Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Moderne Mahogany Natural VOS Antique Natural (586)

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.

Body Shape: Moderne
Body Material: Mahogany
Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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" (42.85 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (304.8 mm)
Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65 mm)
Number of Frets: 22
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Fingerboard Inlay: Cellulose Dots
Inlay Shape: Dots
Side Marker Inlay: Dots
Headstock Inlay/Decal: Gibson Raised Logo
Neck Binding: None
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 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 with Dial Pointer
Switch Cap: Amber