Santa Cruz Tony Rice Professional - Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce (2007)

Every now and then, an instrument comes into the shop that is just so good, it is a true pleasure to have an opportunity to spend just a little time with it.  This Santa Cruz Tony Rice Professional is one of those - a truly exceptional instrument!  This guitar, built in 2007, has a master grade set of old growth Brazilian Rosewood and a gorgeous Italian Spruce top.  It was customized with a 1-3/4" nut width, Adirondack bracing with hot hide glue construction, and Richard Hoover's signature on the label, along with the signature of the great Tony Rice.  The guitar is in wonderful playing condition, with a recent set-up, and the frets are in excellent shape.  The neck angle is also excellent, and there is plenty of saddle showing.  There are just a few nicks and scratches that do not penetrate through the finish.  There had previously been a pickup system which has been cleanly removed, and a "NoJack" replaced the end pin.  There is a strap pin at the heel.  This guitar is for sale only in the U.S.A.  Here is Santa Cruz's description of this model:

The Tony Rice Professional Model has been further refined to offer the same specifications as used on Mr. Rice’s personal guitar. Old growth Brazilian Rosewood of the quality seen in the best vintage instruments and European Spruce chosen from master stock from the Italian/Swiss border are the materials of choice. To enhance the playability, a shorter (25.25 inch) scale and Tony’s slim neck profile provide fast and effortless action. The heirloom tone woods and intelligent design make this instrument the quintessential contemporary bluegrass dreadnought. In Tony’s own words, “This is a guitar you can go to war with.”