The market for small-bodied travel guitars is littered with wooden stringed toys and instruments tht look like a contortioner’s grand finale–but now the folks at Santa Cruz have stepped up to sweep away their lesser competition. This 2013 Firefly is bright and shining, with attractive curves, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a sunburst finished Cedar top. A guitar which is small but fierce, the Firefly has a surprisingly lush voice, and almost as much projection as its larger-bodied brethren. This guitar is in excellent condition, practically unplayed, but the woods are clean and responsive; a guitar that’s got lots of things to say.

Oh, to play a Dreadnought that hits that sweet, sweet line between loud strummer and articulate fingerpicker–it's like a dream come true. Well, dream no further! This 2003 Santa Cruz is just such a Dreadnought. Decked out in East Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce and braced with Santa Cruz Guitar Company's modified radiused bracing system, this Tony Rice Signature Model performs at its best regardless of application. For the fingerstylist who also enjoys a light to medium attack with a pick, this Dreadnought's worth checking out. The craftsmen under Richard Hoover have carved a neck with a slim profile and a perfect setup that's effortless to fret, making this a surprisingly light guitar for all its projection. The low end is clear and articulate, and the middle registers are even and balanced. Following their aesthetic of traditional appointments, this Tony Rice Signature Model has Grained Ivoroid bindings and Herringbone trim. Dynamic and versatile, you won't find many guitars that perform so well in so many environments.

Built in the early ’80s, this dulcet Santa Cruz F46R, has had many years to open up and develop a tone that is rich in character and detail. The back and sides are Brazilian Rosewood, and the top is Adirondack Spruce. Other nice touches include a custom headstock inlay showcasing a beautiful lady, Abalone Snowflake fret markers, and a comfortable Venetian cutaway for easy access to higher registers. Comes with a TKL case.

Here’s a scarcely played 2010 Santa Cruz H-13 in gorgeous ‘Southern Belle’ Sunburst. Slotted headstock, Ivoroid Bindings and wood Marquetry S-29 perflings give it a classic vibe that matches the roar of this small body giant. The H-13 uses a 13 fret neck joint to get the bridge into the sweetspot of the top. This combined with the deepier body gives it surprising power for a small body 00 size guitar. Fingerpickers, Blues, Ragtime and Old Time players will love this.

Here’s a big, bad NAMM Special Santa Cruz VA with an attitude. Crafted with stunning Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce both of which are giving their all on this guitar. It’s as loud as can be and clear as a bell. This is a serious flatpicker’s guitar perfect for lead or rhythm. It’s easy to pull out an array of tones and colors. An exceptional Santa Cruz, said to be built by Dan Roberts at SCGC.

Round shouldered dreadnoughts have a unique sound,” enthused Santa Cruz president Richard Hoover. “Their deep, rich, bass and sweet, strong treble really shine in chord-oriented styles like country, folk and blues.” The Vintage Jumbo captures this tone perfectly, and enhances it with characteristic Santa Cruz volume, balance and complexity. This VJ harkens back to the old Gibson J guitars and does it in spades. We love the tone and character and the look is stunning.

From the Santa Cruz website: “The 12-fret OO is in many ways a smaller version of the 12-fret OOO. The OO’s scale is 24-7/8″ and the body size is close to that of a classical guitar. The short scale of this model lends a sweet and light quality to the tone. The OO is further differentiated by its unique rectangular bridge. This model is ideal for players seeking a warm and intimate tone.” This particular 00 has very strong, open voice and plays with ease thanks to the short scale. With its slotted headstock and full bindings on the body, neck and headstock, this is one very pretty guitar. Great for Old Time, Blue, Rags and Celtic.

This is a stunning Koa 000 from SC that is completely counter-intuitive. Being Koa and Adirondack you might think this would be a bright guitar, but actually is very warm with full bass. The slightly deeper body, short scale and light build give this guitar a wonderfully refreshing voice. The wider spacing suits fingerstyle very well and the cutaway let’s you get up into the mandolin zone. A pretty one with a lush voice.