Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue - Antique Natural VOS

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 continues 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.

General

• Series: Gibson Custom Shop Historic

• Country of Manufacture: Made in the USA

• Product Color: Antique Natural

• Finish: VOS (Vintage Original Spec)

• Case Type: Hardshell Case Included

Body

• Body Shape: Moderne

• Body Material: Mahogany

• Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck

• Neck Material: Mahogany

• Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

• Neck Tint/Color: Mahogany Stain

• Neck Shape: ’50s Vintage

• Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood

• Nut Material: Nylon

• Nut Width: 1.687" (42.85mm)

• Fingerboard Radius: 12" (304.8mm)

• Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65mm)

• Number of Frets: 22 Frets

• Neck Joint: Set Neck

• Fingerboard Inlay: Cellulose Dots

• Inlay Shape: Dots

• Side Marker Inlay: Dots

• Headstock Inlay/Decal: Gibson Raised Logo

• Neck Binding: None

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)

• Neck Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)

• Controls and Switching: 3-Way Switchcraft; 2 Volume, 1 Tone

• Electronics Notes: 500K CTS Vintage Taper Potentiometers, “Phone Book” Capacitor

Hardware

• Hardware Color: Aged Gold

• Bridge: Historic Reissue ABR-1 No-Wire

• Tailpiece: Aluminum Stop Bar

• Tuning Machines: Kluson Single Ring Reissue

• Fret Wire: Reissue

• Saddle: Metal

• Pickguard: White

• Truss Rod Cover: White Bell

• Knobs: True Historic Bleach White Top Hat w/ Dial Pointer

• Switch Cap: Amber

Weight: 6.90 lbs