Gibson Flying V, Candy Apple Red, Kahler - Used
The 1985 Gibson Flying V with Kahler is one of those instruments that could only have existed in one very specific window of American rock history. Gibson was in full battle with the metal and hard rock market, players were demanding locking tremolos, and for a single production year Gibson answered by installing a factory Kahler on the Flying V with black hardware and no pickguard — a sharp, aggressive specification that looked exactly like the era it came from. The Candy Apple Red finish over that mahogany V body is one of the rarer color choices from that production year, and it hits exactly right. This is not a reissue, not a tribute — this is the actual thing, built at the Gibson Nashville factory in 1985, and it has lived a life.
The Dirty Fingers humbuckers are the pickups Gibson designed specifically for high-output, high-gain applications — wound hotter than anything else in the Gibson lineup at the time, with a presence and aggression that matches the instrument. They are loud and they cut. Through the Kahler locking tremolo the whole system stays in tune under serious use, and the factory routing confirms this was never an aftermarket installation. The neck is straight and stable, the truss rod adjusts normally, and the guitar plays. Frets show some wear consistent with a played instrument but no dead spots — still serviceable and honest.
Condition is Good and we are being specific. There is finish checking throughout the body consistent with a forty-year-old nitrocellulose finish cycling through decades of temperature and humidity — natural and expected, and in the eyes of many players it only adds character. There are a few bigger dings scattered throughout — check the full photo series carefully. There is also evidence that a pickguard was added and later removed at some point after the original sale — holes are visible and are noted here as a modification, since the factory spec was no pickguard. Nothing structural, nothing that affects playability or electronics. No case included.
Iconic is exactly the right word. An absolute shredder in the most literal sense.
- Make: Gibson
- Model: Flying V with Kahler (1985 factory configuration)
- Year: 1985
- Country of origin: USA (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Body: Solid mahogany, V-shape, Candy Apple Red finish, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Neck: Mahogany, set neck, 3-piece
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, pearl dot inlays
- Scale length: 24.75"
- Nut width: 1 9/16"
- Frets: 22 (some wear, playable, no dead spots)
- Neck pickup: Gibson Dirty Fingers humbucker
- Bridge pickup: Gibson Dirty Fingers humbucker
- Controls: Volume 1, volume 2, master tone, 3-way toggle
- Bridge: Kahler locking tremolo (factory installed)
- Hardware: Black
- Pickguard: None (factory spec); holes from aftermarket pickguard subsequently removed
- Truss rod: Functional, adjusts normally
- Finish: Checking throughout, cosmetic only
- Modifications: Aftermarket pickguard installed and removed (holes remain)
- Includes: None
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
