Rick Nielsen's ultra-rare checkerboard Gibson Flying V prototype

Did you know Gibson made Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick a checkerboard Flying V prototype, complete with a Flying V-style headstock and even checkerboard pickups?

Watch Mark Agnesi sit with iconic guitarist Rick Nielsen and chat about this incredible signature Flying V, complete with checkerboard finish and some very unusual appointments.

▶ Discover the iconic Flying V models: https://bit.ly/4vSuM0F

▶ Watch the full episode of The Collection with Rick Nielsen HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsi9CmMEvNs

In this clip taken from the Rick Nielsen episode of The Collection, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick shows Mark Agnesi his Gibson Custom Flying V™ Checkerboard Prototype. This prototype guitar brings together Rick’s famous checkerboard design with one of the most iconic guitar shapes ever made.

In signature Rick Nielsen style, this Flying V features a Flying V-style headstock and is covered in Rick’s unmistakable checkerboard pattern. Even the pickups feature the checkerboard look, creating a guitar that is instantly recognizable as Rick Nielsen’s.

Watch as Rick explains that even he doesn’t know exactly how Gibson created the checkerboard finish, which appears to use a different process from some of his other checkerboard guitars made with 3M tape–the way he used to customize his own guitars!

Learn how this Rick Nielsen V Prototype Number One has been played a couple of times, while another checkerboard Explorer in his collection is one he takes out on the road. He also talks about a related model being given to the Hard Rock Rockford casino and replicated as a huge guitar outside the venue.

For Cheap Trick fans, Rick Nielsen fans, Gibson Flying V fans, and anyone who loves rare Gibson Custom guitars, this is a closer look at the story behind Rick Nielsen’s Gibson Custom Flying V Checkerboard Prototype.

???? Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ Watch The Collection with Rick Nielsen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsi9CmMEvNs
▶ Rick Nielsen’s customized 1959 Gibson Korina Flying V might shock you: https://youtu.be/M2axxOmO-xM
▶ Epiphone ‘58 Korina Explorer & Flying V Inspired by Gibson Custom Comparison: https://youtu.be/bBEfM1OoK5Q?si=wwK78_2LoxBoLOol

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