The Gibson Moderne remains the undisputed biggest mystery in the history of guitar. To what extent did the original exist? Designs? Prototypes? Unused parts? Production models? In the upcoming June issue of Premier Guitar (watch for it online next week), we take a deeper look into the mystery, and into the differing theories behind the existence of the original. Until then, we're looking at some of the Modernes that unquestionably existed -- reissues, knock-offs and custom builds that pay tribute to the enigma that is the Moderne.
In 1957, Ted McCarty applied for patents on the designs of the Explorer, Flying V and Moderne. The patent was issued in 1958 with this drawing, and the rest is (incredibly murky) history. Check out our June issue next week for our investigation into the Gibson Moderne.
Three headstock concept drawings for the Moderne. The origin of the drawing is unknown.
This photo from a 1982 issue of Guitar World magazine shows Billy Gibbons' supposedly original Moderne from the side (behind the Flying V). The authenticity of Billy's guitar has never been proven.
Undated photo of Billy Gibbons' supposedly authentic Moderne. Photo from Ron Wood.
Luthier Dan Erlewine ended up with this possibly original, origin-unknown Moderne. If it is an original, it's been modified. The guitar changed hands and ended up in the posession of George Gruhn, who is said to have sold it to a Japanese business man.
A full-length look at the Dan Erlewine/George Gruhn Moderne.
A small number of Bigfoot sightings in the Kalamazoo, MI area include descriptions of a Moderne-like guitar in the eyewitness reports.
Ibanez produced copies of all three of Gibson's future concepts during the midst of what would become the lawsuit era in 1975. The Moderne copy was called the Futura, and like most iterations of the Moderne, these too are now hard to find.
Ibanez Futura mid-'70s reissue
1982 Gibson Moderne Heritage in natural finish. Gibson "reissued" the guitar in 1982 based on the original blueprint; only 143 reissues were manufactured, and the guitar came in Natural, Red, White and Ebony. The '80s reissues are rare enough to command upwards of $5000. Photo: Dave's Guitar Shop
1982 Gibson Moderne Heritage reissue headstock. Photo: Dave's Guitar Shop
The 1982 Gibson Moderne Heritage models were built with korina, but this mahogany prototype was also made that year.
This prototype for Gibson's '82 Moderne Heritage reissue belonged to Howard Leese.
In addition to the $200,000 that 1971 hijacker D.B. Cooper requested in ransom, some people say that a Gibson Moderne prototype that was aboard the plane went missing during Cooper's escape.
Moderne built by Glen Miller using authentic Gibson parts leftover from the '80s Gibson reissues.
Two more of Glen Miller's custom Modernes, made with leftover parts from the '82 Gibson reissues. Photo courtesy Glen Miller.
In 2001, Epiphone reissued the Moderne in extremely limited quantities. Photo: Garyhendershot.com
Three headstock concept drawings for the Moderne. The origin of the drawing is unknown.
This prototype for Gibson's '82 Moderne Heritage reissue belonged to Howard Leese.
