1985 Gibson Custom Shop Original Flying V Rudolf Schenker

1985 Gibson Custom Shop Original Flying V Rudolf Schenker. This rare Custom Shop Original features a factory Kahler tremolo system, ebony fingerboard, mother-of-pearl inlays, and Schenker's distinct black-and-white finish. Plays great with a medium C-neck profile and sounds great with a prominent resonance in the body. In good overall shape with finish cracks, worn edges, and general playwear. A rare and unique 80's Gibson! Includes original hardshell case.

Check out the feature from our luthier Tyler in the ECG Newsletter:

"Germany’s enduring legacy in 20th century pop culture will rest firmly on two pillars: the guitar musings of Rudolf Schenker, and the invention of cutoff jean shorts so small that the pockets flap out the bottom of the legs. If you have trouble telling the difference between Rudolf and his brother Michael, we sure can’t help you. They are both German heavy metal guitarists who play Flying Vs that are painted half black and half white.

The only distinction as far as we know is that Rudolf (of the Scorpions) has a Gibson signature model, and Michael (of UFO) has a Dean endorsement. But wasn’t the Gibson Custom Shop founded in 1993? How can this be a Custom Shop guitar from 1985? Well, because Gibson’s rich history of disorganization may be even more illustrious than its catalog of instruments. As early as 1982, Gibson started applying headstock decals bearing the term “custom shop” in one form or another. Some were limited runs, some were artist models, and some were simply custom ordered one-offs. It’s our understanding that guitars emblazoned with the “Custom Shop Originals” decal were single custom orders, not a part of any sort of batch. From a manufacturing standpoint this sounds like a huge headache, but it’s evident that these one-off instruments received at least a little more attention than the standard models. This V is everything you’d want in a 80s metal machine, and not just because of the bipolar paint job. Extremely fast playability and a Kahler you can wang into low-earth orbit ensure that this thing can handle anything you throw its way." - Tyler Geske, ECG Newsletter