Gibson Moderne

Infobox Guitar model|title=Gibson Moderne


caption=
manufacturer=Gibson
period=1982-??
bodytype=Moderne
bridge=Tune-o-Matic
necktype=Set-in
Headstock=Oblong
woodbody=Korina, Mahogany
woodneck=Mahogany
woodfingerboard=Rosewood, Ebony
pickups=2 Humbuckers

The Gibson Moderne is an electric guitar model first designed by Gibson in 1958. It was designed alongside the Flying V and Futura as part of a stylistically advanced line of electric guitars. However, unlike the Flying V and Futura, the Moderne was not put into production until 1982.

History

By the mid-1950s Gibson Guitar Company had lost considerable market share to rival Fender's Telecaster and Stratocaster models and created three modernistic solid-body guitar concepts in an attempt to strike back. On June 27, 1958 Gibson President Theodore "Ted" McCarty filed three designs with the United States Patent Office named "Flying V," "Futura" (later redesigned and renamed Explorer), and "Moderne." The design patents were issued on January 7, 1958, however, the Moderne was not put into production and it is still not clear whether any were actually created at that time (there is only a vague mention on a shipping list, which some argue applies to an Explorer). Sources claim that Ted McCarty said that a handful of prototypes were built, but there is no conclusive proof either way.

They were reissued by Gibson in 1982 at the NAMM show in Atlanta as part of the "Heritage Series" and later produced in Korea by Epiphone. As of 2008, Gibson does not offer a Moderne model.

Stylistically, Modernes are characterized by an elongated upper treble bout (similar to the Flying V), a scooped-out bass bout (similar to a shark fin), an oblong headstock (similar to Gumby's head) with inverted tuners, and gold hardware.

The Gibson Moderne was featured in the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 video games Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero 2 in 2006 as unlockables. It was also featured in the Nintendo DS video game . Because of their very limited production and forward design, Modernes are highly sought by collectors.

ee also

*Gibson Flying V
*Gibson Explorer

References

*"Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars" By George Gruhn
*"The Ultimate Guitar Book" By Tony Bacon
*"Blue Book of Electric Guitars" Edited by S.P. Fjestad
*"The United States Patent Office"