Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Mahogany Moderne VOS Antique Natural w/Case

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.

Specifications
Body Specs
Body Finish - Nitrocellulose VOS (Vintage Patina)

Body Material - Mahogany

Body Shape - Moderne

Body Styles - Moderne

Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material - One-Piece Indian Rosewood

Fingerboard Radius - 304.8mm / 12.0in

Fret Count - 22

Frets - Reissue

Inlays - Cellulose Dot

Joint - Glued In, Set Neck; Hide Glue Fit

Neck Material - Mahogany

Nut Material - Nyloon

Nut Width - 42.85mm / 1.69in

Profile - 50s Vintage

Scale Length - 628.65mm / 24.75in

Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup - Custombucker, Aged Alnico 3, Unpotted

Controls - 2 Volume, 1 Tone; 500k CTS Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Phone Book Capacitor

Neck Pickup - Custombucker, Aged Alnico 3, Unpotted

Output Jack - 1/4" Switchcraft, Gold

Pickup Selector - Switchcraft 3-way Toggle

Hardware Specs
Bridge - Historic Reissue ABR-1 No-Wire

Control Covers - Black

Control Knobs - True Historic Bleach White Top Hat with Dial Pointer

finish - Gold VOS

Mounting Rings - Black

Pickguard - 4-ply White

Pickup Covers - Gold VOS

Strap Buttons - 2 - Burnished Brass

Switch Tip - True Historic Amber

Switchwasher - True Historic, Black

Tailpiece - Aluminum Stop Bar

Truss Rod - Authentic 50s No-Tube

Truss Rod Cover - True Historic, Black

Tuner Plating - Gold VOS

Tuning Machines - Kluson Single Ring Reissue

Misc Specs
Case - Lifton Historic Reissue Brown Hardshell with Pink Interior

Model: 57MMANVOGH1

Headstock - Moderne Gumby Style with Four String Guides

Headstock Inlay - Raised Nickel/Plastic Gibson Logo

Strings Gauge - .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046