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Explanation
Mossman / 1988 Custom Superlative WB guitar by Scott Baxendale (Played by Travis Tritt)
Crafted by Scott Baxendale during his tenure as owner of the historic American brand "Mossman Guitars"a top-of-the-line custom guitar crafted for Travis Tritt
This Mossman Custom Superlative WB Guitar was the second “Superlative” model built in 1988. The initial concept commissioned as part of the Warner Bros . project differed significantly from the final design. From there, Scott Baxendale and Danny Davenport spent several months in extensive discussions regarding the design and inlays. It was this collaborative process that elevated this second guitar to its final form.
The body is a thin-profile dreadnought with a cutaway. Despite its slim profile—measuring approximately 65mm at the neck—the bracing system devised by Backsendale delivers volume and depth that exceed what one would expect from its scale length. The responsive spruce top is complemented by the clear, tight tone of the maple sides and back. The contours are vivid, the bass is full without being bloated, and the harmonics sparkle without becoming muddy. When strummed, it instantly commands the air; when played fingerstyle, each note emerges as if bathed in a spotlight. It delivers a compelling, practical sound that matches its visual impact. You can feel the dedication to pursuing not just design but also the sound of the instrument itself the moment you play a single chord.
The design is rooted in the mid-1980s Texas movement that saw a resurgence of 1950s aesthetics.As if echoing the revival of rockabilly and the blues, the retro aesthetic has been elevated through modern techniques. While incorporating the look of leather trim, the style was achieved by hand-painting beneath the top lacquer—a process that preserves the instrument’s resonance without compromise. Never sacrificing sound—this is the pride of the craftsman.
The depiction of Bugs Bunny—a symbol of WB—is also incredibly stylish.
The fingerboard inlay was designed by Dallas artist John McGowan. Generously inlaid with approximately 1,000 pieces of mother-of-pearl and abalone, it embodies the very essence of opulence.
Yet there’s a playful touch—hidden motifs tucked away here and there. This balance, where opulence and sophistication coexist, is something mass-produced luxury models simply cannot achieve. The rose carvings on the pickguard and headstock are all handcrafted. The fact that over 400 hours were spent on this work carries a significance that goes far beyond mere numbers.
Furthermore, this particular instrument was actually used in Travis Tritt’s “Country Club” music video and concerts, and was even exhibited at The Museum of Making Music for a time. The fact that it graced the cover of Shinco Music’s “Acoustic Guitar Book 9” is further proof that it is a masterpiece that stands out even among handcrafted guitars.
Every time you open the case, you feel a connection to history. It is a museum-quality instrument that evokes that very sensation.
[Specifications/Included Case] TOP: Solid Spruce BACK/SIDES: Solid Maple FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony NECK: Mahogany NUT WIDTH: 43.8mm SCALE: 652mm CASE: Original Hard Shell Case
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.] *Please note that as this is a pre-owned/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection. - The electronics have been tested and are in working order; there are no issues with functionality.
[Playability] - There is some string choking on the 1st string at the 13th fret, but playability is otherwise good. - String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.2 mm on the 1st string side. - Saddle projection: approx. 0.5 mm–1.5 mm . - With inlays adorning the headstock and fingerboard, as well as engravings on the back of the headstock and the neck heel, this is a truly special instrument that can be called a work of art.
[Peace of Mind Mail-Order Service] Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing through mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to try out the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.
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Electric Guitars / Electric Basses / Effectors / Amplifiers (Adjustment Warranty: Up to 5 years) If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will provide service free of charge. The warranty period varies by product.
Acoustic Guitars (Peace of Mind Warranty: Up to 6 months) For defects arising from normal use, we will provide free service for either 1 month or 6 months after purchase.
Wind Instruments (Up to 1 Year) Upon arrival, we clean the interior of the instrument, replace consumables as needed, and perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. If the instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound during normal use, we will repair it free of charge.