There's a reason this WASN'T Released in '57- The Epiphone Moderne Reissue | Guitar Stories Teardown

Welcome to Crimson Guitars HQ kzbin.info... and a new Guitar Story with Josh. Today we are looking into the history of the Gibson Moderne and the 1958 Epiphone Moderne reissue. Do you think this is simply an Ugly design or a collectors Holy Grail guitar?
EPIPHONE MODERNE ‘1958’
Introduced as a prototype in 1958, the Moderne was one of three new designs, two of which - the Flying V and Explorer - went on to become rock classics. A few Modernes were produced and since then have become the collector’s holy grail.
• Legendary “Moderne” design
• Korina (African Limba) body with Antique Natural Finish
• Korina Neck with 1960s Slim D profile
• 24.75 in. Scale Length
• Gold-Plated Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbucking pickups
• Wilkinson Vintage machine heads
• LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge
• Gold-Plated Stopbar bridge
Chapters:
0:00 The history of the original Moderne
5:16 1980's re-release of the Moderne - details above
7:41 Fretboard, truss rod and nut adjustment, strings - and we are good to go.
14:48 Conclusion and demo
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#teardown #electricguitar #epiphone #moderne #epiphonemoderne
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Our camera set up includes: the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro, Prime Cameras (Front facing and over bench) Canon EOS 250D, suspended from the ceiling (bench side) Canon EOS 90D and on the movable tripod a Canon M6 Mark II
Music used in this video from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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[@philgallagher1]

The reference to a "Great White Whale" refers to Moby Dick, not that it looks like a whale! Moby Dick was a mythical creature that drove Ahab to madness in the Herman Melville novel of the same name! Definitely NOT a dead whale.

[@ArcticonComp]

This. Also some dead whales float, but most don't. That's why the right whale is called right, they floated and could be hunted using sailing ships and row boats.

[@user-er3lp9pc5e]

I've got a 2021 Epiphone 1958 Korina Moderne and I love it. The fit and finish, the playability and the tone are excellent. It could have been twice the price I paid for it and it would have been well worth it in my opinion.

[@tbdog99]

I use my Epiphone Moderne as a "couch" guitar that I always have lying around. It's small and it's so comfortable to play unplugged, just to practice while I'm watching TV or just hanging around. If you plug it in, it's a real Gibson sound. I love it, use it every day.

[@michaelmenkes8085]

I know for a fact that any of the Epiphone Korina/Limba bodies really hit above their weight class. Core construction is really really good. Great mod platforms given how rare natural wWhite Limba finishes are. Also very light and contributes to amazing mid-frequency growl. If you see a Korina Explorer or Flying V for sale, pick it up.

[@LookingBackwards]

Great video, hope to see more of these! Really informative, always happy to see something different.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

The only thing that I don't like about it is the headstock - put an Explorer headstock on it and I'd definitely want one

[@davidrees1840]

...or the original Moderne headstock.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

I believe that is why the guitar is considered ugly.

[@davidrees1840]

@@SirSneakerPimp agreed, it's super ugly, but that's what a true copy would be.

[@pptemplar5840]

I want this body shape with a flying V headstock too bad, The body looks so ergonomic, it's a shame there aren't endless copies of the body shape that you can just slap a neck on and some pickups in. Besides the Y shape headstock of this and the original just looking... dumb and tacky, it otherwise looks cool and very clean and I think it would have easily been a clasic, kind of a Les Paul Jr./Special equivalent to the V, it definitely would have found it's way into dusty music shops and picked up by people the upcoming talent as affordable alternatives to the pop instruments of the Era just like the Futura and V.

[@konradhof7318]

I believe the fretboard is Indian Laurel. Everyone thinks it looks dry and needs oil or some other treatment to darken it. But it’s never going to look like rosewood. I think it’s generally lighter in color than rosewood, and kind of gray instead of reddish brown. I’ve oiled mine, but it doesn’t darken much. Maybe the grain is denser and thus less absorbent.

[@tonyhunt4250]

Love the video, and the concept of these these videos. Keep it up. Very entertaining. Thanks!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks, will do!

[@gregorygetable]

Thanks for the video. I love my Epiphone Moderne Guitar at gigs,, jams and recording.

[@SBanas]

I can't get over the fact I've missed out on this one in Guitar Giveaway! I've only just found out you could win this... This is one of my bucket list guitars for ages. Great video!

[@Ed_Robson_1970]

Don't mind the body, hate the headstock! I love hearing the story though, great potential series!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@adamdarmstaedter1256]

I just got one of these at a pawn shop and I LOVE it!! Mine has a VERY light colored fretboard and I have thought of staining it a little darker. I would also like to get a tortoise pickguard. It did have some sharp fret ends that I had to file down, but I think I like it just as much as my Gibson X-plorer that I paid nearly twice as much for.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Very cool!

[@richardfoskett8903]

You nearly had me convinced there Josh, but no - ultimately that’s one ugly duckling that isn’t turning into a swan any time soon!

[@MichaelMaddog3584]

Most poetically spoken Josh!

[@markpx]

"That's crazy, that's insane!" Who knew that Woody Allen was such a guitar critic?

[@Mr_CB]

Thank you for a very interesting history lesson. More like this would be great

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dougkennedy4906]

Very intriguing, I like the more unusual guitars to start with. A guitar is an extention of the user,much like cars, if the person is unusual their instrument should mirror that.

[@bowfrog]

Good Video, one came thru my shop last month.

[@larryharshmanjr5634]

I like the way it looks and if it feels good I’d consider one

[@ediacz]

In Poland, '80s we had "Defil KOSMOS" guitar - shape based on Moderna. Terribly manufactured and quality. It looked good and that's all what I can say about it.

[@chrishorton615]

Yes, the musician was Rendall Whal (sp). He fronted a bluegrass style band that had a program on TV.

[@41DegreesSouth]

Have you changed the way you are recording the sound of the guitars? Sounds good!

[@duncandisorderly]

'White whale' refers to the elusive and hard-to-find sperm whale hunted by Ahab in the story Moby dick.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

It looks like a futuristic rocketship hurtling through space at unimaginable speeds!

[@treeolyfe]

Love everything about it. Hope it will be mine.

[@johnkelly2098]

Looks like something tailor-made for Bo Diddley.

[@walks1835]

very cool and playable

[@normbarrows]

I've always thought these looked very cool. I purchased a reproduction with a matching case online with a 6 month lead time, and photo approval before shipping. Custom shop level quality. As mentioned, similar to the V, it's not really a sit down guitar. That was the only disappointment. Despite that I still think it's one of the coolest looking guitars ever. They got the name right - it has a timeless modern look to it. Functionally it's similar to other solid body Gibsons.

[@colinmcnab6145]

Who is the maker.

[@78tag]

On top of all that, you know what a real tuner is - the VS II is awesome.

[@markmilligan8773]

That was great.👍 Not a guitar I know much about and I feel educated. 👨‍🎓Thanks bud. However I've been playing a game - what song is josh playing in the demo and this sounds familiar but it has me stumped. 🤔

[@austerymn]

I won this gorgeous lady ❤❤❤ thank you Crimson and GGGA 🍾🍾🥂🥂. Rik

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Congratulations! Please send photographs of you and this gorgeous lady for our website and Social Media to Talitha at [e-mail]. DC

[@austerymn]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I certainly will ❤️

[@ronaldnieldschneider1855]

I love the Moderne... pity I don’t have enough money (or guitar chops!)

[@vincentrandles8105]

Cut one the right way, and you've got a Randy Rhodes model! No? I don't know.....maybe... I do love that V on the wall behind you, that's a certainty!

[@Zoso981]

If it has a master tone and a master volume, what's the third knob for?

[@rattletraprock]

I think the Moderne with a different headstock would be cool. Maybe the hockey stick like the Explorer...

[@colinmcnab6145]

Epiphone did one with the hockey stick headstock and original gumby. Personally I prefer the reverse V headstock.

[@atakdragonfly1675]

I remember years ago I saw a picture of all the iterations of the moderne... I think there were 3 different headstocks... And one was a 7 string model!! They all said Gibson on them. I have no idea if they were real Gibsons or what. Counterfeit? Or oven if they were real models.. The pictures looked real...I could get in and zoom and see the stuff clearly. They didn't have Chinese bridges... I've always wondered what was the thing with those. What's good about it is that when you are seated. When you play it with the crook of the v on your leg, flying v classical style... Sort of like a Rhoads V--That lower horn is shorter.. So it doesn't hit the stool or whatever couch you're on while you're playing seated like that. A regular flying V forces you to the edge of your seat, literally.

[@irondavebennett8635]

Absolutely stunning and huge marketing error on Gibson's part. I love it!

[@dughuff8825]

Nice - never seen one of these before and I think I quite like it! Not sure about the headstock but otherwise ok. I think I'd take issue with the statement at the start about people loving the V's and explorers - I thought it took many years before they actually started selling them in any qty? Also 'the whole of Metallica play a Moderne' - is that the reason for Lars' drum sound on St Anger? 😊

[@somerville004]

Puts me in mind of a Gretsch Jupiter.....in a good way

[@claudevieaul1465]

It's not so much the body shape that makes it fugly, rather it's that molten / unfinished looking headstock... When I think of 3 iconic Gibson designs, I'm forever sticking to the Flying V, the Explorer and the Firebird. The Moderne doesn't count 🤣🙏

[@robertpurdy4452]

I agree, that headstock is worse than fugly.

[@colinmcnab6145]

Better than the original gumby headstock with its four string tree's or the ugly hockey stick one on the USA made Epiphone ones.

[@ZenLizardTV]

I think George Jetson plays one of those

[@jjulch]

I actually know Ren Wall. Cool dude.

[@TheGuitarModder]

The body shape is absolutely stinkin.

[@scottketterer1672]

I love the Moderne, it's super weird.

[@benstoyles1297]

The strandberg we have at home. White whale is a Moby Dick reference.

[@guitfidle]

You’re talkin conservative guitar fans while I am fretting up a mildly oblong SG with 3 Strat pickups 😊. I really ought to love the Moderne- I own 2 Vs and 2 Explorers, love them to death ❤

[@sajisguitar]

It looks like the neck is fixed at a wrong angle when compared to the body.

[@kingebin9830]

11:30 facts that retired denti- I mean, guitar ‘lovers,’ don’t want to accept: tone-wood is mostly a myth in electrics with dirty tones, once you leave the $500-$800 price range no guitar really becomes that much better at playing, mechanical and electronic parts are the vast majority of your tone and playability, and so long as the wood is carved correctly, is quality, and assembled well, most guitars can be modified by a self-taught tech to play up to par with any mainline Fender or Gibson guitar. The only exceptions to most of these are acoustics, hollow bodies, or semi-hollow bodies. In today’s market, you should not be paying anymore than $1,500-$2,000 for a playing guitar if you know what you’re doing. Even then, that’s pushing it.

[@MrNeedlekiller]

Great guitar.

[@stephenmarsh3986]

It would look much better with a Flying V style headstock. The one it has is a mess visually and in practical terms the string angles behind the nut are asking for trouble tuning wise IMO. Otherwise it's an ok shape. 🖖

[@claudevieaul1465]

Or the reversed Firebird headstock - that would suit the body quite well, I feel...

[@stephenmarsh3986]

@@claudevieaul1465 Agreed, either would suit better.

[@sporadicamnesic]

I personally think it would look better with a V or Explorer style headstock

[@colinmcnab6145]

Epiphone did a version with Explorer headstock made in USA. I personally prefer the reverse V headstock it's the headstocks on the V and Explorer that's put me off buying them. Had they made a reissue of them either by Epiphone or Gibson with reverse V headstocks I would have them both to go with my Moderne.

[@Probably.boredinPDX]

It looks like it won’t fall off my lap, is what it looks like.

[@privateislandice]

Great body shape, but it needs a different headstick. The V shaped headstick looks strange with the v shaped body.

[@dalenixon9715]

Where did you buy this in the uk? I want one!

[@andreaswagner8356]

I think the first introduction was the Futura, not the Explorer. The Futura then evolved into the Explorer, right?

[@robertr4193]

I think that the Modern you are talking about in this video looks way better than the flying v. It is a similar shape but less bulky. The only thing I don't care for on it is the v shaped head stock. If the modern had the head stock shape of the flying v head stock it would be a lot better. To me the reverse v of the head stock is a design goof on the modern. It messes up the flow of the overall design of the guitar.

[@michaelpohlgeers3214]

something about this bodyshape makes it look like the neck is completely skewed. Love it though, it's just a weird-ass legend of a guitar

[@jamesonpace726]

You're right....

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I don’t think it looks bad at all, Blue Sparkle

[@joshuastopford]

🤣

[@miketurner1768]

I do like like it. Also Josh tells a wicked story, much better than Ben. ....(ducks for cover..)

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

My friend Mikey Dees played a modern, it was vintage.

[@neil.HobbyPositive]

Really enjoyed this video. Please more of the same!

[@1971silversurfer]

Part of the problem is that guitar companies are getting lazy with their designing, but on the flip side are we as guitarists unwilling to experiment by trying something new?

[@doctoribanez]

Doesn't look bad. I appreciate a strait string pull so the headstock is off-putting

[@ROLEPLAYA64]

The body's ok, it's that impressively fugly headstock that kills it. Maybe get Ben on the case to create something more aesthetically pleasing?

[@Citizen_JQP]

Biggest take away from this.... Never lose your plectrum

[@gregorygetable]

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top in video says he thinks his Moderne is an original from Gibson...perhaps

[@SerenityGuitars]

I like it, the body looks more like a shark profile than a whale. Headstock not so much, it just means I'm going to have to build my own with my own headstock shape. I just bought a ticket to win it so maybe I'll get lucky. Great choice Ben.

[@harrisonandrew]

Body shape is great. the Epi headstock is hideous. The Gibson headstock is outstandingly beautiful.

[@benlogan430]

Why didn’t they just use a regular LP neck and headstock? Why?

[@dinosauria55]

"It has a master volume and master tone" what is the third pot for? White Whale = Moby Dick (as in the whale from the book). Commonly used as a term for something incredibly rare.

[@peterlundin7953]

Right!!

[@TeeFetch]

Gibson and their V'ing and string angle still bugs me. This one more so, but for some reason I like the shape of the guitar.

[@ryanevans8368]

I have heard that billy gibbons has an original

[@tonewife]

I WANT IT.

[@PerseusSpur]

Space Age look, like the Star Trek CommBadge...

[@jonathanmeyer1164]

I found one in november last year. I went to my local music store for a Dangelico, rounded the corner, and saw this. Needless to say, i didnt buy the Dangelico. Of all the guitars i gig with, this is the one everyone loves.

[@andrewking7919]

Wierd looking thing, But I like it! one suggestion, some kind of string butler might be a good idea, the way stose strings spread over the nut is kinda scary..

[@jimnaylor8339]

I love the look of it,just don't like the Gibson name,had a couple of really bad experiences with a couple of gibsons

[@joeljezequel]

me : would like a modern with a banana explorer head - see the Kirk hammet modern - wow wow wow !!!

[@somerville004]

and Ovation Breadwinner?

[@LisaHarsh]

Do the winners get a hugged by Josh sticker for the case?

[@robertpurdy4452]

The Explorer is my favorite guitar, the Flying V I find attractive but uncomfortable to play, and...well, the Moderne remains interesting. Personally the headstock kills it for me. It makes me want to throw up in my mouth when ever I look at the headstock too long.

[@chrishooker7727]

Nope! That's the beautiful one!

[@JohnSmith-xs4sx]

I wondered what that weird old dusty guitar my uncle has in his closet was , its pretty beat up though, the finish is all cracked up, the back is all scratched up and there is this green goo like corrosion all over the pickups etc......probably not worth much in that condition but its identical to that one except it says Gibson.Does have what he said is the original case, also beat up and smells musty as hell, has the sales receipt and some other paper stuff, old strings etc.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You tease 😆

[@JohnSmith-xs4sx]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars :)

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I like the Vs, I kinda like the Explorers, but I just can't get with the Moderne... There are definitely uglier guitars out there, but I just can't get to a point where I think it's a good looking model

[@borgonianevolution]

It COULD be interesting if it weren't for that chunk o "Deanesq" headstock. those are an instant turn off for me.

[@adamdutton9922]

I MUCH prefer it to the other two. I always hated the Flying V.

[@adamdutton9922]

I think if they did a release in the sort of retro colours all the young bands are using now on offsets that it would do well. Give a shiny blue one to Wet Leg and see what happens.

[@Frankt1100]

fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down

[@rogermoore2798]

Never been a fan of that model, however, kudos to Gibson for innovative designs in the 50's when Fender had basically only 2 styles.....Tele n Strat (let's be honest, the Mustang n Jazz are just slightly drunken Strat shapes). Gibson defo lead the guitar world with guitar shape innovation.

[@mikec6947]

I think it looks better than the Flying V. Sort of shark like.

[@mbontekoe3358]

Ibanez actually made a copy the Moderne in 1976 so 6 years before it came to the market. For me the problem is that it will always fall over and and will not fit in any stand

[@omikl]

I have one, although mine possibly dates from '74 or '75 as i has no serial number. It has a Melody Maker sized headstock and is a straight copy of the alleged original Gibson that was sold be Dan Erlewine to a Japanese collector. I bought it in 1978 from Kichen's Music in Leeds, half price at 150 quid as they "had it for ages and wanted rid of it".

[@robertthomas7239]

Billy Gibbons has a 1958 Moderne.

[@cchavez248]

Strangely enough, the Moderne looks better when being played and strapped onto the player. Sadly, seeing the Moderne hanging on the wall, it's not a great looking wall hanger. Something about the straight, long llines of the upper bout and the curvy, short features of the lower boit look disproportionate when the guitar is hanging on a wall, outside the context of an instrument joined to a player! IMHO

[@infrasound]

omg the V2 ewww... 5:21

[@savethedandelions]

i think it looks like not quite a b.c. rich.

[@zeffneeson5214]

Definitely looks like it was beat with a ugly stick that headstock 😬

[@alexcorona]

I’m a fan of ugly guitars, but even that’s too much for me…. That’s coming from an Epiphone fanboy.

[@scottishgentlemen6038]

Ugly as hell, but i kinda like it - apart from the headstock, which is aesthetically and functionally a disaster.

[@CraigGriffiths]

The very first Explorer headstock was a V type config. MOBY DICK dude, not a dead whale…lol