Leslie West, best known as the guitarist and co-vocalist of pre-metal band Mountain, was known for a number of brand associations, but most recent in his extensive collection of closely associated guitar companies was Dean, with whom he designed a number of models, edging ever closer to his desired sound. This 2014 "Mudflap Momma", an extremely limited edition guitar, being only 50 in total, is a great example of how modern guitar design can combine with vintage heritage to create something great.
With an incredible flamed maple top in a gorgeous tobacco burst ("Tiger Eye"), with scraped off "binding", this guitar obviously gives off the vibes of a rocking, streamlined LP style guitar, with a solid mahogany body and a chunky, V/C shaped neck that feel very.. '59 ish.
The hardware is extremely high quality brushed nickel, and the pickups are of West's own conception: the DMT Leslie West "Mountain of Tone" bridge pickup and the DMT Nostalgia neck pickups are incredibly powerful, slightly hotter wound PAF style humbuckers that are cutting, strong, and push any amp in an incredibly pleasant way, reminiscent of many major hard rock albums.
The ebony fretboard, with its namesake "Mudflap Momma" trucker style inlay may be polarizing for some, but this guitar, and it's name, were featured in a song ('Mudflap Momma' feat. Slash) written with this guitar and about its titular subject matter, tying the instrument directly into the history it represents.
If you're looking for a hard rocking, incredibly well playing, LP style guitar with incredible looks and a great story to boot, look no further. Serial #12 1072 comes with the original case.
