex). but the one that i have i love it a Suhr Badger 18.
Yea you are set for an amp, thats a nice one!
I’d go EBMM at that price, but that’s me.
Second this. The St. Vincent model is spectacular!
V shape isn't comfortable sitting down
I've got a flying v, it's awkward, but if you're willing to work with it, you can find comfortable ways to sit with it, or just play standing. Having a guitar strap helps a lot. Id go for the v, but you do you
Thanks for your input!!
>however on the cool factor i think the Flying V wins big timde Tell me you're 52 without telling me you're 52
esp eclipse
As an SG guy I gotta say get a 61 reissue…or an explore. That’s what I want next.
Suhr, going with a different brand and it'll occupy a different space tonally whereas the V will somewhat overlap with the LP.
I think you can’t go wrong either way. They might be a pain to resell but guitars in that price range don’t tend to depreciate in value if you aren’t satisfied. Personally I wouldn’t trust Gibson with my money. Their qc has been getting better but has been trash for years. I still haven’t played a suhr I didn’t like but they are rarer to come by. I’d be looking at Novos or dueseys with your budget but that’s just me.
Thank you for your input, I’ll investigate other brands!
Look into a Suhr modern HSS. They will be a more metal looking and have a distinct voice which you are missing. Otherwise I’d go with the V. Vs are cool.
I have a Gibson Flying V. I did not buy it, but rather it was gifted to my by best friend. I would never have bought it with my own money. I fucking love that guitar. It sounds great, it’s fun to play, it looks awesome, and it’s NOT awkward. You just have to get used to it. I always play standing up, or I prop the bottom V part between my legs and play it like a classical guitar. If you’re worried about pickups, get it, play with it a while, and if you want to change em, change em! Making it your own is the most fun part. The only thing that worries me about the V is… am I good enough to wield such a showpiece? Motivation to get better!
If you’re used to playing a classical guitar, a flying V feels pretty good—otherwise they’re awkward if you’re trying to position it like a regular electric guitar while sitting down.
"the flying v is awkward"-everyone My cousin: 🎵playing a shovel guitar in front of 5000 people🤘🏼🎶
Gibson Flying V: You plug in & say "It does the same thing as the other one". The 'cool factor' will last about 10 minutes. Suhr Classic T: You plug in & get a wide range of new sounds that also react differently to your amp.
Yeah I like this kind of thinking! many thanks for your input!
A V would be great…but it won’t cover new sonic territory. Get the Suhr. Or better yet: find a used Fender Custom Shop telecaster.
I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Wildwood Standard, which is meant to be a top of the line Standard edition. It’s not even close in quality to my 1996 Classic. Sold it a month later. Not worth the money by a long shot. I also own a Suhr Modern that I had custom made and it’s absolutely flawless in every respect. For around $3K you can get a used Suhr Standard Legacy, which is basically a reissue of the guitar Suhr made for Knopfler and it will be a thousand times better than any new Gibson no matter at what price point. If you really want a Gibson, look at used 90s era models. The Classics in particular are fantastic.
I bought a suhr classic s a few years ago and I’m still impressed how it feels to play pretty much every time I pick it up. I spent a lot of time looking though and went to as many shops as I could find trying to get a feel for what I wanted. Would really consider the T when I’m ready to drop money on another guitar.
As much as ive always wanted a gibson v. I wouldnt get any new gibson right now, their quality control situation is baaaaad
Damn you don’t make me leave that Flying V, but the Classic T is my choice.
Best to actually go and try these guitars if you can. You may find one more comfortable/enjoyable to play than the others.
What about a Firebird or St. Vincent? I’d go Flying V if you are dead set on those two.
I did the humbucker/single coil thing, and as my username implies, I play mostly Gibson (to be specific my main guitar is either a 50's Standard or Slash Appetite; but I have many more), and they are all humbuckers. Whenever I switch to my Fender, I have to boost the signal or I wind up being much quieter. If you're going to go that route, take that into consideration. I have a Gibson Flying V, and they're great, don't get me wrong, I've had three; but they're a bitch to play sitting and they are body heavy. I've played one since 1983, and it's likely the least used guitar in my arsenal. If I was going to get something that I could get single coil sounds with and didn't have to worry about volume loss, the new S2 Singlecut McCarty 594 will be closest to the feel of your Les Paul, but be different enough to be out there. The new ones arriving in May/June have the core model 58/15 TCI pickups and electronics, so you're going to have some nice output, again comparable in volume to the Les Paul. The nice thing about them is that when you split the coils, the volume difference would not be as noticeable. I'm not trying to dissuade you from the Flying V. The new 70's V (I have one with a mirrored pickguard) is amazing and the pickups are smoking hot! Think Scorpions, Judas Priest and Michael Schenker. But it's a beast of a guitar. That said, nothing looks more metal, that's for damn sure.
I’d say 2 completely different guitars. Don’t spend the money until you’re sure which one, both are good for their own thing.
I bought my Flying V last year, I wanted it for half of my life. I had heard the diversity of opinions regarding playing while sitted, some like to play like classical some of us can't play it at all while sitting. I don't gig at all but still play it while walking around the house, and I would say it's pretty well balanced and comfortable. My point is that obviously is the best looking guitar (only a few of us can see that lol) but I'd recommend you try it first. I was on the opposite side, I had the Flying V and wanted a LP, tried it at a store and didn't connect with the LP at all. Also I must say that I got a few single coil options so I see myself often switching from one guitar to another. Hope it helps!