Skaggs’ enthusiastic and highly visible support of Bourgeois played a large role in bringing wider attention to the brand when it was launched in 1995, and during the subsequent reformation of the company as Pantheon Guitars in 2000.

It seems that Dana has not taken Ricky’s support for granted, as he has unveiled a new, limited edition Ricky Skaggs signature model guitar, the RS-42 LE, as a tribute.

These will be dreadnaught bodies with a red spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, assembled with hide glue. The bridge is made of fossilized ivory and the top and rosette are bound with abalone.

The fingerboard and pickguard are inlaid with abalone, using custom patterns unique to this model. Even the Waverly tuning pegs are custom-engraved with the initials “RS.” Both Skaggs and Bourgeois will sign each of these numbered guitars before it is shipped.

The RS-42 LE carries a retail price of $15,000, with a hard shell case and lifetime warranty. Only ten of these guitars will be built, available now through selected dealers.

Two of the ten are already sold, and Bonnie Lloyd at Pantheon told me that they are working on #5 now at the shop in Lewiston, Maine.

Bourgeois and Skaggs have put together a YouTube video to help introduce this elaborately appointed guitar to the market.