“It’s back and better than ever”: Gibson revives its cult classic Victory guitar – and elevates it to even greater heights

The return of the Gibson Victory – demo by GW’s Paul Riario – YouTube

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Over the years, Gibson has been responsible for masterminding some of the most enduring and popular guitars of all time, from the solid body Les Paul, SG, Explorer and Firebird all the way to the ES-335 and beyond.

One of its most unsung innovations, though, is the Victory – a distinct double-cutaway creation from the 1980s that, after a short time in the limelight in the era of hair and heavy metal music, was quietly discontinued.

The Victory slipped into obscurity thereafter, but its firm popularity among certain circles never wavered, with the guitar developing something of a cult status over the past few decades.

Now, in response to intense fan demand for the guitars’ revival, Gibson has reissued the Victory in not one, but two, distinct formats that elevate the template to greater heights.

As per the original Victory, both models offer that unique double-cut body, which promotes excellent upper-fret access. This time, the basic template has been further refined with additional contours and improved weight balance to ensure a more comfortable playing experience.

(Image credit: Gibson)Elsewhere, a compound radius ebony fretboard for speedy shredding, comfortable chording, and seamless transitions between the two, while a pair of 80s Tribute humbuckers are wired to push/pull master volume, to coil split, and tone pots, inner/outer coil select switching, for a wide range of tones from minimal controls.

Other core components include a SlimTaper mahogany neck, 25.5” scale length, and a Tune-O-Matic and Stop Bar tailpiece combo, with an Explorer-style headstock also making the cut.

As mentioned, two variants are available: the Victory Figured, which flaunts an AA figured maple cap and a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and the regular Victory, which instead sticks to the natural grain of its mahogany body and a satin nitro lacquer treatment. Each comes with a Gibson hardshell case.

“The Victory, originally released in the 1980s, has long been a cult favorite among guitarists who appreciate its distinctive double cutaway design which delivers excellent upper-fret access,” explains Gibson. “Now it’s back and better than ever, with refined body contours, improved weight and balance, and an updated headstock shape based on the popular Gibson Explorer.”

The Victory and Victory Figured are both available now for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively.

Learn more over at Gibson.com.

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