Santa Cruz Tony Rice
submitted 5/2/2009
|
Submitter |
gutbucket |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
3000 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This guitar is great for picking Bluegrass. It's got an enormous low end sound, but also lot's of midrange to cut through in a group situation. Also a nice high end for picking fiddle tunes. I give it a 9 because the "Perfect" sounding guitar is still to be built. This comes dang close for me. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
The set-up on this guitar is as close to perfect, (for my playing style), as I've ever plyed. Some people might want it a little higher in action and string height, but I like it low. There is no string buzz anywhere on the neck. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
The Tony Rice has a nice set of Indian Rosewood on the back and sides. Nothing spectacular, but nice even color and grain. The top is Sitka Spruce, with a little hint of bear clawing. The pickguard is red tortise with a 40's Martin look to it. There is no fret markers except for a Santa Cruz script logo on the 12th fret. The peghead is a nice figured piece of Rosewood that looks like Brazilian, but I think it's Indian Rosewood. There is nothing as far as inlay work on the peghead. The fretboard is a very even black colored slab of ebony. The bridge is also ebony. There is a zipper inlay down the center of the back. Ivvoroid top binding is on the body and along the finger board. Also herringbone top trim and soundhole rosette. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
This guitar has Santa Cruz built tuners that remind me of open gear Waverlys. I really can't tell the diference. They tune nicely. The top is very thin and the guitar is very light, but balanced when slung on a strap. I've heard of top-cracking issues on these models in the past, but have never heard that directly from owners. I'll definatlly keep it humidified along with all my guitars and mandolins, in the winter months. Also in it's case when not in use. I have no problems with traveling and gigging with this guitar. Thats why I bought it. The finish seems thin but no different then say a Martin, or Gibson flat top. To much finish is the kiss of death for tone, anyway. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
Never had to deal with Santa Cruz on this particular guitar yet. I've emailed and had prompt replies from Mr. Hoover, the head of Santa Cruz guitars. Didn't seem to be any problems in contacting some one from the company. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
|
I like the Santa Cruz built tuners on this model. Very vintage looking and smooth. I also like the clean workmanship of this guitar. I've looked at the bracing, (with a small mirror), and bridge plate, and everything is smooth and fits well. No glue gunks and blobs. All joints are clean and fitted nicely. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I would invite any one who likes a vintage looking or sounding guitars to pick one of these Santa Cruz Tony rice models up and give it a try. It's got the umph to be heard in a group, and still has a sweet sound for picking with a friend or by yourself. It's become my favorite over a Bourgeois Vintage D, a Gibson Advanced Jumbo, and my Patrck James Eggle, all fine sounding and playing guitars. This ones a keeper. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
|
|
|
RSS Feeds