My Guitar Notes

acoustic · dreadnought

D / PW (Pre-War) models

D / PW (Pre-War) models — video still
Video still: Chicago Music Exchange
MakerSanta Cruz Guitar Company
OriginUnited States
Typeacoustic · dreadnought
Maker founded1976
Statuscurrent

Santa Cruz's D and Pre-War models are hand-built dreadnoughts from California, made for players chasing the response of pre-war guitars with modern consistency.

Watch

YouTube video Chicago Music Exchange · 2024-05 — Chicago Music Exchange details the pre-war design and old-growth Adirondack spruce of a Santa Cruz D/PW.

Why it matters

The Pre-War package applies advanced X-bracing and scalloped top bracing to the company's dreadnought body, with understated appointments so the materials lead. Santa Cruz does not publish prices, so figures come from dealers and move with wood choices and options. Production runs in small numbers in California, and the models belong in the same conversation as Collings and Martin's Authentic series.

Note

The signature boutique dreads.

Specifications

  • Scale length: 644.5 mm (25.37 in)
  • Neck shape: unknown

Before you buy

  • There is no published list price, so only dealer quotes apply
  • Optional woods and custom appointments push cost well past the base model
  • Build times mean most buyers order ahead rather than buy from stock

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Carter Vintage Backstage · 2020-10 · 9,268 views

    “Crafted with the finest materials, the Santa Cruz D Pre-War is a prime example of SCGC’s reputation for relentless quality and craftsmanship.”

    Carl Miner plays a Santa Cruz D Pre-War dreadnought.

  • YouTube video Carter Vintage Backstage · 2021-12 · 6,905 views

    “*Sold!* While the original D Pre-War model might have been introduced to make Santa Cruz's peerless quality more accessible, there is nothing "no frills" about this special D/PW.”

    Carl Miner plays a Santa Cruz D/PW built with ancient kauri and ancient sitka spruce.

Related models

Same body shape / configuration

More from the archive

See also