Gibson Victory Series

Gibson Victory Series

Gibson pumped these out from 1981-84 in two models, the MVII and the MVX.  "MV" refers to multi-voice and each model came with a number of bells and whistles that made them special.  That being said, from an aesthetic perspective this is clearly a nod in the strat direction. 

Pictured below is the Gibson MVX

MVX electronics: Magna Plus B neck humbucker, Super Stack humbucker, Magna Plus bridge humbucker, Coil tap switch, Five position pickup selector 


To one up Fender, Gibson designed the MVX pickups to mimic single coil tones like a strat in addition to having their signature humbucker tones. The strat lean-in was achieved by a "Super Stack" humbucker in the middle with two coils on top of each other giving it the appearance of a single coil. 

As if that wasn't enough, the MVII with it's double humbuckers and single coil capability was specifically marketed to target a country player. A tele stuck in a strat-esque body.

Below is the MVII

MVII electronics: Velvet Brick neck humbucker, Magna II bridge humbucker, Coil tap switch, Three position pickup selector


Or were they early versions of a Superstrat?  Either way it was a calibrated move from Gibson to target players that preferred a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster.

Side note- Gibson bragged on the sustain of either model due to the eastern "hard rock" maple. Hats off to the marketing department once again, "hard rock" maple is sugar maple but that name doesn't have a guitar vibe.   

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