Bottom Line: The Epiphone Futura Flying V takes everything that makes the Futura Explorer exciting — stainless steel frets, compound radius fretboard, Chromashift finish — and puts it in the most aggressive body shape in Gibson’s catalog.
If the Explorer is the muscle car of Gibson’s lineup, the Flying V is the dragster. It’s a guitar that makes a statement before you play a single note — and Epiphone’s Futura series gives it the modern treatment it deserves. Debuted at NAMM 2026 alongside the Futura Explorer, the Futura Flying V brings the same headline features: stainless steel frets (a first for Epiphone), a compound radius fretboard for optimal playability across the entire neck, and the Chromashift color-shifting finish that makes this guitar impossible to ignore on stage. ProBucker Ignite pickups handle the tone, and the classic V body shape handles the attitude.
What’s New on the Futura Flying V
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany, Flying V shape |
| Neck | Mahogany, SlimTaper profile |
| Fretboard | Rosewood, compound radius |
| Frets | 22 stainless steel (Epiphone first) |
| Scale Length | 24.75″ |
| Pickups | Epiphone ProBucker Ignite humbuckers |
| Electronics | 2 volume, 1 tone, 3-way toggle |
| Bridge | Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece |
| Tuners | Epiphone Deluxe |
| Finish | Chromashift color-changing finishes |
| Street Price | ~$899 (estimated) |
The specs mirror the Futura Explorer in almost every way — same stainless steel frets, same compound radius fretboard, same ProBucker Ignite pickups, same Chromashift finish technology. The difference is the body. The Flying V’s aggressive arrow shape isn’t just visual theater — it positions your fretting hand differently than an Explorer or Les Paul, with the neck angle creating natural access to the upper frets. The body wings sit in a V between your legs when seated (or don’t sit at all, depending on your chair — the V is notoriously challenging to play sitting down without a strap).
The all-mahogany construction gives the V a warm, thick voice that surprises players who expect the aggressive shape to mean an aggressive, thin tone. The opposite is true — the V’s mahogany body and set neck produce sustain and warmth that rival a Les Paul, with slightly more midrange focus due to the body shape and mass distribution. Players like Jimi Hendrix, Dave Mustaine, Michael Schenker, and Kirk Hammett have all proven that the V can handle everything from psychedelic blues to thrash metal.
The compound radius fretboard works particularly well on a V, where the neck angle naturally encourages lead playing. Starting with a rounder radius at the nut for comfortable chord voicings and flattening toward the dusty end for effortless bending, it’s a setup that matches how most players actually use a V: chords in the lower positions, shredding up top.
For another take on the Epiphone formula, check out the Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured.
Who Is the Futura Flying V For?
Metal, hard rock, and anyone who wants a guitar that announces their presence. The Flying V is the ultimate “look at me” guitar shape, and the Chromashift finish amplifies that by changing color as stage lights hit it from different angles. If you front a band and want the audience to remember your guitar as much as your playing, this is the instrument.
The stainless steel frets and compound radius also make this a smart choice for technical players who want modern playability in a classic Gibson body. If you’ve been playing an Ibanez or Jackson for the fret quality and radius but miss the warmth of mahogany and the look of a V, this is the bridge between those worlds.
For a competing option, the Gibson Custom Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
✓ PROS
- Stainless steel frets deliver decades of wear-free playability — perfect for heavy benders
- Compound radius fretboard is ideal for the V’s natural lead-playing ergonomics
- Chromashift finish is a showstopper on stage under any lighting
- Classic V body with modern specs is a combination few other brands offer at this price
✗ CONS
- Flying V is nearly impossible to play seated without a strap — this is a standing guitar
- ProBucker Ignite pickups are unproven — may warrant future upgrades for tone-chasers
- No USA-made pickups like the Inspired by Gibson Custom collection
How Does It Compare to the Epiphone Flying V 70s?
The standard Epiphone Flying V runs around $449-$499 with standard nickel frets, a single-radius fretboard, and ProBucker pickups. The Futura Flying V is expected at roughly $899 — the premium buys you stainless steel frets, compound radius, ProBucker Ignite pickups, and the Chromashift finish. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much you value the fret durability and modern playability features. For players who plan to keep the guitar for years, the stainless steel frets alone justify the upgrade.
For a competing option, the Squier Sonic Mustang 2026 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
First Impressions and What Players Are Saying
NAMM 2026 buzz was strong for the entire Futura series, with the Flying V drawing particular attention for the way the Chromashift finish interacts with stage lighting. Premier Guitar featured the Futura series in their NAMM coverage, and the stainless steel frets were universally praised as “the feature that brings Epiphone into the modern performance guitar conversation.” Players are eager to get hands-on time when the guitars ship in spring 2026.
Pricing and Availability
Expected to ship in spring 2026 at approximately $899. Final pricing and full Chromashift color options will be confirmed at launch. Watch for availability through Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and authorized Epiphone dealers.
For a competing option, the Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
FAQ
Is the Epiphone Futura Flying V worth it?
If the price lands at $899 as expected, it’s a compelling value. Stainless steel frets, compound radius, and Chromashift finish at that price outpace anything else in the Flying V market. The long-term durability of stainless frets alone provides real financial value over time.
Can you play a Flying V sitting down?
It’s challenging. The V shape doesn’t rest naturally on your leg like a Strat or Les Paul. Most V players use a strap even when sitting, or prop the body’s crotch between their legs in classical position. It’s primarily a standing instrument.
Players looking for something in a similar vein might also consider the Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG.
What are ProBucker Ignite pickups?
ProBucker Ignite is a new pickup from Epiphone designed for the Futura series. Details are still emerging, but the Ignite branding suggests higher output than standard ProBuckers, aimed at rock and metal players. They’re Epiphone-designed, not USA-made Gibson pickups.
Where is the Epiphone Futura Flying V made?
Expected to be made in China, consistent with other Epiphone models. The stainless steel frets and compound radius fretboard represent manufacturing upgrades for Epiphone’s production facilities.
The Futura Flying V brings the V into the modern era without losing the attitude. Stainless steel frets, compound radius, and Chromashift finish make it a guitar built for players who perform as much as they play — and at around $899, it’s the most accessible modern-spec V on the market.