Epiphone partnered with the Gibson Custom Shop to create the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, a solidbody electric guitar inspired by the Metallica lead guitarist's original instrument. Kirk's '79 Flying V was central to the band’s early albums, including Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and …And Justice for All, giving it a legendary status among fans. This Epiphone model features a "V"-shaped mahogany body, a set mahogany neck, and an Indian laurel fingerboard, along with nickel hardware. Equipped with Gibson USA T-Type humbuckers, it delivers a tone remarkably close to its limited-edition Custom Shop counterpart, while a Kirk Hammett logo on the rear of the headstock completes the iconic aesthetic.
 
Boasting all the hallmarks of a 1970s-era Flying V, the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V offers solid playability and classic tone. Its comfortable mahogany neck and fast Indian laurel fingerboard, combined with a custom LockTone stopbar tailpiece, Grover Rotomatic tuners with spade buttons, and Gibson USA T-Type humbuckers, make it perfect for shredding Kirk’s searing solos or mastering riffs like Master of Puppets. Heavily inspired by Kirk’s original instrument, this guitar celebrates his 40-plus years of musical influence and provides fans and players with a chance to experience a piece of metal history.