Doc Watson, who owned the prototype of the Santa Cruz Vintage Artist, said, “This is the Dreadnought I’ve been looking for all my life.” In 1991, Richard Hoover collaborated with vintage experts to identify the most desirable qualities of the iconic Pre-War D-18. Maestro Watson’s contributions to the concept were born of an appreciation of the clarity of Mahogany’s tone and his requirements for playability. At the time, Doc had put as many hours into Rockabilly on a Les Paul as he had on the Dreadnought. His lack of preoccupation with a particular vintage model played perfectly with Santa Cruz Guitar Company’s philosophy to ‘combine, not copy.’ After Doc’s test pilot duties on the prototype, he offered this thoughtful testimonial: “Son, what do I have to do to keep this guitar?”
Richard Hoover and Santa Crux present this guitar as the tonal equal and technical superior to the most respected Pre-War guitars. To achieve the characteristic EQ and tone of the legendary Doc Watson, aka ‘the Vintage Artist,’ this instrument features an advanced, scalloped X-bracing for powerful bass, complimented by the clear tone and definition of master grade Mahogany.
Features include Master Grade Mahogany back and sides, Sitka Spruce top with vintage toner, scalloped advanced X bracing, herringbone top purfling, Ebony fretboard, bridge and pins, Mahogany V shaped neck with diamond volute, Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay, grained ivoroid bound body, triple bound fretboard and headstock, tortoise pickguard, Nickel Waverly tuners, mother of pearl logo and dots, ivoroid rosette, 1 11/16″ nut, 25.375″ scale length and 2 3/16″ string spacing at 14th fret.
Includes deluxe Ameritage hardshell case and lifetime warranty.