A Mahogany Version of the Mythical Moderne

In the late 50s, Gibson designed a trio of futuristic-looking “Modernist” models that were intended to bring fresh, modern-looking designs to the product lineup. These included the Flying V™, the Futura™, which was the precursor of the Explorer™, and the Moderne™. While the Flying V and Futura/Explorer would eventually be released in 1958, the Moderne’s history is less certain. Some sources say that a few prototypes were built but never sold and were later destroyed. Others report that a few Modernes may have escaped into the wild, but to this day, no authenticated physical examples of 1957 Modernes have ever been found.

It’s one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the guitar world, a puzzle that continues to intrigue and engage guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike. Radically “space age” in appearance when it was patented in 1957, like the Explorer and Flying V, the Moderne was way ahead of its time and still looks fresh, modern, and unique today. This is a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless design, which continue to captivate guitarists and collectors worldwide. Now, Gibson Custom is making this fabled guitar available to more players than ever with the introduction of the 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue.

It features all of the hallmarks of the originals, based on records and the patent application drawing in the Gibson archives, with the only difference being that mahogany has been substituted for the original, rare Korina wood. The 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue features a mahogany body with the original Moderne shape made to the vintage specifications, a mahogany neck with a 50s Vintage profile, and the original Moderne “Gumby” headstock design, complete with a raised Gibson logo and reissue Kluson® single-ring tuners.

The unbound Indian rosewood fretboard is equipped with 22 Reissue frets and cellulose dot inlays. The Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and gold hardware are VOS-finished, giving it the look of a new-old-stock guitar from the late 1950s. A Lifton™ historic reissue brown and pink hardshell case is also included. Don’t miss your chance to own this extremely rare guitar, now available from Gibson Custom in its most accessible form yet, putting it squarely within reach.

Features

• Moderne Mahogany Body
• Mahogany 50s Vintage Profile Neck with Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
• Neck Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted), Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)
• Lifton Historic Reissue Brown Hardshell Case with Pink Interior Included

Specs

Type	Solid Body
Colour	Antique Natural
Orientation	Right Handed
Number of Strings	6
Body Shape	Moderne
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Nitrocellulose VOS (Vintage Patina)
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	50s Vintage
Neck Finish	Antique Natural VOS nitrocellulose lacquer
Fretboard Material	1-Piece Indian Rosewood
Number of Frets	22
Fretboard Inlays	Cellulose Dot
Fret Size	Reissue
Fretboard Radius	12" (304.8mm)
Nut Material	Nylon
Nut Width	1.69" (42.85mm)
Neck Pickups	Custombucker, Aged Alnico 3, Unpotted
Bridge Pickups	Custombucker, Aged Alnico 3, Unpotted
Controls	2 x Volume, 1 x Tone; 500k CTS Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Phone Book Capacitor
Bridge	Historic Reissue ABR-1 No-Wire with Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuners	Kluson Single Ring Reissue
Strings	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Case/ Bag	Lifton Historic Reissue Brown Hardshell with Pink Interior