Description
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 acknowledgement to the guardian of the lore of all things vintage and stringed, Maestro Paul Hostetter, who commissioned Santa Cruz to build the prototype in 1978.
Santa Cruz'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 air space 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. 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.
Cosmetic Condition: An amazing sounding guitar with some minor wear & tear - small chips in the finish, nicks & dings; surface scratches & minor lacquer cracks. There's also some finish wear inside the soundhole & several small chips along the top of the headstock. The guitar was quite obviously used a lot, but certainly not abused. It has been professionally set up by us with fresh strings & low action, so it plays & feels incredible. The huge sound belies its smaller size - massive tone, very loud with beautiful sustain & well-balanced. This guitar is a real joy to play & very difficult to put down.
Neck: V-shaped mahogany neck with ivoroid binding & black side dots. Ebony fingerboard; neck joins the body at the 13th fret. Frets show some very light wear, but have plenty of life in them. Slotted headstock with mother of pearl SCGC logo. Waverly nickel tuners with ivoroid buttons in perfect working condition. 1 3/4" bone nut; 25.375 scale length. Neck is straight & plays perfectly up & down the fretboard.
Body: Small body acoustic with solid sitka spruce top. Ivoroid binding with herringbone style purfling. Ebony pyramid bridge with ebony end pins & compensated bone saddle. The bridge was pulling up a bit when we acquired the guitar, so our luthier professionally re-glued it. The bridge is now firmly attached to the guitar with absolutely no issues. Small tortoise pickguard & multi-ring ivoroid rosette. Solid mahogany back & sides with S29 style center stripe (like the top purfling). 14 3/4" lower bout width; 10 1/2" upper bout width; 4 3/4" depth. There is no pickup.
Case: Original hardshell case included.
