A real powerhouse is a thing that comes in time. And this 45-style Model D from Santa Cruz, which hails all the way from 1995, is precisely that. Elegant and powerful, with excellent balance across the registers. This Dread plays so smoothly, you can lean on the gas or step it back and this one keeps up just fine. The 45-style treatment is simply stunning from tuners to tail, all done in dark Abalone plus a gorgeous torch inlaid at the headstock with the SCGC logo snuck into the center. Play feel is silky smooth and easy on both hands; we even like playing this one with light gauge strings when it first came in (we’ve since replaced them with mediums). On the tonewood front, the back and sides are dramatically figured Brazilian Rosewood, and the Santa Cruz team topped this D with German Spruce, which isn’t something we see every day. We think that contributes in part to the smooth quality to the trebles here. This is a masterwork from Santa Cruz that we’re more than excited to offer to you.
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, 1339, bluegrass, dreadnaught, 45 style, brazilain, al petteway
What's not to like about a 45-style model D made from Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce—especially when it's from Richard Hoover and company in the early days of 1995. This thing has energy to match its beauty which equals the pure joy it exudes. 
Here the voice is characterized by smoothness across the registers, with a round, lively bass response. I love the clarity and presence in the top end; this Santa Cruz has enough balance and dynamic range to be played gently with fingers just as easily as dug into by picks. | Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.75 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - German, Rosewood - Brazilian |
A real powerhouse is a thing that comes in time. And this 45-style Model D from Santa Cruz, which hails all the way from 1995, is precisely that
What's not to like about a 45-style model D made from Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce—especially when it's from Richard Hoover and company in the early days of 1995. This thing has energy to match its beauty which equals the pure joy it exudes.
Here the voice is characterized by smoothness across the registers, with a round, lively bass response. I love the clarity and presence in the top end; this Santa Cruz has enough balance and dynamic range to be played gently with fingers just as easily as dug into by picks. 