From Guitar World · · 1m 40s
Lonnie Mack's Flying V heads to auction
The 1958 Gibson guitar that shaped blues rock is being offered publicly for the first time, with a starting bid of $300,000.
In brief
The 1958 Gibson guitar that shaped blues rock is being offered publicly for the first time, with a starting bid of $300,000. Lonnie Mack's one-of-a-kind 1958 Gibson Flying V with Bigsby vibrato is going to auction as a cornerstone of American music history, having influenced Stevie Ray Vaughan and shaped blues rock…
Lonnie Mack's legendary guitar
Lonnie Mack's 1958 Gibson Flying V, called Number 7, is heading to auction for the first time. The guitar stayed with him throughout his pioneering blues, country, and soul career.
A unique Bigsby modification
The Flying V features an unusual Bigsby vibrato system, with the tailpiece mounted on a metal bar connecting to the V-shaped body's inside legs. It's crude but effective and central to the guitar's charm.
Stevie Ray Vaughan's influence
Stevie Ray Vaughan deeply admired Lonnie Mack as a formative blues rock figure. The two collaborated multiple times, with SRV producing Mack's 1985 comeback album Strike Like Lightning.
Condition and restoration history
Number 7 was refinished red by Gibson around 1963 and has had a major neck repair with koira wood dowels. The original string-through holes were filled for the Bigsby, and tuners were replaced with period-correct reproductions.
A cornerstone of music history
Heritage Auctions calls this guitar a cornerstone of American popular music history and a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The auction includes the guitar, a 1962 Magnatone amplifier, and a stage-used strap.
“This is far more than an exceptionally rare 1958 Gibson. It is a cornerstone of American popular music history.”
Starting bid and auction details
The auction launches with a starting bid of $300,000. Heritage Auctions is also offering other iconic guitars including Eric Clapton's Crossroads ES-335 prototype and Ace Frehley's 1972 Gibson Les Paul.
The takeaway
Lonnie Mack's one-of-a-kind 1958 Gibson Flying V with Bigsby vibrato is going to auction as a cornerstone of American music history, having influenced Stevie Ray Vaughan and shaped blues rock.
