Quietly crafting no more than 10 instruments a year, Don Musser has amassed quite a star-studded following, selling his first guitar to Peter Fonda in 1977 having only been building for a year. Working concurrently as a tone wood supplier, Don keeps the best pieces for his own work and has built guitars for the likes of Bob Dylan, who used his during his set for Live Aid, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bono.

This example is from 1991 (number __) with a handwritten label, a feature of early Musser guitars. The back and sides are Eats Indian, the back being of two piece construction. The top is Sitka Spruce with a Spanish Cedar neck and Ebony fretboard. Soundboard is cross-braced wth pine, the back braces are also cedar.

As you can see from the pictures, this guitar has certainly seen some action. The previous owner purchased this guitar new and over the next almost 30 years used it on stages up and down the country. Though the wear is extensive on the top, it hasn’t worn through anywhere and hasn’t compromised the its integrity. This extensive use has given the guitar a wonderful feel which has made it quite popular here.
As with any Musser guitar, everywhere you look there are the hallmarks of a true craftsmanship, from the finely intonated saddle on the Rosewood bridge to the radiused mahogany binding, this guitar has an understated elegance that sets it apart from others.

The neck is worn comfortably but there is no wear to the ebony fretboard and there is plenty f life left in the frets. The headstock has sustained a few knocks over the years but nothing extensive.

The guitar comes with its original hardshell case.

As you’d imagine, this guitar sounds fantastic Years of use has given the instrument a rich quality, each note rings out with a wonderful sustain. The action invites you to play anywhere on the neck.

Don doesn’t build many of these and older examples are hard to come by over here. If you are looking for one then this is probably one of the finest out there…