Gibson “V Bass” Flying V Bass
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!
Other iconic basses to explore next
All about that bass, no treble
You’ve come to the end of the page, but don’t worry! This bass collection is meant to be played and seen and there’s more low-end rumble from Fender bass, Gibson basses, Epiphone, Lakland and many more for you to discover in The Bass Vault.