No, the acid hasn’t kicked in yet, its a 1982 Gibson Moderne Heritage Series

Designed as part of the Modernistic tryptic with the Flying V and Explorer, the Moderne was due to be introduced at the 1958 NAMM show but never made it. Whispered of in secluded corners, it has become a Shasquatch-like figure in guitar lore, with claims that original examples (of which only 6 prototypes are said to have been made) have surfaced all over the United States including one in the collection of a certain Reverend Billy Gibbons. What is certain is that it never made the production line and remained an idea until it was released in limited numbers between 1981 and 1983.

Condition wise, this guitar is in excellent, almost near mint shape, the Korina grain showcased wonderfully under its tinted lacquer. The most noted thing is a bit of wear on the treble side bout, and of course the gold plating has started to wear off in places. Structurally, it is sound as a Great British Pound and actually plays real well too.

There are some interesting signatures and factory markings inside that we have photographed so take a look at them. The neck is in great shape, the finish is still glossy and plenty of life left in the original frets.

Hardware does exhibit some wear as is to be expected with the gold plating but again this is not extensive.

Plastics are in great shape as you’d expect.

Electrically none of the solder joints look to have been disturbed with the pot codes reading 45th week of 1981 and it comes with factory original, unmolested Tim Shaw humbuckers dated early 1982. That do sound pretty cool.

The guitar comes with its correct brown hardshell case with pink lining.

Once you’ve figured out comfortable way to hold the guitar (possible suggestion would be to skip the sitting down and stick it on a strap, one foot up on the monitor) we’re in familiar Gibson territory, especially to those of you who’ve wrangled a V or Explorer. With easy access to the whole neck, the humbuckers delivering a solid rock tone with the Korina yielding a slightly lighter timbre than its mahogany cousin.

A fabled guitar made reality of a reissue to far, this guitar will certainly be the talking point of any collection. They don’t turn up very often so if you’re looking to complete the set then look no further.