1981 Gibson Flying V Bass, Silverburst (USA)
Year: 1981
Finish/Color: Silverburst
Made in: USA
Factory/Plant: Kalamazoo
The Silverburst’s dramatic visual impact perfectly complements the aggressive V-body design, turning an already rare instrument into a true collector’s gem. What elevates this particular example to legendary status is its Silverburst finish – a striking, futuristic gradient that was rarely applied to basses and is now considered iconic.
According to collector accounts and serial tracking, only around 12 Flying V Basses were ever finished in Silverburst, making it one of the rarest production finishes Gibson ever offered. These few were built in Kalamazoo in mid-1981, during a transitional period for the company, and were likely part of a small custom batch.
The Gibson “V” Bass is also featured in one of my favorite bass books – The Gibson Bass Book: An illustrated tribute By Rob van den Broek. It’s a good read!
The Flying V Bass was part of Gibson’s early ’80s push to innovate and test-market bold designs.
It appeared only in the 1981 Specials catalog insert, never in a full-line catalog, and was discontinued shortly after. Its radical shape and limited run make it a cult classic today.
Bass Curiosum
This bass is perhaps one of 12 Silverbursts V Basses ever made!
Frequently asked questions about the Gibson Flying V Bass
Yes. Gibson built the Flying V Bass as part of its early-1980s push to test-market bold designs. It appeared only in the 1981 Specials catalog insert, never in a full-line catalog, and was discontinued shortly after, which is a large part of why it is a cult classic today.
Extremely rare. By collector accounts and serial tracking, as few as around 12 Flying V Basses are believed to have left Kalamazoo in the Silverburst finish, built during a transitional mid-1981 period and likely as a small custom batch. Silverburst was seldom applied to basses at all, which adds to the scarcity.
Silverburst is a metallic grey-to-black gradient from Gibson’s Norlin era that is prized for its dramatic look and the way it patinas over time. On a model as scarce and radical as the V Bass, that finish turns an already rare instrument into a genuine collector’s piece.
