It’s not exactly fair to say the Tony Rice Model put the Santa Cruz Guitar Company on the map, as they had a stellar reputation before Tony approached them to build him a road-worthy replica of his fragile 1935 Martin D-28, complete with its modifications such as the bound neck and enlarged soundhole. But it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this model ushered in the concept of the hot rod rosewood dreadnought, a trend that continues to this day. Many people consider the Tony Rice Model to be the ultimate bluegrass guitar, which it is, but its rich but focused bass response and clear, sparkling trebles will find favor with musicians who play a variety of styles.
