Gibson Moderne

1982 Gibson Moderne.

The Moderne was first conceived in the late 1950s, along with the Flying V and Explorer. In 1958 a few prototypes were built, which were deemed insufficient popular to turn into a production model. These guitars were made from African Korina wood (also known as limba), and all three models hd small production runs, before quickly being discontinued. The use of Korina is explained by designer and then Gibson boss Ted McCarty

The 50s Modernes are probably the rarest of all Gibson solid-bodies, if any exist at all. None have been seen since the 1950s, and its thought they were probably disposed of at the factory.

Nobody is sure how many were built, estimates vary between 20-35, with as few as 6 being actually completed.

Both the Flying V and Explorer were re-released over the coming decades (1967 and 1976 respectively) and in 1982, the Moderne got its turn.

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