Santa Cruz Guitar Company was founded in 1976 by Richard Hoover with a clear focus on building small batch, heirloom quality instruments. Based in California, the workshop draws heavily from its surroundings, producing around 400 to 500 bespoke, handmade guitars each year. That approach has made Santa Cruz guitars highly regarded for their craftsmanship, responsiveness, and the way they develop alongside the player over time.
The 1929/00 model takes its inspiration from pre war small body designs, focusing on light construction and a dry, direct response. Built as a 12 fret instrument, it offers a slightly different feel under the hands, with a relaxed string tension and a more open, rounded voice. The all mahogany construction gives the guitar a warm, woody character with strong midrange presence and a quick, articulate attack.
This 2009 example, number 303, is a particularly clean and original instrument. It presents very well and comes supplied with its original hard shell case. Built with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, scalloped bracing, and a comfortable V shaped neck, it feels lively and responsive in the hands. The guitar has a way of opening up with the player, rewarding a lighter touch while still holding together when pushed, making it an inspiring instrument to spend time with.
Santa Cruz instruments are often spoken about in terms of longevity, not just in build but in how they age. This is the kind of guitar that continues to evolve, taking on the character of the player over time rather than remaining static.
Specs:
Action at 1st Fret: 0.75mm
Action at 12th Fret: 3.0mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.9mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 32.95mm (measured at 11th fret)
Nut Width: 45mm
Width at 12th Fret: 55mm
Weight: 1.600 kilograms
Model: Santa Cruz 1929/00
Year: 2009
Serial Number: 303
Body Style: 12 fret small body acoustic
Top: Solid mahogany
Back & Sides: Solid mahogany
Binding: Mahogany
Rosette: Ivoroid/Tortoise/Ivoroid
Purfling: Black
Bracing: Scalloped
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: V
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale Length: 24.75"
Inlays: None
Headstock: Ebony overlay with SCGC vintage script logo
Tuners: Nickel Waverly with ebony buttons
Pickguard: Tortoise
Finish: Clear
Case: Original hard shell case
Crafted in: Santa Cruz, California, USA
