@@kissmyairs81 I'm not over the moon about that fact but this guitar's board is nice and dark. I understand the hate for it but it's not a deal breaker so long as it looks decent for me. I'm going to play it and put some montys wax on it one day to really darken it up
I have to share what I learned just now. I just received the V shipped two-day air. The first thing I did upon opening the case was inspect the guitar. I immediately discovered the high E tuner was very crooked and the headstock was cracked from the tuner screw down and from above it. going up. The wood is cracked. What is really concerning is there was no damage to the box and not a mark on the case, which leads me to believe it went into the case damaged. That's shady when they are asking 1400. I gingerly tuned it up to try it out. I once owned a Gibson 1976 V I bought new and played for years until it was stolen. So that is the standard I compare the feel and playability to. I instantly found the neck was not as round or narrow. Not the same. I have a 2012 67 V now. Completely different from a 76. The Epiphone V feels cheap compared to that. Not even comparing to a real 76. I don't think the spec changed for 79. It does sound good. The pickups sound nice. However, this is no 1400-dollar guitar. 1000 is pushing it.
Sorry about your stolen 76. I played a black 1994 67 V for 23 years, that I regrettfully sold (damn you GAS). A few years later I bought a 2012 67 V to replace it. But it felt so wrong. Everytime I picked it up it was just ‘nope’, so I sold it and started looking for a mid-90s. Then one day a white 1995 popped up for sale. Happy to say the moment I picked it up, I was home again. It didn’t hurt that it was white either :)
Sorry about your stolen 76. I played a black 1994 67 V for 23 years, that I regrettfully sold (damn you GAS). A few years later I bought a 2012 67 V to replace it. But it felt so wrong. Everytime I picked it up it was just ‘nope’, so I sold it and started looking for a mid-90s. Then one day a white 1995 popped up for sale. Happy to say the moment I picked it up, I was home again. It didn’t hurt that it was white either :)
Great vid! That is a beautiful axe. I love my 2020 Epi LP. Im in shock how much theyve come UP in Quality! (Only con for me is they need Jumbo frets). Fun vid!
Looks great, even though black pickups with black pickups rings looks a bit weird to me. Other than that, the Flying V 67 reissue is my favourite guitar. Played a black 1994 Gibson for 23 years. Now I own a 1995 white one with ebony fretboard and Lollar Imperials. The mid 90s ones are the best.
Got a old epiphone from the 90s Smaller wings , no fretboard and standard guitar head instead of diamond shape. Trem system . It was a basic style guitar they were doing for beginners but played ok
I already have a flying v, so I don't need one. BUT - between this one and the ESP model, I feel like there are going to be more V's coming. Great video as usual!
Great review and the only one out there that plays and handles the guitar. Everyone else is reviewing the specs without the playability or inspecting the physicality. I’m wondering if it’s a must have above the impending Greeny? The wife says it’s probably going to be cheaper so get it. Anyhoo, great review.
excellent review! I don't usually care the laurel fretboard but this guitar is just too cool to pass up. Btw I just received my positron collider, it is absolutely stellar!
Just got mine today in purple...Got to add this to the rest because of those pickups that scream into the night!! The color and the bridge....what can I say!
So glad Epiphone is a premium brand again.. epiphone wasn't ever meant to be a budget brand in the first place Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..2019 JC Curliegh end it and restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been..I have a 2021 epiphone koa Les Paul that's now discontinued and selling on the used market up to $1,400 and worth every cent if it stayed in production it would have been that price eventually anyway..
Epiphone is still abudget brand. They've just put prices up, they're still budget copies of the real thing. As Bonamassa says, "the Epiphone versions for the kids"
Found the Gibson plant. This is cheap chinese Chit. It shouldn't cost more than 900 bucks period. It's made in a Chinese factory using slave labor. That said it's a great guitar for an Epiphone but it's not a 1300 dollar plus guitar.
@@jamest.135not everything in Asian countries is using Chinese labor. And depending on what kinds of steps, or how long those steps take, can increase the cost, especially for runs with their own special toolings and processes.
@@jamest.135 here's how smart your not the epiphone Quindoe facility is completely American owned and operated Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers.. sometimes it's best to know what you're taking before you open your mouth.. Gibson and fanboys BS has ended long ago.. epiphone is back to a premium brand whether you like it or not and bringing back memories for Gibson like stomping them into the dirt just like the good o'l days
I've got mine and everything is perfect, nothing sharp, dark and soft fretboard, the paint, sound etc. I can compare it without any problem to my Gibson Les Paul USA in term of quality, I'm REALLY impress, GJ Epiphone.
Yea, even fender is starting to go back to rosewood. And these guys couldn’t do it on a Metallica model? They know it will sell and tried to maximize as much profit as possible
Stock with gibson t top style pups and a hardshell case makes this guitar worth the price. Any minor issues can be taken care of with some 600 grit sandpaper.
It should have rosewood on the neck for this price. The AJ epi is ebony. For perspective, PRS SE's use rosewood and they are half the price. No reason why it should not have Rosewood.
Beats me, I'm fine with the Laurel on my personal guitar. Looks fine and feels good. I wish it was Ebony or Rosewood for sure but it's a great guitar regardless of fretboard wood IMO
Anyone know if the Gibson truss rod cover will fit on this? They really hit the mark on this guitar so far. I’m really looking forward to getting mine. If it is half as good as it looks being a huge fan of 70s Gibson guitars. I’m probably going to love this guitar, but let’s not put the cart before the horse.
Knob snob 😂 the pod cast the other day was hilarious .you look pleased with it though and that's all that really matters mate .I can't give a fair comment on the guitar being a complete fender fan boy 😂cheers
How's the tuning stability? I've been a Metallica fan since around '92, started playing guitar a year later and a friend of mine is dumbfounded as to why, after all these years, I've never owned any of the Metallica signatures, whether it be James' or Kirk's. It's weird, I've owned many guitars over the years but nothing Metallica-related. I've been wanting one of the Kirk signatures (not the Greeny), but so far, this one is the one that appeals to me the most, both price and spec-wise. I don't like EMG's or Floyd Rose Trems. This one reminds me of the glory days with Cliff, when they were young and hungry headbangers, touring constantly, and eating Mexican food and Carlsberg.
@@MythosPedals correct! But I see guitars as an investment - granted these Signature models might increase in value, I would still go for the US made used one.
The 58 korina is the same price. I have the standard epi Flying V as well and this guitar was much better right out of the box. Feels much better, sound better, big upgrades and a case. Plus Kirk gets a cut, just how guitar deals work
I feel conflicted about these things. The original guitar is a basic off the shelf unit with some Gibson type T pickups. So as this is a copy of a 1979 Gibson V... what's the difference from buying a Gibson V? It's a copy of a stock guitar? My thing is why have a signature if you're not improving something? Any V from your favourite company plus your favourite pickups will be more unique than a stock Gibson V? So the ESP's seem more like true signature guitars because he got to design and choose anything he could possibly want. Plus he played the V for the same reason that Hetfield, Mustaine, King, Scott etc all had V's.... Michael Schenker. So what you're buying is Kirk's fantasy of copying Michael Schenker. Schenker was a God in the creation of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thrash.
The price perhaps? I also prefer top hat knobs, ABR-1 bridge and covered pickups. To be honest Epi have blown Gibson out of the sky with this one by looks of it. 🤘🏻
I'm buying this guitar and I'm a gear snob, so anyone on the fence just know that Epiphone is the real deal these days!
100%
dont know man, Indian Laurel fingerboard that is not great
@@kissmyairs81 I'm not over the moon about that fact but this guitar's board is nice and dark. I understand the hate for it but it's not a deal breaker so long as it looks decent for me. I'm going to play it and put some montys wax on it one day to really darken it up
I just sent a Epi 58 korina back. It was a pos. Typical Chinese made crap.
I have to share what I learned just now. I just received the V shipped two-day air. The first thing I did upon opening the case was inspect the guitar. I immediately discovered the high E tuner was very crooked and the headstock was cracked from the tuner screw down and from above it. going up. The wood is cracked. What is really concerning is there was no damage to the box and not a mark on the case, which leads me to believe it went into the case damaged. That's shady when they are asking 1400. I gingerly tuned it up to try it out. I once owned a Gibson 1976 V I bought new and played for years until it was stolen. So that is the standard I compare the feel and playability to. I instantly found the neck was not as round or narrow. Not the same. I have a 2012 67 V now. Completely different from a 76. The Epiphone V feels cheap compared to that. Not even comparing to a real 76. I don't think the spec changed for 79. It does sound good. The pickups sound nice. However, this is no 1400-dollar guitar. 1000 is pushing it.
Experience a 74 Gibson V and I agree.
Sorry about your stolen 76. I played a black 1994 67 V for 23 years, that I regrettfully sold (damn you GAS). A few years later I bought a 2012 67 V to replace it. But it felt so wrong. Everytime I picked it up it was just ‘nope’, so I sold it and started looking for a mid-90s. Then one day a white 1995 popped up for sale. Happy to say the moment I picked it up, I was home again. It didn’t hurt that it was white either :)
Sorry about your stolen 76. I played a black 1994 67 V for 23 years, that I regrettfully sold (damn you GAS). A few years later I bought a 2012 67 V to replace it. But it felt so wrong. Everytime I picked it up it was just ‘nope’, so I sold it and started looking for a mid-90s. Then one day a white 1995 popped up for sale. Happy to say the moment I picked it up, I was home again. It didn’t hurt that it was white either :)
Man that sounds great!!! This the golden era of guitars and gear!!!
Thank you for sharing the P & C of this machine! Sounds great but I’m giving the player KUDOS! Love what you have to say on the guitar!
Great vid! That is a beautiful axe. I love my 2020 Epi LP. Im in shock how much theyve come UP in Quality! (Only con for me is they need Jumbo frets).
Fun vid!
Great review…..I really want the purple one
Looks great, even though black pickups with black pickups rings looks a bit weird to me. Other than that, the Flying V 67 reissue is my favourite guitar. Played a black 1994 Gibson for 23 years. Now I own a 1995 white one with ebony fretboard and Lollar Imperials. The mid 90s ones are the best.
wow what a great review! would love to see one for your 335!
I currently don’t own a stunt guitar…but that could change.
I had one just like it in the early 2000s, back when Gibson USA made these for like $1200 new.
Inflation is a hell of a thing
@thesunabsolute- Guitar prices are ridiculous for what you are getting.
Richard Dreyfus Jaws era vibes…nice guitar too 😅
I’ll take it!
Got a old epiphone from the 90s
Smaller wings , no fretboard and standard guitar head instead of diamond shape.
Trem system . It was a basic style guitar they were doing for beginners but played ok
I already have a flying v, so I don't need one. BUT - between this one and the ESP model, I feel like there are going to be more V's coming. Great video as usual!
Great review and the only one out there that plays and handles the guitar. Everyone else is reviewing the specs without the playability or inspecting the physicality.
I’m wondering if it’s a must have above the impending Greeny? The wife says it’s probably going to be cheaper so get it.
Anyhoo, great review.
I suspect Greeny will be similar to a standard 50s model Epi LP standard with out of phase pups. But I’m sure it’ll be great for the money
excellent review! I don't usually care the laurel fretboard but this guitar is just too cool to pass up. Btw I just received my positron collider, it is absolutely stellar!
Awesome!
Just got mine today in purple...Got to add this to the rest because of those pickups that scream into the night!!
The color and the bridge....what can I say!
So glad Epiphone is a premium brand again.. epiphone wasn't ever meant to be a budget brand in the first place Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..2019 JC Curliegh end it and restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been..I have a 2021 epiphone koa Les Paul that's now discontinued and selling on the used market up to $1,400 and worth every cent if it stayed in production it would have been that price eventually anyway..
Epiphone is still abudget brand. They've just put prices up, they're still budget copies of the real thing. As Bonamassa says, "the Epiphone versions for the kids"
Found the Gibson plant. This is cheap chinese Chit. It shouldn't cost more than 900 bucks period. It's made in a Chinese factory using slave labor. That said it's a great guitar for an Epiphone but it's not a 1300 dollar plus guitar.
@@jamest.135not everything in Asian countries is using Chinese labor. And depending on what kinds of steps, or how long those steps take, can increase the cost, especially for runs with their own special toolings and processes.
@@jamest.135 here's how smart your not the epiphone Quindoe facility is completely American owned and operated Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers.. sometimes it's best to know what you're taking before you open your mouth.. Gibson and fanboys BS has ended long ago.. epiphone is back to a premium brand whether you like it or not and bringing back memories for Gibson like stomping them into the dirt just like the good o'l days
@@booshting3520dude I suggest you go get a clue and why you're at it research before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it because you have..
I've got mine and everything is perfect, nothing sharp, dark and soft fretboard, the paint, sound etc. I can compare it without any problem to my Gibson Les Paul USA in term of quality, I'm REALLY impress, GJ Epiphone.
Just my opinion but I think a laurell fretboard on a 1500$ guitar is just not ok.
Yea, even fender is starting to go back to rosewood.
And these guys couldn’t do it on a Metallica model?
They know it will sell and tried to maximize as much profit as possible
The American way
UFO MICHAEL SCHENKER 🤘
James and Kirk BOTH chose V's because of ( UFO era) MICHAEL SCHENKER
Great looking guitar. I used to have a Gibson V but sold it unfortunately.. Regretttttt
Ok fine, I’ll watch the St. Anger documentary again.
Oooooh yeahhhhh!!!!!
Watch the interview Kirk did with Rick Beat instead.
Stock with gibson t top style pups and a hardshell case makes this guitar worth the price. Any minor issues can be taken care of with some 600 grit sandpaper.
Would recommend this guitar for playing metal and rock?
It should have rosewood on the neck for this price. The AJ epi is ebony. For perspective, PRS SE's use rosewood and they are half the price. No reason why it should not have Rosewood.
Beats me, I'm fine with the Laurel on my personal guitar. Looks fine and feels good. I wish it was Ebony or Rosewood for sure but it's a great guitar regardless of fretboard wood IMO
Ueeeeeehhhhhheeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaawwww!!!
chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun-chugu-chun!!!
nice guitar, great video!
Anyone know if the Gibson truss rod cover will fit on this? They really hit the mark on this guitar so far. I’m really looking forward to getting mine. If it is half as good as it looks being a huge fan of 70s Gibson guitars. I’m probably going to love this guitar, but let’s not put the cart before the horse.
Where can I get the Monty wax for treating a fret board ? What is exactly lol . I’m new to this . Enjoyed your review brother .
Knob snob 😂 the pod cast the other day was hilarious .you look pleased with it though and that's all that really matters mate .I can't give a fair comment on the guitar being a complete fender fan boy 😂cheers
Very nice! Mine shows up soon
Hope you dig it!
Just purchased mine, should be here by 07/12/23
Gorgeous guitar
If you want EMGs in your KH guitar just buy an LTD. Seems silly to buy this just to gut it - T Types are cool
How's the tuning stability?
I've been a Metallica fan since around '92, started playing guitar a year later and a friend of mine is dumbfounded as to why, after all these years, I've never owned any of the Metallica signatures, whether it be James' or Kirk's. It's weird, I've owned many guitars over the years but nothing Metallica-related. I've been wanting one of the Kirk signatures (not the Greeny), but so far, this one is the one that appeals to me the most, both price and spec-wise. I don't like EMG's or Floyd Rose Trems. This one reminds me of the glory days with Cliff, when they were young and hungry headbangers, touring constantly, and eating Mexican food and Carlsberg.
Nice guitar, but man that metallica/gibson/covid tax is rough! Got one of those 2019/20 Vs for $1300 brand new
May I ask... is the guitar prone to neck dive?
Doesn’t seem to have a neck dive.
@@MythosPedals Good to know. Thanks!
Looks good , sounds fine!
Killer guitar! How’s the neck dive?
Seems fine but I haven't gigged it or anything yet. Mostly play it sitting down
not for me. but glad you are enjoying it! sounds awesome
Sounds and look great, but it's almost $2000 here in Europe. I'm not convinced...
dude do u have the preset you used with the mesa boogie
He had a JB in that guitar for a long time
Just buy a gibson truss rod cover and you're there lol and it's a cheep upgrade!
Watch it won’t fit on purpose lol
Is the rounded c profile neck the same thickness as a les paul 50's c neck?
It's not quite as deep as you're average 50s LP Neck but it has a nice chunk to it. Feels like a very full SG neck if that makes sense
its quite expensive though
Do I hear a Schenker influence there?
would it be a sin if i bought this and painted it nitro white? would it really be? i mean
Holy shit zach!
There’s an example of what this guitar *should* look like with a *rosewood* board. For $1299 laurel is a major turnoff for me.
This is used Gibson Flying V price range - I'd much rather snag more of the 90s Gibsons before they go up in value.
Comparing a new guitars price to a used price isn't apples to apples. The Gibson 70's Standard V in the current lineup is 2499.
@@MythosPedals correct! But I see guitars as an investment - granted these Signature models might increase in value, I would still go for the US made used one.
I’d have to sand that neck down, still pretty badass though…needs rosewood board too
Awesome V man !!
What country is this manufactured in?
I was just saying this the other day how epiphone has amazing quality Squier is a joke in comparison
In a sense, this is Michael Schenker model.
Matt Tuck Vibes
I have a 77 V. The knobs do NOT have raised numbers.
Duly noted. I guess I just prefer the speed knobs from the 50s
Is that a real Army surplus shirt you're wearing?
Nope, I got at the Lucky outlet in Opry Mills Mall in Nashville. Really comfy and like $30 bucks. Can't beat it!
i like how his name isnt everywear like all the other brands they stamp the facw or name of the people on guitar wich i cant stand
I dont know why anyone would buy this over the 58 Epi V, which costs half the price.
The 58 korina is the same price. I have the standard epi Flying V as well and this guitar was much better right out of the box. Feels much better, sound better, big upgrades and a case. Plus Kirk gets a cut, just how guitar deals work
@@MythosPedals Have you played the 58 Korina version, and if so, how does it compare to this one?
I was so sure you were going to start playing fight fire with fire
Trying not to get a copyright strike
I feel conflicted about these things. The original guitar is a basic off the shelf unit with some Gibson type T pickups. So as this is a copy of a 1979 Gibson V... what's the difference from buying a Gibson V? It's a copy of a stock guitar? My thing is why have a signature if you're not improving something? Any V from your favourite company plus your favourite pickups will be more unique than a stock Gibson V? So the ESP's seem more like true signature guitars because he got to design and choose anything he could possibly want. Plus he played the V for the same reason that Hetfield, Mustaine, King, Scott etc all had V's.... Michael Schenker. So what you're buying is Kirk's fantasy of copying Michael Schenker. Schenker was a God in the creation of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thrash.
Do the frets come pleked like the Gibsons?
I don’t think so
When frets are put in right in the first place you don't need to be pleked epiphone does it right the first time
For that price i’d get a cheap used gibson
The way my guy puts his hand on the "crotch" of the V makes me uncomfortable.
You should see how I hold an explorer
So sad that it’s a KH signature I would be out there buying one straight away if it wasn’t.
What difference does it make? There’s a little logo on the back of the headstock otherwise it doesn’t have his name anywhere on it.
The price perhaps? I also prefer top hat knobs, ABR-1 bridge and covered pickups. To be honest Epi have blown Gibson out of the sky with this one by looks of it. 🤘🏻
When the “budget” brand has better quality then the actual expensive brand💀
Grover’s are the absolute best imo…at least the ones on my guitars STAY in tune for weeks…none of that locking horse shit
thanks for sharing
Back when Hammett’s playing wasn’t abysmal and boring
When the neck and body is that far off, complaining about the numbers in the knobs seems a bit pointless 😄