Santa Cruz Show-Stopper Guitars
Posted by Joe Caruso on Sat, Feb 20, 2010 @ 03:56 PM
Of all the acoustic offerings at the recent NAMM show, perhaps none drew more attention than two stellar Brazilian rosewood models from our friends at Santa Cruz guitars. People talk about the art of guitar building, the implication being that great acoustic guitars are not just musically attractive. In the best instruments, there is a visual component that is both arresting in its beauty and timeless in its successful integration of both old-world and modern design elements. There is no doubt that both of these guitars will stand as a testament to that art.
The first is a masterful interpretation of an OM-45. The Brazilian is of outstanding quality. The top, the highest grade of Adirondack spruce. And the sunburst! For years, I have said that no one does a better burst than Collings, but this guitar definitely raises the bar. The color and shading are perfect.
The second guitar is the one that really stopped folks in their tracks. Richard Hoover calls it the Southern Belle, for its graceful curves and pearly opulence. Based on his H-13 model, it too features superb Brazilian, paired with a luscious Italian spruce top.
The guitar also caught the eye of Greg DiBenedetto from Guitar Aficionado Magazine, who was so impressed, he asked for the guitar to be sent down to their NYC studio for a photo shoot. Look for it in their upcoming June issue. Or better yet, stop by the store and have a gander. You can see more pics here and here Santa Cruz Southern Belle.
