Santa Cruz D-12 Fret Custom - Sitka Spruce/Mahogany (2014)

This Santa Cruz D-12 (12 fret dreadnought) has been customized in a few very cool ways.  Notice the wonderful and extremely tasteful custom inlay of a Picasso dove, created by inlay artist extraordinaire Jimmi Wingert, on the headstock.  The label has been signed by Richard Hoover, as has the underside of the soundboard inside (using his secret name!).  The Santa Cruz logo in MOP is at the 12th fret, and the guitar has been constructed with Adirondack bracing and hot hide glue.  

This guitar is in wonderful condition without signs of wear.  Only the faintest pickguard swirls can be seen.  The tone is fantastic - deep and clear.  The Santa Cruz D-12 is designed with a slightly narrower body than is usually found in dreadnoughts, which creates a very balanced tone and very comfortable playing experience.  There is no lack of bass however.  

Here is Santa Cruz's description:   "Legendary artist and first call session ace, Norman Blake, has long appreciated the power and sensitivity of the original dreadnought design with 12 frets clear of the body. SCGC’s prototype D-12 Model was commissioned to showcase Norman’s playing style by adding clarity and sustain for an articulate response to the flat pick. Building a guitar with 12 frets clear of the body creates more air volume, which allows greater amplitude and sustain. The hand tuned X-bracing ensures an increased bass response, while the top voicing and 4-1/4 inch sound hole size combine to achieve great presence in all ranges. This eliminates the tendency of the traditional dreadnought towards boominess at the expense of midrange and treble. The controlled integrity of Mahogany sides and back impart clarity and definition to the guitar’s complex acoustic presence. The D-12’s sheer volume, complexity, and incredible sustain make it a truly inspiring stage partner. "