Santa Cruz Guitar Company - H13 Model acoustic guitar, handmade in Santa Cruz, California, USA. This guitar features a Sitka Spruce top, H13 Scallop/Tapered X-Bracing, Mahogany back and sides, Ebony fingerboard & bridge, 1 3/4" bone nut & compensated saddle, 25.375" scale length, gold Waverly tuners with Ivoroid buttons, Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, and Ameritage arch-top hardshell case. What’s up with thirteen frets? The historical precedent for this classic shape was the Gibson ‘Nick Lucas Special’ from the 1920’s and ’30’s, the one Bob Dylan holds in early photos. The “H” designation is an acknowledgment to the guardian of the lore of all things vintage and stringed, Maestro Paul Hostetter, who commissioned SCGC to build the prototype in 1978. In spite of the question of whether the historic 13 frets to the body had any basis in acoustic science, our reason for using it does. SCGC’s concept for the H-13 is to achieve power beyond what would be expected in a small-bodied guitar. Two fundamental lutherie tricks make this possible: a longer string length (more downward pressure at the saddle) and more airspace via a deeper body (increased volume and bass response). To place the bridge in the optimal position for power and maintain the longer string length, the neck needs to join the body at the 13th fret. Cool, huh? This is a gorgeous classic with power and presence expected from a much larger instrument. Perfect for aggressive fingerstyle blues and vocal accompaniment, the H-13 feels really sweet to hold. The H13 model is an instant favorite of anyone who puts one in their hands. The Spruce top with Mahogany back and sides, and the added body depth has a robust tone with a huge low end, sparkling highs, and is perfectly balanced with volume to spare. The guitar pictured is the exact instrument that is for sale. It is used but in excellent condition. All instruments are available at our store showroom in Warrenton, Virginia and are set up to the buyer's personal specifications including restringing with any string of their choice at no additional charge upon purchase. All instruments are guaranteed to be packed safely and freshly set up per your specifications. Please email or call and we'd be happy to provide an in-hand description of the instrument and answer any questions you have.
