Modifying My Gibson Flying V 

Liked for Squeaky

My head fell off with those string cutting tuners! Never knew they existed.

Pleasantly surprised to see Glenn show up. Glen is a vibe 🤘

Big up to Bare Knuckle, sending their stuff to this absolute renaissance man 👊

I mean this nicely - your soldering would be much better if you applied solder to heated components instead of putting solder on the iron and then daubing it on. You’ll get more reliable connections more quickly. What you did here can easily have bad connections beneath the solder. I hope it’s all great but it’s not optimal. And the proper method is faster. Again, a friendly tip not a slag.

Fine example of why its important as good players to if not be able to work on their instruments, be at least able to know how and why their instruments work as they do.

Just spent my Saturday doing this in three ibanez guitars. You did a really good job! Can’t understate how much of a difference a variable temp soldering iron can make. I absolutely love salvaging old instruments and bringing them back to life. It’s really awesome that this guitar made it to you for you to do the same.

you can buy solder with flux in its center, rosin or acid core is usually what its called.

lol Gibson gets us all in the end. I know people hate them, but when you find the “1” Gibson that speaks to you, you realize the search is worth it. They all aren’t made perfect, but it’s like finding that one person who just completes you. FYI yes I own other guitars but I reach for my LP more than anything

Looks great! With the Schaller strap locks, I would highly recommend putting a bit of Loctite on the grub screws that hold the nut in place on the strap. I’ve used Schallers previously and they have always come loose overtime even if I tightened them really well. I’ve switched to Dunlop strap locks now which I think are far superior for a lot of reasons, they use a Circlip instead of screws or nuts which do not come off easy! And the mechanism to release the strap is a much simpler push button design rather than the pull up pin design which can be a little annoying. It’s also a lower profile than the Schallers so especially on a neck heel strap pin, it may be less intrusive. They also make recessed ones which are really cool.

Gotta respect a man this committed to the color orange. The watch strap is one thing, a color-matched kitty is legendary.

A TP-6 tailpiece would finish this off nicely

I am a Handyman. Anytime I am installing copper water inlet pipe, I apply flux at the joint. When I apply the solder, the flux wicks it into the joint like a paper towel. I've NEVER had a complaint about a leak. 😉 Whether plumbing or doing electronics, a HOT 🔥 High Wattage iron is ESSENTIAL. The "El Cheapo" irons simply do NOT get hot enough! A few members of my family worked at NORTHROP DEFENSE SYSTEMS DIVISION in the mid-1980's when they were building the B-2 Stealth Bomber. They all had to graduate "Soldering School" before they were allowed to make ANYTHING that would go into that bird. They were taught to: 1. Attach the two components. 2. Heat the connection with the soldering pencil. 3. Apply solder to the hot joint.

I have those same tuners on my tele and I love them.

I just got done upgrading my Jackson King V a couple weeks ago. First major soldering experience, but it turned out awesome and it plays like a dream now!

I bought a Les Paul Standard many years ago that came with a set of BK Rebel Yells in it and they sound so good.

Thank you for making me feel better about how much solder I use. 😊

You are truly one of my favorite RU-vidrs. Always no nonsense and quality guitar related content. Thanks Brother!

Nice job you did a fantastic job on the guitar sounds great one of my favorite video you have done thank you.

Italia straps are the best ones I've ever had, they're on all my guitars. And I've paid for them. (No-one paid me too say this is what I'm saying...)

It is funny how a lot of people do not understand shielding when it comes to guitar electronics. All that is necessary is some shielding around the pots and switches, and the pickups need to be potted. If you want to completely shield the electronics from interference than you would need to shield over the pole pieces and the strings and even the bridge.

Nothing beats buying a guitar and modding to your liking to effectively make it *your* guitar. Nice video, and congrats on your new purchase!

I have had them same tuners on my Gibson for 11 years now and I love them never any issues . look into a string butler too gives you straight pull my legs Paul never goes out of tune

So sick man!! Thanks for taking us along the upgrade journey and the demos. Your album preview sounded kickass!

Thanks for making this video! I bought a cheap V copy with a really great neck and frets. I will be upgrading it and this video is extremely helpful!

Walker rocks. Well done!

Fantastic job KDH!👍👍👍

Good job! It sounds great!

I lost the washer for my strap lock at gig years ago... i hammered out a beer bottle top and punched a hole in centre of it. Still using it almost a decade later. I also resprayed my geddy lee jazz seafoam green after i threw in across the stage in a moment of punk rock idiocy and cracked the body. Im all for bodging instruments. Its part of journey.

I'm glad this video popped up for me. I'm putting a Flying V kit together and seeing the actual thing made me realize that my kit is like 7/8 size or something similar.

This is what it's all about man. I remember my first time changing a pickup. Nerve wrecking lmao! All in the name of tone. This is one of the realest guitar videos haha

you are correct about the tuners they look great

Always happy to wake up sundays and seeing a new KDH video!

Fabulous to see you modding this geetar sir :) Nothing like making your geetar your own, everyone should have a stab at this at some point or abother :) BK Pickups n the pots are always a good shout, stuck some cold sweats in my Gibson LP, an absolutely perfect match for how I play. Crackin vid as always sir :)

Beautiful man congratulations 🎊

I have a 2002 faded finish V with the crescent moon inlays. I wasn't crazy about the cherry finish either, and plastered it with stickers, which I normally would never do, and it gave it some stage pop. I liked the tone of the stock pickups.

the tuners not needing new screw holes was so satisfying, as someone who recently put new tuners on a cheap strat copy where i had to ream for the tuners and fill and redrill for the screws

You just gave me a little more hope for soldering. Felt the same way. I use a Dunlop strap lock when the button is on the back if the guitar. Doesn’t stab any and I always use Schaller S-Locks besides. I put the button on the end of the upper wing, rather than the underside. It keeps the body into you instead of leaning away. I put those auto trims on my 70s Flying V as well. Love them. Those pickups sound great and awesome playing!

Sounds and looks great

I agree with your choice of copper tape - it really does an excellent job. I think everything you did to the guitar was a definite improvement and now you've made me want to buy a Flying V. I really enjoy all your videos, thanks for making them.

Great content! It's fantastic to see this come to fruition.

Quality playing, quality soldering!

Exactly what a V should be, mean, vicious and fantastic sounding! Fantastic job with the upgrades and repairs!

I definitely need one of those straps too!

Great choice of a watch, too!

nice job KDH!

It looks cool, now it also sounds great!

Sounds good .

Great video, i learned quite a bit. Looking forward to the WALKER release!

Great jamming there at the end!

Nice mods... I originally thought you were going to paint 🎨🖌️ it as well... Or buff it out... You kept it Vintage.. Cheers 🍻 🥃🥃 🎸 🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶

That guitar sounds amazing now what a great bit of kit.

Oh great, I just planned to upgrade my Edwards Mockingbird (24.75'' scale) with Nailbombs and was indecisive about the type of magnets. Ceramic sounds great. And now I'll get those tuners and bridge as well.

Really great project which created an enjoyable video. Well done on both fronts. ✌️

That's a keeper now. Good Job 👍

Sick guitar, looking forward to hearing it live

Sick upgrades, sick guitar

A couple of comments. No shielding is needed for humbuckers (or noiseless single coils). Their design eliminates hum and RF interference. Regular single coil pickups - yes, shielding can help depending on the environment. 15:1 Ratio tuners means it take 15 complete revolutions of the tuner button to get one full revolution of the shaft (post) that winds the string. 18:1 tuners take 18 full revolutions to rotate the tuner post one complete revolutions which means the 18:1 tuners are SLOWER winding the string onto the post than a 15:1 tuner. Because it is slower, it is more precise. Your were correct to replace the bent bridge. That was a bad bend. The saddles should not be straight across - they should follow the upward curve of the fretboard radius. Bridge roller saddles are designed to reduce sting friction when a string is pulled (or released) i.e. with a vibrato bar. Using a roller bridge on a guitar with a stop bar is not necessary. So why do manufacturers offer roller TOM bridges? If a guitar has a Bigsby vibrato bar, the rollers would help. In the last 10 years or so lap steel guitars with benders have become popular and roller bridges help in that application - TOM bridges are popular with lap steel builders. Good luck with your revitalized Flying V!

I like the tuners 👌

ive also got an older gibson v , and i had to do all the same mods..pickups, bridge..tuners...they are great after you do some work on em. thanks. slick strap.

Love videos like this KDH

those tuners are very very nice!!! Wonderful tone from the new pickups, the v can sing and scream!

Sounds amazing!! I love Gibsons.. I actually think because they can be so hit and miss that it makes it really special when ya find a great one or make a great one.. Badass guitar dude.. Congrats!!

Awesome V! Also, love the dueling guitars with Glen during the demo!

Great add mate!

You have done a good job! Good choice to use the D'Addario locking tuners. Your guitar sounds really good. Great video! 😊🤘

I covered a whole guitar in copper shielding tape. Sprayed it with 5 coats of lacquer and buffed. It's a favorite.

Looks great

What’s cool about the bridge is that it allows you to get more intonation adjustment room if you need it. That’s why it has that oval shaped channel and set screws on both sides.

Loved the video! Great Job!

Bravo for your new acquisition and what a beautiful job squeaky clean 😂❤❤❤❤

Loved the video!! Now I need a Flying V!

You did the right thing..sounds like it should.

Nice job! Great choices, and the end result is just a fantastic dream guitar. Who wouldn’t want to play that Flying V in its current state?! The aging on those pickups are really well done if someone has a worn in guitar that would look weird with new pickups. I also love the tone knob. I never understand why people want guitars with just a volume pot. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a pedal board - but even with a pedal board, it gives you more room to find a neat tone, change the tone while playing without bending down and fumbling, and really dial in the sound with great detail overall. That subject would make for a great video! My service dog, Hughie says hey to your Squeak! He loves kitties!

Hipshot makes a great tone o matic bridge that I love. I typically use it for when I downtune really low.

Sik upgrades bro, sounds savage

Good job, very good upgrades, and professional results on the shielding and soldering. Definitely not your first rodeo!

Sounds great! Making me want another V……..

Nice to see you finally finding your dream guitar. I personally don't like the shape too much but I do know that the higher fret accessibility is something to consider.

You chose my absolute favorite tuners. I have them on 6 of my guitars. Only ones they’re not on are the Gibsons that I want to keep “vintage” looking.

I could watch people mod guitars all day, just to see how they personalize them. Also, I love those auto trim tuners. I have a set back from when they were branded as Planet Waves tuners, and they're amazing.

You'd did a grand job, I've never been a massive fan of V's, just for the aesthetic, but this does look cool and more importantly it sounds awesome. Well done as ever :-)

Awesome job. Sounds great and it seems to be Squeaky approved

Hi Squeaky. I have loved your channel for quite some time, now subscribed for Squeaky. Great work on the guitar, those Bare Knuckle fit just right in, sweet look.

I have two flying v’s that I’ve modified with pic guards, Lollar p90’s, RS caps and pots and Bigsby B5’s. I play them through a tweed champ and tweed deluxe. I don’t need pedals. Crank the amp and use the tone and volume controls on the guitar. Super wombat tone monsters!

Bloody incredible. Those tuning heads in particular are a bloody great upgrade. I know some people might dislike the change from the classic look, but I much prefer modern tuning heads. Congratulations on a great guitar.

Hell yeah!!! bare kunckle are great

Great video dude!

Those are my favorite tuners as well. A bit pricey, but well worth it. 🤘

Very good video

good work !

Sounds Killa 🤘

Moving the strap button on the top wing closer to the bridge helps with balance and brings the bridge more to the right making you feel less like you are reaching for it.

Nothing's better than a good V! 🤘🤩🤘

Just two Gibson boys now. Y’all sounded good

dude those tuners 🤯

The Nail Bombs sound fantastic, really good choice. The whole thing turned out killer really. I don’t know why more locking tuners don’t have an auto trim feature because that is genius.

I was hoping to see some cleaning of the finish and oiling of the fretboard too, maybe with a fret polish. Most important thing is to see it in action again, well done.

Sweet guitar

I love seeing a worn guitar brought back to life. Awesome job 🤘