y friend Ellen bought herself an electric guitar for Christmas. She’s always wanted to learn to play, and she decided that 2015 will be the year to make it happen. That in and of itself is not so unusual; millions of people pick up the guitar each year. What makes it unique is that she is 62 years old! And her guitar of choice? The iconic Gibson Flying V!

In early January of 1958, Gibson Guitar launched its newest guitar design. Nicknamed the “Flying V,” the wide round edges of previous models were replaced by sharp futuristic angles so popular in the furniture and autos of the 50s. The name caught on, but unfortunately the design did not. After producing less than 100, Gibson stopped production of the Flying V the next year. Back in 1958, you could buy one from the Gibson catalog for $247.50. Today, an original will cost you anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000.

In the mid-60s, a young Jimi Hendrix, in search of a distinctive look and powerful sound, discovered the Flying V. His style and skill inspired a new interest in the model among musicians, so Gibson reissued it in 1967. Since then, artists including Lenny Kravitz, Neil Young, Johnny Winter, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Perry, Paul Stanley, Billy Gibbons and many others have added the iconic model to their collection, placing my friend in very good company! Rock on, Ellen!