Epiphone Dave Mustaine Flying V Prophecy Electric Guitar Aged Dark Red Burst
Epiphone's Mustaine Prophecy Flying V arms you with active Fishman Fluence pickups in three voicings, instant coil-splits, and an aged finish designed exclusively for Dave. It's the most versatile Mustaine signature ever made—and the metal cred is undeniable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Active Fishman Fluence pickups deliver three voicings (PAF, modern, single-coil) plus coil-splits for massive tonal range
- +Aged Dark Red Burst finish is exclusive to this model—matches Mustaine's aesthetic perfectly
- +Flying V shape is aggressive and playable, far more comfortable than classic '58 designs
- +Push-pull tone control adds single-coil shimmer without sacrificing humbucker power
- +Active electronics stay articulate even at drop-tuned, high-gain settings
Cons
- −Active pickups require battery changes—maintenance burden vs. passive pickups
- −Flying V shape can neck-dive on some rigs, requiring strap locks
- −Premium price for Epiphone brings it close to Gibson USA
The Verdict
Dave Mustaine’s Prophecy Flying V is a statement: Metallica’s rhythm guitarist wanted versatility, not just another one-trick metal machine. The Fishman Fluence active pickup set is the MVP here. Three switchable voices—warm PAF-style humbucker, modern scooped output, and glassy single-coil—plus instant coil-splits mean this guitar can do brutal drop-D djent, bluesy lead work, and everything between.
Build is solid. The Flying V shape is way more ergonomic than the 1958 original. The aged finish walks the line between brutish and beautiful. Electronics are tight. The mahogany body resonates well, and the ebony fingerboard adds prestige.
Tone is subjective with active pickups—they’re articulate and controlled, which works for modern metal and progressive rock but feels sterile to vintage purists. If you’re chasing Mustaine’s Metallica tone, this nails it. If you want classic Les Paul warmth, keep looking.
Buy if you’re a Metallica devotee, a versatile metal player, or someone who wants active pickups without luthier-level pricing. Skip if you hate batteries, prefer passive tone, or want a neck-stable shape (that Flying V will dive without attention). This is a professional-grade instrument that delivers flexibility and metal pedigree in one package.
