We are incredibly proud to be able to bring to market an ultra-rare Gibson Moderne.
In 1957, Ted McCarty (the head of Gibson guitars at the time) applied for design patents of three guitar shapes: the Flying V, the Explorer, and a third design without an official title. Later, the third design became known as the Moderne. The Flying V and the Explorer went into limited production in 1958 and 1959 and were reissued extensively in the years following. The Moderne, however, was not so lucky. It was never put into production.
Although it was never mass-produced, Ted McCarty and various other Gibson factory workers remember that there were anywhere from one to six prototypes of the Gibson Moderne made in the factory. But despite their testaments, the fact remains that a 50s Moderne has yet to surface over 60 years later.
It wasn’t until the 1982 when Gibson finally put the Moderne into production, in limited numbers, and did so again for a brief period in 2012. This is that model.
We have been blown away by just how playable the Moderne is. From the off it is noticeable just how resonant it is acoustically, and the neck is both slim and fast, an appreciated modernisation from the 1958 design. Its body is made from grade-A mahogany combined. It has a quartersawn mahogany neck and a gorgeous granadillo fretboard which gives you rich harmonics and excellent sustain.
It is fitted with a pair of '57 Classic PAF-style humbuckers which are as true to the sound of the original as it gets. That's because Gibson originally engineered their '57 Classic humbuckers to capture the warmth, smooth playing dynamics, and overall character of their breakthrough PAFs.
It is in very good condition with no breaks, cracks or repairs. It has been played and shows signs of use throughout. Most noticeably there a scrape through the finish to the upper edge of the body, which is shown in the photos. There is some tarnishing to the gold hardware. The frets are in good shape.
Comes in its original Gibson made in Canada hard case with owner's manual and registration card.
Far Out Guitars provide a no quibble' 14 days returns policy, so if you don't get on with your new guitar you can return it for a refund.
You can check out our guitars at our premises in Marple, SK6 by appointment only. Just send us a message.
