Gibson Custom 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue Electric Guitar - Antique Natural

The Gibson Moderne has long stood as one of the great enigmas in electric guitar history. Patented in 1957 as part of Gibson’s original "Modernist" trio, it never received a proper release—and in fact, no authenticated examples have ever been found. With the 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue, Gibson Custom brings this "lost" space-age design to life with impressive historical accuracy. Its solid mahogany body and ’50s Vintage mahogany neck capture the warmth, resonance and feel associated with golden-era Gibson craftsmanship, while an unbound rosewood fingerboard adds tonal sweetness and a classic touch. Unpotted CustomBucker Alnico 3 pickups deliver the open, expressive character of early PAFs, and period-accurate gold VOS hardware—including a Historic Reissue ABR-1 bridge, aluminum stop bar and Kluson single-ring tuners—anchors the instrument in true vintage performance. Finished in Antique Natural nitro lacquer and paired with a Lifton historic reissue case, this lost icon has finally emerged from myth, ready to take its place in your collection.

Mahogany Moderne Body: Classic Warmth Meets Space-Age Style

The Moderne’s unmistakable outline—equal parts angular, fluid and boldly experimental—remains one of Gibson’s most forward-thinking designs, and the 1957 reissue captures its proportions with archival precision. A solid mahogany body replaces the ultra-rare Korina specified in the original patent drawing, giving the guitar a warmer, slightly rounder tonal character with enhanced midrange presence and natural sustain. The Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer, hand-applied in Gibson Custom’s VOS treatment, recreates the feel of a well-preserved late-50s instrument while showcasing the wood’s organic beauty. Resonant, lightweight and visually striking, the body delivers a compelling blend of modern ergonomics and vintage Gibson soul.

’50s Vintage Mahogany Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard

The matching mahogany neck is carved to a comfortable ’50s Vintage profile, offering the substantial grip and smooth response associated with Gibson’s golden-era instruments. It pairs beautifully with an unbound Indian rosewood fingerboard, whose warm feel and smooth surface enhance both speed and expressiveness. Twenty-two reissue frets, a nylon nut and cellulose dot inlays complete the faithfully recreated playing experience. With its classic 24.75" scale length, the neck responds with familiar Gibson elasticity, making bends, vibrato and chord work equally rewarding for players seeking vintage character with modern precision.

Unpotted CustomBucker Alnico 3 Pickups for Vintage Clarity and Character

The 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue is equipped with a matched set of unpotted CustomBucker Alnico 3 humbuckers—Gibson Custom’s most accurate recreation of late-50s PAF tone. The absence of wax potting allows for an open, airy sensitivity and dynamic harmonic bloom, capturing the lively response collectors prize in original humbuckers. Alnico 3 magnets provide a slightly softer attack, sweet high end and rounded lows, making the Moderne exceptionally touch-responsive. Wired with 500k CTS vintage taper pots and a true "phone book" capacitor, the two-volume/one-tone configuration provides wide tonal control with a smooth, musical sweep.

Stage-Ready Hardware and Period-Correct Appointments

Each piece of hardware was selected to honor the original Modernist intent while ensuring dependable performance for modern players. The Historic Reissue ABR-1 no-wire bridge offers precise intonation and classic Gibson resonance, while the lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece maximizes string energy transfer. Kluson single-ring reissue tuners adorn the distinct "Gumby" headstock, delivering smooth tuning feel and unmistakable vintage style. All metal components receive Gibson’s Gold VOS plating, providing an elegant, gently aged aesthetic that mirrors new-old-stock instruments from the late 1950s. The result is a guitar that looks authentically vintage, feels broken-in and performs without compromise.

The 1957 Moderne Reissue: A Lost Legend Comes to Life

The Gibson Custom 1957 Mahogany Moderne Reissue restores one of the most intriguing "what-ifs" in electric guitar history, transforming a legendary blueprint into a fully realized instrument worthy of its mythos. From its resonant all-mahogany construction and vintage-accurate neck carve to its expressive unpotted CustomBuckers and period-correct hardware, every detail reflects Gibson’s commitment to honoring the past while delivering an exceptional modern playing experience. Finished in Antique Natural nitro with elegant VOS aging and housed in a Lifton historic reissue case, the Moderne Reissue offers players and collectors a rare opportunity to hold a once-lost icon—now finally brought to life.