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1997 Santa Cruz D-12
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Serial #: 175 Lower bout: 15 3/8" Scale length: 25.4" Nut Width: 1 13/16" Neck depth, 1st/9th frets: .83/.96
Materials: Solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top; figured mahogany back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard and bridge; solid bone nut and compensated saddle; nickel Waverly open back tuners; swirl tortoise pickguard, inlaid abalone peghead logo; herringbone binding and soundhole rosette; 1/4" endpin jack.
Notes: The Santa Cruz Model D-12 is a faithful tribute to Martin's pioneering dreadnought guitars, with elongated 12 fret bodies originally designed for the Ditson Co. in 1916. Martin built these acoustic cannons until 1934, when the modern 14 fret D series made its debut. It would be over three decades until Martin revived the beloved 12 fret models with their S series in 1965, bowing to increasing player demand that has continued to this day.
With its enhanced bass response and sustain, the 12 fret guitars were favored by savvy pickers like Norman Blake, and have become increasingly popular with a new generation of top performers. With its featherweight mahogany body and slotted headstock, at a mere 3lb 11oz in total, this Santa Cruz D-12 is powerfully resonant, and an absolute delight to hold, on the lap or the strap.
With its scalloped, hand tuned X-bracing, and enlarged 4 1/4" soundhole, the D-12 is designed to optimize balance and clarity throughout its range, in addition to its massive projection. The handsomely figured mahogany body lends an appealing sweetness and warmth to the tone, and the bookmatched Sitka spruce top is heavily interlaced with lustrous crossgrain silk.
The generous 1 13/16" nut is ideal for both finger or pick style play, and the neck profile is a gently rounded C, with smooth, low action over fine vintage style fretwork, and a fresh high precision setup. Vintage style appointments including herringbone trim and zipper backstripe, ivoroid binding, solid ebony fingerboard, aged nickel Waverly tuners, and traditional diamond and squares fingerboard inlay.
This fine example has been kept in gleaming condition: apart from a few incidental lacquer nicks on the peghead, the instrument appears all but unplayed. A special plus, the guitar is pickup-ready with a 1/4" endpin jack installed.
A historic design, masterfully reimagined for the 21st Century. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe arched plush lined fitted black hardshell case.
