Gibson Custom Flying V Custom Bats in Flight Electric Guitar - Dark Purple Burst

Gibson’s acclaimed Bats in Flight series has been the stuff of moonlit fever dreams since it first emerged from the shadowy depths of the Custom Shop in 2019—and now, the bats fly again. For the first time ever, that darkly elegant aesthetic descends upon one of Gibson’s most iconic silhouettes: the Flying V. Crafted in collaboration between Guitar Center and the Gibson Custom Shop, the Flying V Custom Bats in Flight elevates the model to rarefied territory with a hand-selected AAA flamed maple top, full abalone binding and a carved mahogany body finished in a stunning Dark Purple Burst. An ebony fingerboard adorned with abalone bat inlays brings the theme to life, while a long-tenon mahogany neck delivers exceptional stability and sustain. Powered by a Custom Shop 490R/498T humbucker set and locked down with Grover Kidney tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, the Flying V Custom Bats in Flight delivers top-tier performance to match its otherworldly presence. A true Guitar Center exclusive, this limited-edition instrument marks a new era for the Bats in Flight collection—and its arrival is anything but subtle.

Hand-Selected AAA Flamed Maple Top and Solid Mahogany Body

The Flying V Custom Bats in Flight makes a bold first impression with its handpicked AAA flamed maple top, chosen for its deep figure, lively movement and dramatic interaction with the Dark Purple Burst finish. Beneath the maple, a carved solid mahogany body provides the rich sustain, commanding midrange and timeless resonance that define the classic Gibson sound. Shimmering abalone binding outlines both the top and the back—each edge catching the light with iridescent flashes that stand out against the guitar’s dark aesthetic. With its premium tonewood pairing, dramatic finish and full abalone trim, this striking Bats in Flight blends visual opulence with unmistakable Gibson authority, ready for the spotlight in any setting.

Long-Tenon Mahogany Neck With Ebony Fingerboard and Abalone Bat Inlays

The mahogany neck is anchored deep into the body with a long-tenon joint—a hallmark of Gibson Custom Shop construction that enhances sustain, stability and tonal depth. Its smooth ebony fingerboard provides a fast, glassy feel under the fingers, while 22 medium-jumbo frets and a 12" radius strike the ideal balance for expressive bends and articulate phrasing. Full abalone binding frames the fingerboard, leading the eye to the centerpiece: shimmering abalone Bats in Flight inlays that elevate the instrument from premium to unmistakably iconic. It’s a neck designed not just for exceptional playability, but to embody the dark elegance at the heart of the Bats in Flight design.

Custom Shop 490R and 498T Humbuckers for Versatile Power

The tonal core of the Flying V Custom Bats in Flight comes from a matched pair of Gibson Custom Shop humbuckers: a 490R in the neck and a 498T in the bridge. The 490R delivers warmth, smooth sustain and vintage-inspired clarity, perfect for expressive cleans and vocal midrange lines. Switch over to the bridge and the 498T brings cutting presence, heightened output and tight low-end response—ideal for modern gain, soaring leads or crunchy rhythm work. With independent volume controls, a master tone and a three-way toggle, the electronics offer a wide range of textures that respond dynamically to picking nuance and amp settings.

Signature Bats in Flight Appointments and Premium Gold Hardware

The Flying V Custom Bats in Flight is steeped in distinctive detailing from headstock to tail. The Custom Shop-style head veneer carries a mother-of-pearl Gibson logo framed by abalone binding, culminating in a bold abalone Bats in Flight insignia that sets the tone for the entire instrument. Grover Kidney tuners provide smooth, precise operation, while a gold Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece deliver reliable intonation and rock-solid stability. The striking gold accents add contrast without distracting from the guitar’s dramatic finish and abalone-rich design. Every element reflects the fusion of gothic sensibility and Custom Shop refinement that defines this limited-edition release.

The Bats in Flight Legacy Takes a New Shape

With its AAA flamed maple top, abalone-trimmed contours and unmistakable silhouette, the Flying V Custom Bats in Flight stands as a striking evolution of the acclaimed series. Designed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop and offered exclusively through Guitar Center, it brings the Bats in Flight legacy into a bold new form—one crafted for collectors, performers and anyone drawn to instruments with unmistakable presence. Limited, lavish and unapologetically dramatic, this Flying V is ready to take your playing to all-new heights. Claim yours before it slips back into the shadows.