The Great White Buffalo - The Mystery of the Gibson Moderne with Billy F. Gibbons

One of the craziest stories in the history of guitar is the legend of the Gibson Moderne and whether it ever existed! We join the Rev Billy F. Gibbons in understanding the mystery of Gibson's Great White Buffalo, the Gibson Moderne.
#moderne #gibson #billygibbons #zztop #electricguitar
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@the_neurotic_guitarist
The Neurotic Guitarist Benny Goodman
thebennygoodman
lostsymphonymusic/
Lost Symphony
www.lostsymphony.com
@LostSymphonyMusic
Produced and Directed by Benny Goodman
for TNG FILMS
Filmed at Speak EZ Studios
Executive Producer: J. Scott Benson for XOFF Records
Additional footage by Jaymee Minner and Jim Foster
Steve Wood Management
Special thanks to Billy F. Gibbons, Blain Clausen for Shelter Management, Jimmy Wysocki, the Mahwah Museum and the town of Mahwah, NJ.

[@ronaldsmith8966]

A friend of mine has one of the ‘82 “reissues.” Such a sick beast!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

And they're just skyrocketing in value! Thanks for watching Ronald

[@08c6vette]

When I was in high school in the early 80’s the guitar shop in the small town I grew up in had a Moderne for sale. Thing sat on the rack for years. Don’t know if they ever did sell it. Remember them having a Gibson Map guitar too, which went unsold forever as well.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

That's why those map guitars are valuable...literally no one wanted them! Now they're just rare and weird!

[@charlesrocks]

Killer guitar and even more killer story. That G logo is Boss hoss. Gibson needs to bring that back

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You know, I don't want them to bring it back into production, but it's be cool for them to put it on a modshop guitar or some custom ri. The irony is that I don't think billy let's people investigate the guitar or I'd love to see gibson to ri of that one!

[@charlesrocks]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist G logos for mod shop guitars would be a great move.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@@charlesrocks I'm gonna ask about it because it's rad. I think ibanez ripped that off in the 80s when they did their copies

[@PhilFeedback]

I was in the Army stationed in Germany 🇩🇪 back in 1985. - That’s when I bought my Gibson Moderne' guitar 🎸. Gibson Moderne Heritage Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1982), made in Nashville, TN. Serial # E 083 - antique natural lacquer finish, Korina body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, with original brown tolex Guitar case.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Hell yeah dude! One of my favorite guitars ever. Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌

[@markstiffler6898]

Great story - Gibson back in the day was run like a family with 16 children - lots of love but not much oversight :) The Moderne is the most original guitar to surface ANYWHERE since the Explorer and V - yours look amazing. Great to see BFG as well. ROCK ON BENNY!!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on Mark, as always thank you for watching brother 🙏

[@ryurc3033]

This is such a wild story.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I couldn't even make it up! Thanks for watching, please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@RockyH.]

I've always dreamed of a Moderne with the Explorer hockey stick headstock oh my lordy me that would be a kickin guitar!🔝

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Both of mine have the gumby headstock!

[@RockyH.]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist You lucky, lucky man!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@@RockyH. 🙏🙏🙏🎸🎸🔥🔥

[@RockyH.]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist See some Jackass stole my gear and guitars in the lockdown but the good part is I get new guitar day and I want something special just like this.

[@RockyH.]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist you couldn't have picked a more interesting guitar showcase. Thank you because if I can't get the one that I want with the hockey-stick headstock I'll build one if I have to.

[@mattbrody4990]

Pretty cool guitar and a fun story behind it. Thank you for sharing🤘🎶

[@slagmaggot]

Dude i worked with knows Billy G. Ben from texas and his dad has a place in Jamaica, near Billy's place there, hoped they worked things out, respect from Elizabethtown PA. Yeaaaaa boi rock nmfn roll

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Billy is the man and I was graced to spend most of a day with him. What made it to this video is only some behind the scenes that ended up being totally pertinent to this video! Great dude and a total legend

[@slagmaggot]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist good for you man he seems like the real expert on these awesome pieces of woodnmetal, just wondered if I got mine in 76 before he was into them, but who cares it doesn't matter kinda, all I know is when I saw it I had to fn have it and I was 16 yeeeeeaaa boi rocknmfn roll

[@scottjua]

Awesome sauce. I played one of those, and actually just on the knee, it’s a little low but comfortable enough to play

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

100% it looks odd but you can get used to it. Has a good balance to it. Thanks for watching Scott, pleas subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@RByrne]

Great story! I actually love the looks of these.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Me too. They're weird just like me, thanks for watching Ryan! 🎸🎸🔥🔥🙏

[@vinniesworld459]

Awesome episode!!! Loved the stories and the interview. Saw a couple of Theodores in the back too - you gonna do a review on those?

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Oh yes indeed, I sent one back to my house for an unboxing. Also did an episode with cory where we play two at once. I suspect the unboxing episode will see the light of day first.

[@hibernative]

Man I wish you'd end all talk videos with playing the guitars a bit. Because that's what guitars are about! Had 2 amps behind you!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I did a bunch of demos on this guitar, the demo just wasn't right for this video, I demoed 2 of them at once with cory, my bandmate from lost symphony. It'll be in an upcoming video and I promise the next video will have a demo!

[@IamMedicine]

Thanks !

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

My pleasure Dino, thanks for watching dude 🙌

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

Great video! It would have been nice to hear it!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I have a demo of both them shot on the cutting room floor. It's coming! So much stuff to choose from week to week!

[@user-er3lp9pc5e]

I've got the Epiphone 1958 Korina Moderne Reissue made in 2021with the "Spit V" headstock. Really great guitar with lots of mojo.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

So much MOJO, that's rad dude! Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

Legend!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

♥️♥️♥️👆

[@papablue3015]

And I was called an ugly red headed stepchild when i was young! 😮 Thanks Benny

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Join the club!

[@dennisperusse3837]

I’d love to see Gibson or Eppiphone make a bass version of the moderne.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You and me both Dennis! Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@Razrback]

What's terrifying is that headstock

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I love it, it's weirdly grotesque!

[@hkguitar1984]

Most Excellent. To be honest, I'd love to try any Gibson Korina.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I have yet to find one I didn't like

[@hkguitar1984]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Someday I'm gonna build a Korina LP Jr. for myself. Most likely I'll build a "Precision Guitar Kits". that company is the best thing to come out of Canada since RUSH. The Precision Guitar Kits are a self-serve M2M, just amazing, I encourage you to check them out if you've not already done so.

[@IndyRockStar]

wish they'd make one with an explorer headstock.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

There's a third headstock that's just as weird and awesome. An explorer headstock would be rad!

[@t_rent247]

good shit. I would never want to buy one, but it's got an interesting story for sure

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Definitely not for everyone! It's never been a popular guitar, but it's got MOJO for days. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@Panufo]

There's no dog in Gumby - Pokey was Gumby's horse friend, not a dog. Art Clokey also did another Claymation series called Davy and Goliath, which did have a Dog. I appreciate your disposition to address this thorny subject.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Haha someone said that earlier which is hilarious to me. I appreciate the clarification. Gumby was a little before my time so I was just using my stoner memory in this case, which speaks for itself. It also reiterates cunninghams law that if you want the most correct information post the wrong info in the first place. Thanks for watching and please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@aliensporebomb]

In 1988 I visited a local music store and they had one of the Korina Modernes for a ridiculously low $550 with matching hardshell case. I also had the opportunity to purchase a shred machine with the Floyd Rose Tremelo, for the same price which, was all the rage at the time. With the 20/20 hindsight of time I realize I should’ve bought the Gibson because today that same guitar is worth exponentially more than that shred machine, which literally fell apart after a few years of heavy gigging. The body on the shred machine was basswood, which is relatively soft and didn’t take a lot of abuse. That white limba, the way they made it look on those Gibson’s is a real beautiful wood.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Man, I got a ton of those stories, too. If we only knew now what we knew then! 🎸🔥

[@nellayema2455]

I love the Moderne! I have a 2011 in ebony and a recent Epiphone Moderne. Both have the V-shaped Futura headstock instead of the "Gumby" one, but I'm OK with that. I want to believe that there is an original one hanging out in an attic somewhere in Kalamazoo.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

How's the epiphone compare to the Gibson? I wanna believe that, too! If they find one it'll be the coolest discovery since king tut! Thanks foe watching, please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@nellayema2455]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist The construction is cheaper, as it has a multi-piece body with a one-piece mahogany laminate on the top and back, but the vibe and sound is similar to the Gibson. I'm happy with it. Subscribed.

[@andyfurda7808]

The first person I ever saw playing a Moderne was Johnny Winter.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Johnny ruled! Thanks for watching, please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@jasonbates2687]

I have the '58 Korina V and Explorer, granted they are Epiphones but minus the name on the headstock it is hard to tell the difference. Regardless, if Billy does have the Moderne proto-type it is priceless.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Have you played then against the real thing?

[@jasonbates2687]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I have played an older Korina V but not the Explorer, it was a few years ago but I would say they are fairly comparable, the big difference is the price.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@jasonbates2687 I think the biggest difference would be the pickups, the price is def different, but it's always a guitar by guitar basis.

[@rcjoe406]

I remember in 86 i was in high school and i saw a picture of one and was like kool cant wait to get one...was really confused and sad when i heard they never made them.. oh well maybe ill go get some wood at lowes this weekend im know for making quite a few nice cigar box guitars sooo lol

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

If you make a moderne you gotta lemme know it turns out!!!

[@rcjoe406]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist will do been on my mind for awhile now that and a RD artist style

[@garybrady9531]

I think it's an awesome body shape wilder than the flying vee

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Couldn't agree more Gary! I'd much prefer to rock a moderne over a V any day! Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🙌

[@papablue3015]

QUESTION?? Benny the string trees what are they? Look like ball ends cut off strings? Thanks 😊

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Just pieces of metal, normal string trees!

[@jamessator5564]

I’ve seen Ricky Medlock play one

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

There are def people out there that do, the real mystery is whether they actually made one in the 50s. All the ones you see out there are from the 80s or 2000s.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

I remember back in the early 80’s, my friend and I would buy guitar books and read up on the possible existence of the Moderne. We would go to pawn shops in hopes to somehow, by dumb luck or happenstance, find one hanging on display that the owner would know nothing about, because most pawn shop owners only cared for the gold and silver jewelry. No internet back then to look up what they had. Very cool guitar. Off the subject, but who’s the reflection of, on the picture on your right @ 8:50? 🎸👍

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Thats my bandmate cory from lost symphony who helped me shoot a few of these and even did some demos with me for the upcoming episodes!

[@luisvillarreal5262]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Cool. I love these kinds of videos. Rare and unusual, mysterious guitars. Even like the oddly shaped Gretsch guitars that Bo Diddley owned, with the futuristic, nostalgic looks.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@@luisvillarreal5262 I actually have his 1957 gretsch 6131 jet firebird. I have an episode on it coming up. It was on the cover of at least 3 of his records.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Killer!!

[@jturquoise]

The headstock design should be standard . It makes more sense tuning wise.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

It's just frigging awesome! Thanks for watching, please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@mrpbody44]

I have 2 sets of the FLying V, Explorer and Moderne that I bought new in 1983. The Modernes sound the best of the bunch and have hotter pickups.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I agree about them spending the best. Not sure if mine have hotter pups, I'll have to put that to the test! Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌

[@dietrichvanderwesthuizen3307]

😮❤

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

What a rad guitar!

[@FoxxoFox]

Gibson plz do a run of these in left handed

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

That would be rad

[@micahwatz1148]

I played one once. Not very comfortable sitting down, didnt get to try it with a strap standing. Not balanced at all tho from what I remember, extremely neck heavy. Just wonky. But im money wasnt a concern, id still get one 😂. But Vs are the perfect guitar shape. Best guitar shape ever created.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I play sitting down so I don't resonate with Vs although I have some rad ones. This one is neck heavy but its actually a lot more comfortable than you remember! Check out the whole video at the link in the description and please subscribe and join the madness 🙌 Thanks for watching!

[@micahwatz1148]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist the vs give you that classical position

[@christopherfidler3019]

What's next? Holy V? Reverse V? hehe

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

They def got some crazy ones out there! I have a ton of wild guitars in the chamber ready to go. What would you like to see chris?

[@christopherfidler3019]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I'm a Fender guy but I wouldn't hate seeing a Firebird X to see what the big deal is. Thanks Benny.

[@markeldridge6026]

There were 2013 Re-reisssues, and a limited run of striped Zakk Wylde signature striped Modernes with an XL body, Floyd Rose, and EMG’s. I am happy to say I have one of each of these. Epiphone had a limited run of them at some point between 1980 and 2000. They also had a travel guitar version called the Mo Baby with a built in amp/speaker and 7/8 sizing. All very unusual as well.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I am aware, I've craved the zakk wylde moderne of doom, I'm just referring to the original run! Thanks for watching Mark, please subscribe and join the madness 🙌

[@markeldridge6026]

Well, if you’re interested in a Doom, I may be persuaded to part with mine for the right price.

[@vadenk4433]

They should’ve used the iconic Flying V headstock or even the Explorer’s headstock. The Moderne’s string trees and the extremely sharp string angles are a deal breaker for me

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

There's actually multiple headstocks...this is the gumby, but there's another whacky one that's way less of an angle

[@MadRiverMoCo]

I made a bolt on one (like the Epiphone proto) with the v headstock. It looks gorgeous

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@@MadRiverMoCo that sounds rad!

[@Razrback]

Explorer is the shit

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You don't gotta sell me!

[@belfastgypsy1]

They reissued them in the early 2000’s

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

They've been reissued a bunch of times, zakk wylde had the moderne of doom, Adam Jones has a custom shop moderne...I'm talking about the originals. 1957 vs 1980

[@belfastgypsy1]

The 80’s models were reissues too..😬

[@clintonboheler2690]

Umm how much could I sell this for

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Which one?

[@SBanas]

TLDR: Moderne Communist Copycat I love this model because of a bit strange reason. In the 80s in Poland we've started producing Gibson type electric guitars based on Japanese Ibanez copies of Gibson. And for some bizarre reason instead of going for the most popular types of metal axes (SG, Expl, V) they've decided, nah, we're gonna produce a sh*tload of Gibson modern copies called, wait for it, DEFIL KOSMOS! They were ugly red instruments with bolt on pipe-like necks, and You could get them for 10$ in the 90s and 2000s. To this day I love this shape, and I would love to have an original in my collection, just to have the ultimate version, of what many people here are calling: "the polish arrow". Thanks for the video man!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on szymon!!!! Thanks for watching and I hope you score that moderne! Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already!

[@watchinghh]

Hasnt Billy refused to let Carter and Gruhn actually lay hands on and inspect it? It's a great story and even if its a little bit of bullshit and showmanship so what.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Something like that. I've heard all kinds of stuff. But yeah, it's Billy's little mystery

[@Razrback]

Ooooooh god kill me now wtf

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I'm confused, do you love it or hate it 😜

[@bjorntannberg1581]

Can't bear to finish watching. Too much screaming.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

🤷‍♂️

[@slagmaggot]

Dude that's fn crazy i ask you about these guitars and you were already doing a segment coincidence, lucky, weirdness just like the fn guitar yeeeaaaboi rock nmfn moderne and roll

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

It's almost like you know me well enough to know the guitars I'm gonna go after! Lots of cool stuff coming up this year!

[@slagmaggot]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I only have one word Moonsault

[@slagmaggot]

Yeeeaaaa boi that's what I'm talking about, got my Ibanez Moderne in 76, put money down on a gibson in 82, dude says yea I know people in Nashville it will be here in a week, fail, 30 years later I get a Gibby in 2012 , bad luck ever since.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I have two moments that I wish I could go back and slap myself. About ten years ago someone was offering a set of the ibanez moderne, v and explorer for 1k and I ignored it (moron), and about 5 years ago GC Hollywood had a black moderne, all original, and they wanted 3k for it. I talked them down to 2800 but they wanted shipping and i said f off. I saw a similar one at gibson now selling for 12500...dumb dumb!!!!!

[@slagmaggot]

About 20 years ago Ed Roman in Las Vegas had the set of Ibanez, Moderne, vee, and explorer for 15 k I asked what they wanted for the Moderne by itself and they gave me a bs story about how rare it was and that they would have to get 10k for it. I told them I had one for sale and all of a sudden it wasn't that rare anymore, people suck ,rock nmfn roll keep all the guitars someone can figure it out when I'm ashes, xdream woodnmetal design

[@RockyH.]

YIKES

[@RockyH.]

I've seen the guitar with a Explorer headstock.....it is one of the most awesome axes I've ever seen!

[@slagmaggot]

@@RockyH. the Ibanez Moderne has a headstock like a Les Paul and was the first production Moderne ever released for sale fun fact Ibanez first original design is the mfn ICEMAN yeaaBoi