Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN

Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN review

The Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN is a U.S.-made signature guitar built around the familiar V-style body and a specification aimed at hard rock and heavy metal. Its mahogany body and neck, ebony fingerboard, and pair of Seymour Duncan Dave Mustaine Thrash Factor humbuckers set the foundation. The model has been available since December 2021, and its listed price is $2,222.

The finish is called Antique Natural in the detailed specification, while the basic listing describes the color as Natural. The restrained finish leaves the wood visible, which gives the instrument a less polished, more direct look than a solid-color V. There is no separate top. Gibson includes a case, and owners mention that it holds the guitar securely. One review also reports strap locks included with the instrument.

Construction and hardware

The mahogany neck has a Slim Taper profile and joins an ebony fingerboard carrying 24 frets. Pearl Teeth inlays give the board a distinctive signature detail. A volute reinforces the headstock area, while Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners handle tuning. At 648 mm, the scale length is 25.5 inches, a standard full-size electric-guitar scale.

The bridge is an aluminum tune-o-matic design with a separate stop bar. The hardware is finished in black chrome. There is no tremolo, so the bridge setup is straightforward and avoids the moving parts associated with a vibrato system. The guitar uses two passive humbuckers, with custom Dave Mustaine wiring, two volume controls, and one tone control.

Some owners describe the instrument as comfortable despite its weight, and one reports being able to play it while seated. The V shape can make seated positioning less conventional than on a double-cutaway guitar, so comfort will depend on playing position and personal preference. The available feedback is positive overall, but it does not establish a specific weight figure.

Playing feel and sound

The 24-fret layout gives players access to two additional frets compared with a typical 22-fret neck. Reports describe the guitar as easy to play, stable in tuning, and satisfying for heavy music. The signature Thrash Factor humbuckers are the central sound feature, paired with the custom wiring and simple three-control layout. No coil-splitting or other switching options are listed, so buyers should not assume additional pickup configurations.

Although the model is clearly associated with high-gain styles, one owner was pleasantly surprised by its clean sound. That is a useful reminder that the guitar is not limited to distorted tones. The supplied feedback does not include measured output, pickup resistance, or detailed amplifier settings, so the description of its sound remains based on player impressions rather than lab testing.

Dave Mustaine's connection to Megadeth is central to the design. The guitar combines his signature pickups and wiring with the V-style body, and several players value its stage presence as much as its playability. One described it as distinctive and eye-catching under stage lights. Its shape is visually bold, so it suits players who want an instrument that stands out rather than blending into a conventional guitar lineup.

Quality control and ownership notes

Feedback on quality control is mixed across the model's release history. Some early reports mentioned substantial quality concerns, while owners of later examples describe flawless instruments and well-finished frets. One buyer praised the neck binding and fretwork, but noted that the joint between the body and neck was imperfect over a short section. The same comment said the flaw did not affect playability, though the owner considered it unacceptable at this price.

That report makes an in-person inspection worthwhile when possible. Check the neck-to-body joint, finish, fret edges, and general setup before completing a purchase. A natural-looking finish can make small variations in wood joints more visible, though that does not make every visible imperfection acceptable. Reports vary, so one example should not be treated as evidence that all units share the same issue.

Verdict

The Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN offers a focused specification: a mahogany body and neck, ebony fingerboard, 24 frets, signature Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and a hard case. Player feedback points to strong playability, dependable tuning, and a convincing clean sound alongside its heavy-rock identity. The main caution is consistency of finish and fit, particularly around the body and neck joint. At $2,222, inspect the specific guitar carefully, then judge whether its signature details, sound, and V-style design match what you want from a U.S.-made Gibson.