In the late ’50s, Gibson designed a trio of futuristic-looking “Modernist” models that were intended to bring bold, modern designs to the product lineup. These included the Flying V, the Futura (the precursor of the Explorer), and the Moderne.
Gibson Custom 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue Guitar with Case Features:
- Tonewoods updated for a warmer, denser tone
- Old-school electronic components ensures vintage tone
- Mahogany body and neck
- Indian Rosewood fretboard
- 50s Rounded Medium C neck profile
- Unpotted Custombucker humbuckers
- True Historic Black Top Hat knobs
- Aged Gold hardware
- Historic Explorer case included
While the Flying V and Futura/Explorer were released in 1958, the Moderne’s history is less certain. Some sources suggest that a few prototypes were built but never sold and were later destroyed. Others speculate that a handful may have escaped into the wild. To this day, however, no authenticated 1957 Modernes have ever been found. It remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the guitar world—a puzzle that continues to intrigue and fascinate guitarists and collectors alike.
Radically “space age” in appearance when it was patented in 1957, the Moderne—like the Explorer and Flying V—was far ahead of its time. Yet it still looks strikingly fresh, modern, and unique today. This enduring appeal and timeless design continue to captivate players and collectors worldwide.
Now, Gibson Custom is making this legendary guitar available to more players than ever with the introduction of the 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue. Based on records and the patent application drawings preserved in the Gibson archives, this reissue faithfully recreates the original concept, with the only major change being the use of mahogany instead of the rare Korina wood.
The 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue features a mahogany body crafted to vintage specifications, a mahogany neck with a 1950s Vintage profile, and the original Moderne “Gumby” headstock design, complete with a raised Gibson logo and reissue Kluson single-ring tuners. Its unbound Indian rosewood fretboard carries 22 reissue frets with cellulose dot inlays.
Tone is powered by a pair of Custombucker humbuckers, hand-wired with CTS potentiometers and a phone book capacitor. The Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish and gold hardware are given a VOS treatment, lending the guitar the look and feel of a new-old-stock instrument straight out of the late ’50s.
To protect this extraordinary instrument, a Lifton historic reissue brown and pink hardshell case is included. Don’t miss your chance to own one of Gibson’s rarest and most fascinating designs—now available from Gibson Custom in its most accessible form yet.
