The 1958 Gibson Moderne is considered to be one of the most rarest guitar in the world. Here’s some more info on it strait out of one of my favorite books, American Guitars by Tom Wheeler. Most or all of the key executives, designers and other personnel who worked at Gibson at the time were asked about the number of Modernes actually constructed, Unfortunately, their memories very considerably. Two sources were certain that the number was between 40 and 50, and none suggested a higher figure. We do know that some were destroyed in the Gibson “morgue” subsequent to the industry’s unanimously negative reaction to the guitar and the company’s decision not to add it to the line. The 22 survivors listed in the shipping totals appeared on routine invoices and do not include Modernes sold at cut rate to Gibson employees or those which were kept at the plant for experimental purposes. Some evidence suggests that at least two or three dozen left the factory one way or another, a surprisingly large number considering the fact that they are presently so scarce as to appear to be nearly extinct. Where are those Modernes? Ted McCarty, who supervised its design, guesses that only a handful were made, perhaps a half dozen.

Another great one sandman! For 1958 that is “Moderne”. Thanks for including the history too. I really like the peg boxes (if that’s what they’re called) with the texture and the scallops.

What is the screwed down panel up on the head for? Have I just missed them on all of your other guitars :P

Glad you like it Don :) The cover on the headstock is for the truss rod. You take that off to get to the truss rod.
http://www.gibson.com/Files/_repair/techtips/tuning_2.jpg

well done model, very nice guitar, excellent background information. What more can we ask for :) Great Shannon!

Thanks Alfred! Again, that info was from a book that I had for over 20 years now called American guitars an illustrated history by Tom Wheeler (a.k.a. My Bible).

wow! rarest guitar..also history of the guitar. I personally believe when you add the history / idea behind the creation, it becomes more realistic & understandable for the audience. This one is certainly one of them. Well done mate.

Thanks Shannon! I didn’t even know that a truss rod existed ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss_rod ), so thanks for helping to continue my guitar education! Not only that, but the article gives Gibson credit to Gibson for the first patent on a truss rod!

Hope you had a good 4th of July!

Thanks Don! I didn’t know that Gibson had the first patent on the truss rod :D