Santa Cruz

Much like the somewhat obscure Martin “M” or 0000 models upon which it is based, the Santa Cruz OM Grand is a study in soundboard behavior.  The impetus for the development of the Martin 0000 model was a trend of converting Martin’s somewhat obscure mid-size arched top F models to flat tops in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Taking note of some of these conversions, Martin released the M-38 and X-38 in 1977 and then released the M-36 (the only 0000 currently in production) the following year.  This new “M” body design was essentially a super OM—making the Santa Cruz “OM Grand” designation quite apt—as it retained the OM-like depth of the F-body archtop guitar as well as the larger soundboard template.  The larger surface area of the 0000 soundboard (which is actually wider at the lower bout than a dreadnought) yields enhanced bass response; and, when paired with the more shallow depth of the typical OM, one is met with a voice that is both broad and immediate.  Subsequently, contrary to common assumptions that deeper bodies translate to more bass response, the OM Grand and the Martin 0000/M guitars readily demonstrate that enhanced bass response is actually a result of a larger vibrating membrane (i.e., increased soundboard surface area). 

 Surprisingly, the 0000 design remains relatively obscure compared to OMs or dreadnoughts, but those who are lucky enough to have played a 0000 will tell you that the experience is incomparable!  Indeed, we have witnessed many a customer fall under the spell of these enlarged OMs.  Needless to say, we were very excited when Santa Cruz began to produce the OM Grand!  Their signature approach to voicing—an approach that emulates the power, clarity, and drier punch of a great vintage guitar—seemed ideal for such a design.   Our suspicions were confirmed when we received our first OM Grand.  Simply put, it was an incredible guitar!  It had all the breadth, warmth, and quick response one could hope for in a 0000, but with the enhanced presence that only Santa Cruz could deliver.   

 This guitar is quite similar to the very first OM Grand that we received, with the exception of the German spruce top, where our first example had a Sitka top.  As one would expect, the Indian rosewood contributes a rich, colorful, and harmonically-complex quality to the guitar’s voice.  The top is enhanced by the use of Adirondack spruce bracing with hide glue construction—the glue, in particular, is more crystalline than conventional wood glue, and therefore allows better transmission of vibration.  This iteration of the OM Grand is one that we have found to be particularly special and one that we feel exemplifies what a 0000 body is all about.  Subsequently, it falls into a select category of guitars that we continually re-stock, a true “Maple Street model.”

• 0000/Grand Orchestra
• German Spruce Top
• Adirondack Spruce Bracing with Hide Glue
• Solid Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
• Ivoroid Binding
• Herringbone Purfling
• Vintage Tinted Top Finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• 45-Style Fingerboard Inlays
• Ebony Headstock Veneer
• V with Volute Neck Carve
• Matte Neck Finish
• Ebony Bridge
• Nickel Waverly Tuners with Ivoroid Buttons
• Dalmatian Pickguard Unattached
• Bone Nut
• Bone Saddle
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 25.375” Scale Length
• Hardshell Case