Best Gibson Heavy Guitars 2025

Premium Gibson heavy guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Metal For Hard Rock For Progressive For Djent For Metalcore For Death Metal

BRANDS: ESP Jackson Harley Benton Solar Guitars Gibson Schecter Kramer Guitars Epiphone Framus

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony

by Gibson

Metal Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Gibson Firebird Platypus EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601804

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V VOS

by Gibson

Progressive Hard Rock Djent

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V VOSElectric GuitarCustom ShopBody: KorinaNeck: KorinaFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 525272

$10,779

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 70s Explorer Antique Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson 70s Explorer Antique Natural

by Gibson

Hard Rock Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Gibson 70s Flying V Antique NaturalElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Slim...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569667

$2,683

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN

by Gibson

Djent Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V ANElectric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) Signature ModelBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyNeck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 530673

$2,566

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

by Gibson

Death Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Requires high-gain amplification

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrrapez fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601806

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 70s Flying V CW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson 70s Flying V CW

by Gibson

Progressive Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Gibson '70s Explorer CWElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla)Neck: Mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 482426

$2,683

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony

by Gibson

Djent Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Gibson 80s Explorer EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 628 mmNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561980

$2,364

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 58 Korina Explorer BG VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 58 Korina Explorer BG VOS

by Gibson

Hard Rock Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Gibson 58 Korina Explorer BG VOSElectric GuitarCustom Shop ModelBody: KorinaNeck: KorinaFingerboard: RosewoodNeck...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 525273

$8,689

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 67 Flying V Reissue Vibrola - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson 67 Flying V Reissue Vibrola

by Gibson

Progressive Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Gibson Flying V 67 Reissue Vibrola Sparkling Burgundy GlossElectric GuitarCustom ShopBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 486005

$5,279

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Explorer Custom EB GH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Explorer Custom EB GH

by Gibson

Death Metal Hard Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Gibson Explorer Custom EB GHElectric GuitarLimited editionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyMother of pearl...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 419076

$5,489

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Flying V Custom EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Flying V Custom EB

by Gibson

Metal Hard Rock Djent

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Gibson Flying V Custom EBElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyBlock...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 317515

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V BG VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V BG VOS

by Gibson

Metalcore Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V BG VOSElectric GuitarCustom ShopBody: KorinaNeck: KorinaFretboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 525271

$10,448

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 70s Flying V Antique Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 70s Flying V Antique Natural

by Gibson

Death Metal Progressive Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Gibson 70s Flying V Antique NaturalElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Slim...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 569664

$2,419

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony

by Gibson

Hard Rock Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Gibson 80s Flying V EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 628 mmNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561978

$2,144

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 70s Explorer CW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson 70s Explorer CW

by Gibson

Progressive Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Gibson 70s Explorer CWElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFretboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Slim taper22...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 482428

$2,395

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced heavy guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Gibson Heavy Guitars 2025

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V VOS

Gibson 70s Explorer Antique Natural

Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V AN

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

Gibson 70s Flying V CW

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony

Gibson 58 Korina Explorer BG VOS

Gibson 67 Flying V Reissue Vibrola

Gibson Explorer Custom EB GH

Gibson Flying V Custom EB

Gibson 58 Korina Flying V BG VOS

Gibson 70s Flying V Antique Natural

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony

Gibson 70s Explorer CW

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying heavy guitars?

How much should I spend on heavy guitars?

Are expensive heavy guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for heavy guitars?

Should I buy heavy guitars online or in-store?

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