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Meet Richie Faulkner’s new Gibson Flying V signature – a guitar so sweet it sold out in less than 24 hours
The Judas Priest guitarist’s new model would have set you back $6,999.
Image: Sweetwater via YouTube
Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has unveiled his new Gibson Flying V Custom electric guitar in a stunning Pelham Blue finish.
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The surprise release took place as part of Sweetwater’s GearFest 2023, and it looks like the first batch of Faulkner’s Flying V Custom has already been sold out less than 24 hours after making its appearance on the Sweetwater YouTube channel.
While we keep our fingers crossed for a restock, here’s what $6,999 can get you: The guitar features a one-piece mahogany body, a custom-profile mahogany set neck, as well as a 12-inch-radius, 22-fret, bound ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block inlays.
Other Faulkner-approved touches include a multi-ply top and back binding, a contrasting double pickguard, a mother of pearl split-diamond headstock inlay, and a custom Falcon logo located at the 12th fret.
Soundwise, we have a pair of Richie Faulkner Signature EMG active humbuckers that are said to “deliver metal-ready tones with a hint of vintage character”, coupled with a double-locking Floyd Rose vibrato.
According to Sweetwater, the bridge pickup “combines Alnico V magnets and steel pole pieces, yielding a PAF-like character augmented by active electronics for extra headroom [and] maximum punch”, while the neck pickup uses “ceramic pole pieces”, for “tons of articulate clarity with expansive lows, with a warm-sounding active preamp specially tailored for super-smooth mids”.
The guitar is complete with Grover tuners, and a three-way switch along with one volume knob. Those lucky enough to get their hands on the axe will also receive a certificate of authenticity signed by Faulkner himself, and the knowledge that a part of the proceeds will be donated to some of the guitarist’s favourite charities.
Check out Faulkner’s Flying V Custom in action below.
To learn more about the model, head to Sweetwater.